3 Things You Need To Know BEFORE Hiring an Architect

[@peterxyz3541]

Got a question: if I hire you (hypothetical), are you a “one stop” provider? After hiring you, will I need to hire more architect related service? Clarification: do I still need to hire an engineer? Can I start building from your plans? Intent: will you make me safe & legal, can I start building?

[@BYoungDesign]

Hi Peter, thanks for your question! The answer to your question depends on the scope of work. Typically the projects we work on will involve us as the architect and various outside consultants like a structural engineer, land surveyor, energy consultant, civil engineer, and interior designer. These consultants aren't on every project, we've worked on projects that had all of them and projects where it was just us. Again, it depends on the scope of work and project complexity. Our standard projects usually just include us as the architect, a structural engineer, and the title 24 energy consultant. These plans are packaged together and submitted to the city for permitting and then for construction. On smaller jobs with standard engineering, we will do all of this in house. Hope this helps answer your question!

[@sinistai.z.3622]

Hi, this is great info. But something I wanted to ask. Let's say you want a 2300 square foot home, but your budget only allows for a 1500 square foot home. Let's call it a 4 bedroom 3.5 bathroom home with a walkout bsmt. Is it possible to lay out the 2300 square ft. Make 1500 square feet as livable space. And come back at a later date to complete the remainder of the home? Would an architect even accept doing something like that? Or would they decide to just build for 1500 sqft and say, "Let's just add an addition later".

[@BYoungDesign]

Great question! People definitely design master plans, with the goal to complete the work in stages. This can add to the cost in the long run, because instead of doing it all at once, you’re bringing trades back, permitting/inspections at different stages, codes change that may require updates or changes to the design, etc. So, it would be worth asking an architect for a master plan cost and discussing the plan with a contractor to see how much it might add to the overall cost at the end of the day.

[@dennyoviedo4102]

Thanks for your beautiful time to share your knowledge. ❤

[@BYoungDesign]

Of course! Thanks for watching.

[@irfanullah007]

Hi Byoung, thanks for uploading this informative video. Can you also talk a little about the types of Deliverables that a Client shall expect from an Architect. Drawings, Schedules, Finishing Material Specs, Bill of Quantities?? Thank you

[@BYoungDesign]

Great suggestion! I will definitely create a video showing this. I would love to take you all through the entire process of design from start to finish. Stay tuned....

[@teddysthaiadventure2534]

Interesting topic thanks. I used to work as an Industrial Designer and faced very similar issues. I think it is important to educate as scoping and other design jargon are not always clearly understood by the clients Quick question, are ADU's subject to the same approval permit process including coastal overlays thanks

[@BYoungDesign]

100%! I think educating is a big part of the architects job. They need to help the clients have a clear understanding so everyone is on the same page. As of now in San Diego, ADUs have to go through coastal review. About a year ago the coastal commission said ADUs were exempt but each jurisdiction had to approve the new exemption. San Diego just came out with me ADU rules in December (2020) and one of those is ADUs do not have to go through review. HOWEVER that doesn’t go into effect until the coastal commission approves that new ordinance haha so basically it’s like: State - yes, we don’t need to review San Diego - ok, we’ll change the rules, but actually now you have to approve these new rule State - we already said we don’t need to review, but now let’s take our time to approve your new ordinance. Politics! So, long story short...it depends on your local jurisdiction and the requirements are constantly changing. As of today, yes they need to go through coastal review in San Diego’s coastal overlay zone.

[@teddysthaiadventure2534]

@@BYoungDesign LOL totally disfunctional

[@calpiginc]

Is there a law on how much money (%) to request from the consumer before starting the project?

[@BYoungDesign]

To request from a client for an architecture project? No laws around project fees

[@maryanncartwright7773]

Thank you for sharing Architect ♥️👍

[@gsdota]

Thank you for this awesome video

[@marcusfloyded8388]

Hey Byoung I have a question do the architect manage the project from start to finish

[@BYoungDesign]

It depends on the contract that is set up with the owner. For the exams, it’s important to know that the architect’s basic services DO include construction administration. This is oversight of the construction - NOT telling the contractor how to do their job, we don’t control the means or the methods. But we make sure it’s being built in conformance with the construction documents. So, if something isn’t being built as we drew or detailed we can have bring this up to the contractor and owner. There is a contract for CMa which is a construction manager as advisor. This is a different level of management. The CM is usually a contractor or 3rd party who are essentially the owners agents to help make sure everything is going accordingly to plan. So, it’s important to know the difference between basic services and additional AND what the differences are between the different contracts. If you’re asked a question for a design build contract, that will differ from a design bid build (for example). Hope that helps!

[@quintok555]

Hi, great video! I have a question I am looking for an architect to build my home but I don’t understand why the proposal fees vary so much, I have received quotes from 7k to 54k. The lower range have good reviews and so do the higher range. Do you know why? Or anything I should be mindful.

[@BYoungDesign]

Hey Kevin, great question! Architecture is so interesting because it’s unlike many industries where you’ll find a fairly normal standard for pay. This has traditionally been because of multiple reasons - secrecy of pricing, misunderstanding of value by both architects themselves and the public, and a rule that the discussion of fees violates the AIA rules of conduct. This was designed to protect the client so architects didn’t work together to raise prices, but in turn it’s created a really murky understanding of what architects should be charging. This is why you’ll generally get a very wide range of prices. It also depends on the scope of work and where you’re located. For a custom residential project, it’s common to see architecture fees ranging from 6-15%+ of construction cost. This depends on firm, experience, and more. Honestly I could go on and on, so I’m going to make an entire video dedicated to this. With that all said, the prices you’ve received are very wide. I’d be happy to talk more specifics and help if you need. You can email me at [e-mail]. (network.aia.org/communities/community-home/digestviewer/viewthread?GroupId=1771&MID=17006&CommunityKey=c5a83d9e-234d-413b-a018-37500279f15a&tab=digestviewer&ReturnUrl=%2Fcommunities%2Fcommunity-home%2Fdigestviewer%3FListKey%3Dbfe7f385-c61b-4901-9354-7defff64b9a8)

[@aprilcollins7555]

Should I have the survey before working with an architect?

