User description

If you are considering an architect you've probably read the 20 what to ask an architect article published by the AIA by now. While Los Angeles architects is a great list, it doesn't address all the issues that should be considered today. Architecture is a rapidly changing profession, especially in the realm of software. Many firms have yet to make the significant investment necessary to be at the forefront of these industry. It is also a profession that balances art and science, and requires good communication and organization skills. While contemporary houses to assess whether a specific architect will meet your needs, here are nine methods to help:1. Visit contemporary houses .An architect's office can say a whole lot about their design aesthetic and creativity. Typically, though, first meetings with a client will be at their project site, so you might not have an opportunity to start to see the architect's office. Consider scheduling a trip at the architect's office in a few days of the initial meeting.2. A disorganized architect's office might be a red flag.An architect must organize hundreds, if not a large number of bits of information, and a disorganized office may be a large red flag. However, don't confuse artist creativity with disorganization. Models or model building supplies, trace paper and sketches can be a sign of real creativity, but project information is normally stored in binders and filing cabinets. Large piles of unsorted paper are most likely not a good sign.3. Ask your architect if they're using 3D software (the answer ought to be 'yes' - then ask them if they're using BIM).The latest architectural software is named BIM (building information model) and the more sophisticated architects are using this. A residence or project designed in BIM is totally or almost completely designed in three dimensions (3D). Furthermore, in many cases the program can help eliminate errors in coordination of drawings since the two dimensional drawings are 'extracted' from the 3D model. The software also keeps track of things like sizes of every door and window, and when a size is changed in one drawing, it is automatically updated in another. This can be a real help in reducing errors.4. Education is the foundation of an architect's experience.While attending an excellent school might help assure your architect has a good foundation to build upon, usually an improved indicator is how an architect did in the school they attended. Many architecture instructors will let you know that 10%-20% of students are really talented designers and few students who weren't got significantly better because they went through school. To have a sense of how an architect performed in school, ask about design awards they could have won or exhibitions they may have participated in. In the event that you enquire about academic performance, differentiate between design studio classes, and non-design studio classes.