How to Hire a Good Architect or Architectural Designer
Before Choosing an Architect or Architectural Technologist
First, identify what you want to do. How complex is the project? If you are building a part 3 BC building code related building (like hospitals, schools, airports, office buildings, multifamily residential projects) then you have to hire an Architect.
However, if you are building a single-family house, applying for rezoning, subdivision or development permit, you can hire an Architectural Technologist. Other types of projects that an architectural technologist can offer are applications for restaurants, retail space, and office tenant improvements.
What is the difference between an Architect and an Architectural Designer?
According to the Architectural Institute of BC, under the Architects Act and Bylaws, the words “member” and “architect” and the professional title “Architect AIBC” are reserved for architects: those applicants who meet the education, experience and examination requirements for engaging in the full range of activities defined as the practice of architecture in the province of British Columbia.
An Architectural Technologist is an accredited professional by AIBC who provides services to the public within part 9 BC Building Code.
Both Architects and Architectural Technologists need to meet provincially regulated standards and licensing.
Interior Designers
Are you just making minor changes to the interior such as painting, floor change, window covering, tile selection for your bathroom or kitchen, kitchen layout? Then you will want an Interior Designer’s design help.
More information can be found in an earlier blog on a similar subject: WHY HIRE AN ARCHITECT?
What’s Next?
Take a few minutes before you meet with your Design Team and think about the following:
Home Renovation:
- What is the purpose of your renovation?
- Write down a detailed list of the challenges you face in your house.
- List the changes would you like to make in your house.
- List your priorities. Number one is the one major thing you cannot do without, working up to ten, which is the one thing you can do without if you need to; with the varying degrees in between.
- Do you have a budget? What is it and is there any flexibility in it?
- When would you like the renovations to be completed? Do you have a big event that you would like to have your home ready for?
New Custom Home:
- What style of house would you like?
- How many years do you expect to live in this house?
- What are your ten-year expectations (growing family, downsizing, etc.)?
- How much privacy do you want?
- Will you be doing a lot of entertaining or socializing?
- Do you have a budget? What is it and is there any flexibility in it?
- Does energy efficiency matter?
- Look at some magazines and visit open houses to get a feel for what you would like your comfortable space to be like.
Commercial use buildings have an entirely different set of priorities that go beyond the scope of this article and will be addressed in the future.
To make things easy for you, we have created two printable for you to download and use in preparation for meeting with your Design Team. There is even space for you to make notes of any suggestions provided by your Design Team.
Click here for renovation or Custom home construction
MyHomeDesigner
Now that you have selected your Design Team and your ideas are on paper, you will need to get your municipal permits. This is when your Design Team begins to play a larger role in your project. They will help you through the application process and answer any questions that you have along the way.
At MyHomeDesigner, not only do we provide exceptional ideas for designing the most desirable home, but we think outside the box, which adds value to the project and goes beyond city bylaws and limitations. We proved 3D visualization, as well as walk-through and virtual reality views so our clients can better understand what they are getting for their hard-earned money.
Aryo Falakrou is an associate member of AIBC (Architectural Technologist), Passive House Canada, and Built Green BC. He is insured and bonded with over 34 years of experience. Aryo offers peace of mind for your dream home design by providing a complete set of drawings with interior and exterior 3D images, walk-through and virtual reality to ease the understanding of the project and speed up the permit process.
Here are a couple of articles you should read before going further:
What you should know before renovating your house in Vancouver
What you should know and do before renovating your house in Vancouver – Part 2