[@BYoungDesign]

It makes the process easier to have the survey before hiring the architect, but you don’t have to. It also depends on the scope of work - you may be able to start the design process while you’re waiting for the survey.

[@SreysrosTakeo]

I have a commercial building that need renovate , my question : do I need architect? Can just general contractor do the job ? Thank you

[@BYoungDesign]

Hi, there are a lot of factors to determine whether you need an architect or not. Your local jurisdiction will have requirements on this. It also depends on the outcome you were looking for. Thanks

[@SreysrosTakeo]

@@BYoungDesign when you mentioned jurisdiction you meant planing or zoning those people right? I am sorry I just had no clue how it works , I hope I am not asking stupid questions here, please don’t be offended. I thought I can just tell GC , okay I want a room here , 2 bathroom there , on and on and he can just do it , why need architect, Is this almost like the GC just want to save the job for the architect?

[@jjbowman4653]

If you go to your own governmental website for your region/city/province you can find a list of what services require permits. My province provides a list of services and who can sign the idea off and then you can send it to the local permit office, with payment, to have it permitted for you to do that. For example, having a fireplace installed or putting up a fence, changing a window, taking down walls. Some things appear simple but in some regions they need permits. I would become VERY familiar with what needs permits, it sounds like this is a business? If you don’t get a permit and it is found out you will be liable to pay a fee based on what it is and for how long it has been up for. You probably payed for an inspection, which will tell you what needs to be fixed, which should lead you to if you need to take up floors(floorboards, ply) rip down walls (drywall and wallpaper) which could be facial/appearance or deep/guttural. Touching anything structural would need a structural engineer. Depending on if it’s facial or guttural will probably dictate whether a general contractor is worth your time over money. If you only need some electrical; outlets, switches, lighting being moved through pre-wired walls and basic plumbing it would be unnecessary. Again, this would be lead by your inspection and you can determine more from there.

[@SreysrosTakeo]

@@jjbowman4653 thank you for your time and knowledge 🙏🙏🙏🙏 So to summarize it: Need Inspector to come inspect first so he can tell which project can be done by me and which need to be done by professionals right ? For general contractor I choose to have him or not have him is my option , if I have someone that license and know what he is doing then I don’t need GC correct ? Thank you again

[@vicsilva3492]

You don’t need an architect, just make sure your contractor pulls the permits as they are more knowledgeable then an architect but most important a lot less expensive.

[@boyce504]

Is there generally a charge for the initial consultation with an architect

[@BYoungDesign]

Thanks for your question, it’s one we get asked often. Every architect/firm is different. A lot of architects do charge for initial consultations. Typically when they charge, they’ll apply that to the invoice if you end up working with them (sort of like a retianer). Other architects (like myself) do not charge for initial consultations. The way I approach first meetings is a getting to know you period, where I find out more about what you are looking for and determine if we’re the right fit for the project. I’ll give some advice and answer questions, but we’re not doing any design at this point. This is also usually done over the phone, since it can be done in 30 mins this way verse 2 hours with a site meeting. If you’re looking for more of a design consultation with actionable steps and actual designs, this would be a charge. Let me know if that answers your question.

[@azlotvplus]

Thank you this helped me out! How can I hire you?

[@BYoungDesign]

You can reach out via my website www.byoungdesign.com. I’d love to hear about your project!

[@PeeedaPan]

Really informative. I want to work with an architect on a custom craftsman style home

[@BYoungDesign]

That sounds amazing! You definitely should! Where are you located?

[@vivekpnt]

☺️🙏✨ thanks.. this is insightful !!!

[@BYoungDesign]

You're so welcome!

[@andrewade0921]

I came across this video at a great time. Thank you

[@BYoungDesign]

Awesome, I’m so glad it’s helpful!

[@kassarch]

Can i get a copy of that form of questions th1t u give to ur clients thanx

[@BYoungDesign]

Definitely! I will add a link to my resource section in my website. I'll let you know as soon as it's available.

[@nanaakuaadjeisakyi9440]

@byoung, were you able to upload the form, please? Checked on your website, I couldn't locate it

[@Tearial311]

I was almost going to be an architect, went to the Navy, got out and got a business degree. Shaking my head

[@Tearial311]

Currently looking to build and a bit nervous about the design process. I’m a decent drawer, but designing a house is like a puzzle

[@BYoungDesign]

It's definitely a puzzle! It's like tetris, a puzzle, and a math equation all in one haha I think that's my favorite part about it though. Start off with bubble diagrams for adjacency and go from there. I also have an episode about the design process on my podcast if you want to check it out. Good luck! www.byoungdesign.com/post/what-is-the-design-process

[@truckingwithtobee]

Get to the point

[@BYoungDesign]

💁🏽‍♀️

[@elliottweis]

I’m looking for the right person to help design and build a home on my lot in Big Sky, Montana. Near the Yellowstone Club DM me if you know anyone interested

[@BYoungDesign]

Hi Josh, we currently only work in CA. Good luck with your project though, sounds like a beautiful location!