How to Choose an Architect -

A successful construction project fulfills the desires of the client, meets the needs and contributes to the overall well-being of your environment. This project can only be achieved if you have a good working relationship with your architect.

An architect is trained to assist you in realizing your goals and to guide you through the design- and construction process. Particularly, architects can help you navigate the complicated regulatory building process, including zoning laws, building codes, bids and contract negotiations.

The architect can transform your ideas into functional design solutions through education, training, or professional experience.

The architect, who acts as an advisor, coordinator, technical manager, and creative artist, can design and manage a contract that results in a project that is on time, within budget, and of high quality.

The Profession of Architecture

A person must complete the following steps to become a registered/licensured architect in Canada:

Specific educational requirements
Many years of experience in all areas of practice.
Extensive examinations.

Canada’s provincial legislatures are responsible for regulating the profession. The Architects Act is administered by the provincial architectural association. The authority of the provincial architect association regulates the professional conduct. A license to practice or membership in an architect firm or organization can be suspended or cancelled if it violates ethical standards. The office of the relevant association can provide copies of the statutes, regulations, and bylaws.

How to Find an Architect

There are many ways to find an architect, including:

Use the RAIC Electronic Directory.
If the directory is not available, request and review it. These directories provide summary information about how to locate every practicing architect or practice in the region. This directory might also contain information such as the name of the principals, year of establishment, profile of completed projects, staffing and notable commissions or awards.
Visit the websites of architects.
Ask your provincial associations to provide a list or firms of architects who meet the requirements for your project. You may also be able visit the offices of different firms to view portfolios.
You can use your past experience to nominate architects who have been helpful in the past.
Ask for recommendations from people or organizations that have worked on similar projects.
Advertise in a provincial or local publication such as the newsletter or website of the provincial association. You can also use the following sample advertisement if you wish to advertise. You may be able help prepare an advertisement through the provincial association.

It will make the process much easier if the number of potential architects is manageable. Two architects might be enough for a small project; ten may be necessary for a larger, more complex assignment.

How to Choose an Architect

Methods

When you are embarking on a project, the most important decision is to choose an architect. One of these selection methods may be used:

One of the most popular methods for selecting the right architect is the qualifications-based selection (QBS). Sometimes called “quality-based select”, this method of choosing the right architect for a project is also known. This method is used primarily by institutions, corporations, and public agencies, sometimes represented by a committee. QBS refers to a system that selects an architect based on professional qualifications and competence. This will ensure that your project is matched with the most qualified architect. This relationship is essential for the type of in-depth discussions that allow the engineer and architect to effectively address your concerns.

QBS uses predetermined value-based criteria to achieve objective comparisons. These factors may include:

The history of the architect and his ability to provide required services.
Similar experience, such as past performance in similar types of projects
Familiarity with the local geography and facilities
Experience and skills in project management
design approach/methodology.

This process involves comparing two or more architects. Client (or members of a committee, if applicable), makes the selection based on their assessment of which architect is most likely and capable to manage the project. The following criteria are also important:

reputation;
rapport;
Technical competence
Commitment to the client’s best interests
The client’s need for creativity and ingenuity.

A person with a small project is the most likely to use direct selection . Clients choose an architect based on reputation, personal acquaintance, or recommendation from a friend, former client, or another architect. Institutions may have a list of architects. They select one practice for each project using a rotation system.

Sometimes, architectural design competitions can be used to select an architect as well as a design for public or private projects. This method allows architects to submit solutions to a specific problem. They are then judged on their comparative excellence. The commission is typically awarded to the winning architect. The competitions can be open to all architects or limited to architects who have been invited.

You may need to get written approval from the provincial association if you plan on entering a design contest. Only architects are allowed to participate in a competition if they can be assured the competition will follow established rules.

These guidelines are recognized as ensuring equal treatment of competitors. They also include provisions for different types and offer advice on process, schedule, costs, and other issues. You can get help from your provincial association to develop acceptable terms.

How to Engage an Architect

Client-Architect Agreements

As a client, it is in your best interest to be clear with your architect about your obligations, responsibilities and expectations. A thorough review of:

The scope of architect services in glasgow
The estimated time it will take to complete the work
The amount of the architect’s fees.
The method of payment for architect’s services.

After you have discussed all aspects and reached an agreement, a written contract should be drawn up.

It is preferred to have agreements that are based on accepted standards. The Canadian Standard form of agreement between client and architect: Document Six (RAIC2006) is recommended. For those projects where only limited services are to be provided or when the full standard form is not practical, the recommended alternative is the Canadian Standard Form of Agreement Between Client and Architect–Abbreviated Version: Document Seven (RAIC 2005).

These agreements define the services that the architect will provide. The agreements also specify your responsibility as the client for providing the following information:

The requirements of the project being considered;
Physical specifications (such as functional and spatial relationships)
Legal services
Site aspects (such as surveys and subsurface investigation reports, among others) ;
The fee payment schedule.

These agreements can be obtained through your provincial association.

These documents were written for provinces that have common law. They must be modified for use in Quebec, or the standard Quebec documents may be used.

The Architect’s Services

Architectural services were traditionally designed, prepared construction documents, and managed construction. Today, architects offer a variety of services, including problem-solving and feasibility studies, facility management and architectural programming. This document includes an Appendix that summarizes some of these services.

No matter the type of building, the architectural service should be designed and coordinated in an integrated way. Attention must also be paid to quality and time. The agreement should include all services. You can vary the scope of services with:

The nature and complexity of each project.
Your planning and development skills
The project’s specific requirements;
Situations not anticipated at the time the agreement was made.

The Services of Sub-Consultants

The architect usually coordinates the services of a structural, mechanical, and an electrical engineer. These are often vital services.

These sub-consultants are available in two ways.

The architect, acting as the prime consultant, has traditionally hired engineering sub-consultants to design the project.
These days, clients may hire these engineers directly. The architect will need to coordinate their services.

It doesn’t matter what case it may be, it is crucial for the success and longevity of your project for the architect to oversee the management of all sub-consultants. The architect can achieve well-integrated results through coordination of both design and administration.

You, the property owner are responsible for providing information regarding the property or project site. You are responsible for hiring sub-consultants, such as geotechnical engineers and environmental analysts, land surveyors, civil engineers, hydrologists and hydrologists to conduct investigative and design work. You can rely on the input of your architect. Your responsibility also includes providing legal and insurance services, as well as paying for translations, arbitration and expert witness services, should they be required.

Depending on the building conditions and other factors, it may be necessary to hire other sub-consultants. These services could include advice in the following areas: