The Players' Roles

Every firm provides a different set of services; the full range includes:

• Documenting existing conditions: Architects measure and create dimensioned drawings of the interior and exterior of your existing house. These drawings become the starting point for all new design work. In addition to these drawings, a land surveyor is usually hired to document the lot size and the position of the house on the lot. This "certified plot plan" is required by most building departments to ensure that the proposed building complies with local zoning regulations. Surveyors can also do a topographical survey that indicates land contours and significant features like trees and boulders.
• Zoning and feasibility analysis: The architect will analyze the survey information to determine the available area for construction. In addition, a feasibility analysis looks at possible areas for building and their cost-effectiveness. For example, a feasibility analysis might consider the relative merits of adding a second floor VS building an attached addition.
• Schematic design: This is where the initial design ideas are generated.
• Working drawings: The construction documents that the contractor uses for both bidding and construction.
• Computer modeling: Enables the client to see three-dimensional views of the design, and to experiment with various options.
• Physical modeling (cardboard, foamcore, etc.): These popular "model houses" are the traditional modeling method, but they are fairly costly and difficulty to change, compared to computer models.
• Structural and engineering: Plans and sections that describe exactly how the building will be built.
• Electrical and lighting: Includes circuit diagrams that show placement of outlets and lighting.
• Mechanical drawings show the design and specifications of the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.
• Cabinetry: Shows the appearance and construction details of built-ins, cabinets, and other custom detailing (e.g. window seats, special moldings).
• Landscape: Shows design of site topography, selection of plant materials, and construction details of special features like patios, retaining walls, water features, etc.
• Product selection of finishes and fixtures: The architect can choose (or advise the client) lighting and plumbing fixtures, flooring, tile, countertops, appliances, and others.
• Interior design: Similar to above but including selection of paint colors, wall covering, furniture and furnishings, artwork, etc.
• Bid administration: Includes soliciting contractors, analyzing estimates, reviewing contractor's quality of work.
• Overseeing construction: The architect visits the site periodically (and is available by phone) to ensure that the construction is faithful to the drawings and that the specified materials and methods are used. Additionally, the architect also makes minor design adjustments and provides details to solve construction problems that arise.
• Contract administration: In addition to overseeing construction, the architect may act as the client's agent, inspecting the contractors work and approving payment requests or change orders.
• Construction management: Similar to contract administration, but often handled by an outside firm that is not the project architect.