If you are thinking about starting a building project, material prices may be a major concern. Since 2020, prices for important materials like lumber and steel have increased. You may be wondering how you (and your architect) can manage risk.

Hiring an architect is a bit like dating. Depending on your project, the relationship can last months or even years. You need someone who is dependable, honest, and seeks to understand you and represent your values and goals. Of course, a sense of humor doesn’t hurt either.

Whether you’re building a new home or planning a renovation, working with an architect is a sound investment. An architect can discover design solutions that maximize energy efficiency, reduce life cycle costs, and uniquely reflect your lifestyle—all while helping you manage costs and schedules.

When choosing an architect, you want the greatest value for your dollar. Unfortunately, comparing architecture fees is a difficult task. Not all architects charge the same way or include the same services in their quote, making it difficult to get an apples-to-apples comparison.

Taking on a building project can feel overwhelming. With many moving parts, you may be worried about keeping your project on budget and schedule. Luckily, your architectural project manager is there to help.

It’s a common situation. You are planning a commercial fit out to expand your business. Your friend with construction experience drafts some drawings, and you contact your city government to get a building permit. Unfortunately, the city says you cannot move forward until you have drawings that are stamped by an architect.

Starting a building project can seem daunting—especially if it’s your first time. At first, you were dreaming of the possibilities the project presented. Now, as you get closer to hiring an architect, you are suddenly overwhelmed.

Cost overruns are any expenses that push a project beyond the established budget. On building projects, overruns can occur for several reasons, including inaccurate cost estimates, unforeseen fluctuations in construction costs, and owner initiated changes during construction. Although architects play a key role in mitigating overruns, building owners can also help keep costs low.

Hiring an architect is a big decision. Depending on the scope of your project, you may work with the same team for months or even years, so it’s important to hire a trusted partner who understands you and/or your organization.

Cost overruns are a source of anxiety for most building owners. Aside from the obvious, overruns can delay a project’s timeline, cause disputes with stakeholders, and diminish the return on your investment. If you are looking to hire an architect, you may be wondering how they will manage the design process to keep your project within budget.