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.

Some building owners enter a project with a clear idea of what they want and need. Others have no idea where to begin. How do you explain to your architect what you need when you don’t have the slightest clue?

Architecture can be a slow process—and for good reason. Consulting relevant stakeholders, finding the right solutions, and providing quality assurance reviews takes time. Depending on the scope of your project, it can take months or even years before construction begins.

Imagine: You just began a building project—a new corporate headquarters that will attract talent and elevate your brand. The groundbreaking ceremony is a success. Crowds cheer. Cameras flash. Golden shovels hit the soil.

For most building owners, change orders represent cost overruns and slowed schedules, making them a source of fear and anxiety. If you are starting a building project, you might be wondering how to avoid them.

For some building owners, sustainable design may seem out of reach. While effective, green building rating systems like LEED and Living Building Challenge can add to a project’s cost.

The architectural process starts by exploring ideas and setting goals. There are thousands of decisions on a building project, and your goals should influence each.