You’re more than ready for a home renovation. You spend your days poring over design magazines, arranging your Pinterest board and imagining your dream house. It’s something that you’ve always wanted for yourself—to live in a lush, spacious space. However, there seems to be a missing factor in pulling this off. You still haven’t found an architect, and you don’t know where to begin.
Just like any other profession, finding a good architect in the US for your home renovation takes time and patience. Although they should be well-attuned to the ins and outs of their job, you must find someone you like working with. You should be on the same page during the interview and renovation process.
To get started, check out some helpful tips below:
Get started with a Google search
If you don’t know where to begin, a simple Google search can help you find an architect you can work with. For starters, visit the American Institute of Architects (AIA) website so you can fine-tune your search. Since the website has an online database of over 20,000 architecture firms, you’re off to a great start.
Another option is the Architect Finder tool. Make sure to narrow the search by building type and location, then assess sample projects and profiles. If possible, visit the nearest AIA office in the US for an easier process.
Ask everyone
Although a Google search is the easiest way to get started with your home renovation, asking the opinions of your loved ones can also be useful. Ask friends and family members if they have an architect they want to endorse.
If you see an architect’s sign outside of a project near your area, try asking the homeowners if they’d recommend the architect. Ask them if the job is getting done in a way that benefits both of them. Remember, getting referrals from people is perhaps the most reliable way to find someone you can work with.
Interview the architect
If you’ve found potential candidates in the US, make sure that you go through an interview process before hiring any of them. Think of it like a relationship you have to invest in. You have to ensure that both of you are more than okay to exchange ideas and collaborate over some time.
Find someone with a great deal of experience and creativity. Whether you want to focus on design, land use or building codes, a great architect will think outside the box. They will propose solutions you have never thought of in the first place, producing a better project that exceeds your expectations. It’s also important that they’re resourceful enough to face unique challenges and overcome them.