gregman22
2022-05-14 10:05:34
- #1
We are currently planning our 2nd architect-designed house and I can tell you how we selected our architects:
1st house: recommendation, building style, sympathy. The design was quite okay for our situation at the time but did not consider a later phase of life (children out of the house). The execution was a disaster (no reliable craftsmen, construction delays, defects, lawsuits, the whole program),
current house: we made a shortlist based on house style and photos on Instagram. Then we looked at the websites to see if they also had construction photos or only designs – does he build or just design? Then we arranged appointments with 3 architects, two of whom wanted photos of the plot in advance. What was important to us: what does he want to know from us, what is his attitude toward houses, how does he arrive at cost estimates/billing, how current are they, what does he/his office do themselves, what do freelancers do. And we wanted to see concrete examples from all service phases.
Conclusion: the very first appointment with an architect was a bullseye. She presented her working method with concrete photos and examples across all service phases. She understood how we live, what our life plan is, and what is important to us: large kitchen with level access to the terrace, large dining area for eating with friends, space for many plants indoors in winter, living area not visible from the street, favorite color white, visually calm, guest apartment for children and grandchildren, elevator yes/no etc. Of course, we made a room list with square meters, but there were many suggestions from her. And her partner, who handles the cost accounting, was present right away, so by the end of the appointment, we already had an Excel printout with numbers. What we particularly liked and what was important: she only does the tenders after the detailed planning is finished, meaning there are no surprises afterward for the craftsmen because it is clear how details must be, nor for us because, for example, a service shaft was forgotten, a supporting beam had to be inserted later etc. – this happened with our first house. In addition, she had either a professionally good answer, good ideas, or photos of already realized details to all detailed questions. Disadvantage: very long construction time and she is very expensive… but we will not save on the architect again, we would rather make the house smaller... We are currently in the design planning phase and I hope it continues as it has so far.
Acquisition work? I would say if the architect is good, none except the initial meeting...
This exactly matches our cost estimate for it (no infinity pool)
That was really a great read about choosing the architect. Since we are currently under extreme time pressure with the land purchase, I have not yet been able to look more closely at the details of the architects.
However, my plan is that as soon as the plot is successfully reserved (hopefully next week), we will be able to make the best possible selection with further architect appointments.