Architect, to hire or not to hire?

You have been thinking about your renovation for so long, you’ve dreamed it, you’ve imagined it, you could even draw it - why would you need to hire an architect?
In simple terms, an architect who listens to you is your best bet to achieve the result you want.

The primary role of an architect is to intertwine the information you provide - your needs, wants and desires - with the building codes and the conditions of the place where your project will take shape. Very often, when we think about remodeling a space, we forget to consider some aspects that are not immediately visible, such as structural issues, ventilation, exposition to natural light, temperature, noise conditions and many more. Architects make sure that all these aspects are conveyed into a cohesive project, they coordinate the contractors and expertise during the construction, and oversee your project from start to finish. Ultimately, if they are very good architects, they make sure to provide you with records and photographic archives that you may need in case of unexpected events.

1. When is it crucial to hire an architect?

   No matter the size, it is always recommendable when the project has to take place in an existing building. Renovations and refurbishments present greater complexity than new constructions, the aspects to consider and coordinate are more intricate, they potentially include pre-existing issues to resolve, obsolete systems to update, preservation aspects and elements of sustainability that are more difficult to implement.

2. What if your budget is tight?

   Architects fees are usually a small part of the total construction expenses. Especially for small projects and tight budgets, it is worthy to count on someone whose first consideration will be your budget and goals. Your architect will make sure to guide you through various options within your budget and help you find the closest solution to what you are looking for, while meeting local zoning laws, building codes and ensuring the longevity of the intervention in good status.

3. Is hiring an architect a waste time?

   Not at all! Not only they can make you save money, architects actually save your time! On one hand, at the beginning you will be involved as much as you like, to make sure the project reflects your needs and desires - initial phases can take a little extra time, but that will prevent the need for extra coordination once the construction starts. Your architect will oversee everything to guarantee a good executions and you won’t need to deal with any of the expertise involved (plumber, electrician, carpenter, painter, etc).

4. How do you choose the right architect for your project?

   This is really the simplest but most important thing: you need to make sure your architect takes into account your desires and pays attention to your needs. You need to feel understood and comfortable when asking questions. After all, you are not likely to renovate your space as often as you replace your smart phone!

5. What if your project is very small? Would an architect still be interested?

   Despite what you might expect, architects love small projects. Small spaces represent a greater challenge, it is truly more fun for an architect to look for the right solution in a constrained situation. Here at Olbos Studio, we are obsessed with the small scale, as it allows to have more control over the project and it forces us to exploit every tiny corner and turn it into something functional and beautiful. We are also obsessed with micro spaces, after our experience in Japan…it’s a bit of a fetish! As architects, we question the potential. The opportunity that comes in the challenge fascinates us.

6. How do architects estimate the cost of a project?

   Architects work with contractors, consultants, fabricators, and product designers since the beginning of a project to keep them informed about the design directions and to evaluate timeframes and budgets together.

7. Is it really useful to have the architect oversee the construction?

   It’s a common misconception that, once you have your project finalized, working exclusively with a contractor will make you save money. In most cases though the coordination between architect and contractor is fundamental, as the designs need to be clarified, the quality of the materials needs to be controlled, and the details often need to be developed during the construction in case of unforeseen conditions. Sometimes the contractors will presente substitutions and the architect will be able to help you evaluate if the potential saving is worth the risk.

The architect’s role is to help you find solutions that meet your desires and needs at the beginning of a project, to keep developing it until the construction starts, and to assist you until the final delivery with the supervision of the site and in the negotiations with the contractor.

Have more questions? We are here to answer!