"This is the first time I have worked with an Architect, so I have nothing with which to compare. I am very happy withy the design (space is partially built). Drawback: The drawing was too fancy (for better or for worse) called for lots of high quality and heavy on the buzzers and whistles re:electric. I did not know how to read plans, so I didn't understand that until I got the estimate from the electrician."
"Scott is very professional and a breeze to workwith."
" Very professional, fair on budget and on time delivery. "
"We have been working with Todd Willoughby since early in 2018. We had purchased a piece of land along the Chesapeake Bay and wanted to build a small but thoughtfully designed contemporary garden cottage for our retirement. After speaking with a number of architects we chose Todd and we have been very happy with that decision. Over several months, we worked have closely with him through the several design phases, culminating in a very complete set of construction documents, that we are now using for bidding. Throughout the process, we have found Todd to be personable, smart, perceptive and creative. He has been able to translate our ideas into working drawings that one of the contractors noted was called the most detailed he has ever seen. Todd has captured our vision for an environmentally friendly house with solar and rainwater harvesting. We have met with him many times talk through the many details, choices, and constraints you inevitably face. He has done all the coordination needed with the other specialties the engineers, surveyor, and solar energy firm. Having enjoyed this first part of the collaboration, we are hiring Todd to help us through the bid evaluations and construction admin phases. The best recommendation would be our actual house, but until we get there we can say Todd has done an excellent and professional job getting us this far, and we look forward to working with him through to a completed project."
Whether you are building a new home or updating your current one, you might find yourself in the need of an architect. Architects can be invaluable in helping you get the permits you need, while ensuring the best possible design of your renovation or new construction.
Need help finding an architect near you? Enter your zip code to be connected today to local home architect companies. In the meantime, here's what you need to know about making sure that you find the best possible professional to work with.
Any time you are working on an exterior or interior renovation or building project, an architect can help. These professionals are specifically trained to both plan the logistics of your product, such as the impact an addition would have on your property and the rest of your home, and create a design consistent with the home's style and your preferences.
Safety is one of the most important aspects an architect will bring to your project. They will calculate all variables to ensure that anything you add or change to your home (and the home itself) remain both safe and livable. In addition, they can function as project managers, helping you organize all professionals (from plumbers to roofing contractors) necessary to complete the project.
Especially for major renovations and building projects, finding the right architect will be absolutely crucial. Here are a few questions you can ask potential partners to make sure they're a good fit:
As you might imagine, the exact cost of any architect depends greatly on your project. Planning and building an entire home will cost significantly more than simply turning a porch into a sunroom. Similarly, the length of the project as well as the level of project management your partner will take on can significantly change your budget. With all that in mind, most of our homeowners spend between $2,085 and $8,024 on an architect, with an average cost of $4,964. Most architect charge between 15% and 20% of the cost of a remodeling project, and between 10% and 15% of the cost of new construction. Depending on who you hire, you might get charged per square foot or per hour.