Do You Need a Residential Architect?

A person writing on a piece of paper Description automatically generated with medium confidence

How do you think your homes come to life? Who thinks of where the columns need to be for support or what should be the skill level? Let’s not forget natural lighting and ventilation.

Where do you think this comes from? These and countless other factors are the brainchild(ren) of residential architects. You may think that your home project might not require the input of one, but architects could make or break your home (all puns intended)!!

What do Residential Architects do?

Residential architects are more than just your average person with a measuring tape and plans. They will quite literally bring your home to life. From designing the layout of the entire structure to carving out the smallest niche for a decorative vase, residential architects are there for your home.

Residential architects possess the technical know-how to decide what goes where in the residence to be.

If you own a complicated plot that has levels, a residential architect might suggest utilizing those contours to elevate the interior of your home. It means that the structure will incorporate the layout of the plot and use it for architectural enhancement. Say whatever you want but DIY will only take you so far.

Or let’s talk about playing with skylight and angles to harness the full potential of the sun direction. Residential architects could have a complete grasp on these aspects to make your home different and more efficient.

Here are characteristics that residential architects could bring to your home:

  • Residential architects could better your concepts of initial designs.
  • Some professional guidance could go a long way in getting that structure off the ground.
  • You won’t have to worry about the technical aspects of the construction.
  • Architects generally tend to participate in the project from start to end, so you know your home is in safe hands.
  • Residential architects could modernize your home or even traditionalize it based on your preferences.
  • You get a structurally and functionally sound home.

Building a relationship with your Architect

Like personal relationships, professional relations also work on mutual trust and respect. You must have faith in your architect, and they need to respect you and your opinions. A simple concept of a two-way street.

When you start searching for an architect, you’d most likely want someone reliable and reputed. And hey, that’s what I’d want as well. Some research goes a long way in streamlining the process of building your home. You would want to collaborate with a residential architect who prioritizes clients, their needs, and most of all the design of the upcoming project.

And this collaboration requires open communication from both parties. That’s the crucial step of developing a relationship with your architect. So folks remember, communication is key.

What comes after?

After the groundwork of getting to know each other and hashing out preliminary details, you move on to the next step – the discussion stage.

At this stage, almost all residential architects will ask you this question, “so what is it that you’re looking for”?

And that’s where the story begins.

You might not be entirely clear at this stage, or you might think that you are, but in reality you’re not. That’s where the guidance of the residential architect comes into play.

If you think that a spiral staircase is the best for your house, in ten minutes a residential architect could tell you why it’s not. But there might be some brilliant idea that you come up with, that could even blow the architect’s mind.

So key number two is collaboration.

The Design Stage

Engineering drawing Description automatically generated

Once you let the residential architect know about your wants, they’ll take a few days to develop conceptual designs. It’s a meticulous planned process because that’s going to be your first impression of the architect’s capabilities.

Your next meeting is where further discussions will take over the initial plans. There are high chances that you might not like everything about it. And that’s okay, because everything can’t work out on the first try. That’s why it’s called a conceptual drawing.

This stage is crucial as the architect will get your input on what’s about to happen and you could get clarity on how the structure is going to progress. Any doubts you have at this stage must be cleared by the residential architect.

Another critical aspect of this stage is that you get to see your home grow and understand the credibility of the architect you’ve hired.

Over the next few weeks as most of the plans and elevations are finalized, work could begin on the site. However, you must note that as actual physical work progresses the design might require some minor changes based on site conditions. And that’s fine.

The Construction Stage

Professional residential architects will ensure to stay with the project during the construction stage. It is not imperative for them to visit the site everyday but once or twice a week to check up on the work is preferred. But they will ask you to hire a reliable site manager. And that’s acceptable.

During construction, the architect will notify you about any required changes and help you adjust with how it will work. An architect’s job is not limited to developing designs but also your trust in it.

During the construction stage, the architect will get face time with the construction team and the developer. For a successful project, there must be successful teamwork.

The construction stage has the highest weight on the timeline as it requires more time. Depending on the scale of the project it could be somewhere between 10 to 12 months (in case of new build) or even more.

For simple renovations, it could take between 6 to 8 months.

The Completion

This is the final stage as the project has come to fruition. The structure is built, polished, and complete. The interior is as good as can be. And your house is ready to transition into a home.

The last ten months have been hectic, nerve-wracking, stressful yet exciting and finally the results are here.

Your initial thoughts now actually exist on a piece of land! Isn’t that amazing?! And it’s all because you and a professional residential architect decided to work together.

Now this is the place where you will probably stay for the rest of your life, make it a home and build a family.

Soon the structural walls will have photo frames, the door frame will have the growing height marks of your kids, and the kitchen island will have that one broken edge. And that’s your home for you.

The Departure

Now that the work is done, payments cleared, and satisfaction achieved, it’s time to bid farewell to the residential architect.

They have done their job well, made you happy, and learnt new techniques in the process. Additionally, they have added to their portfolio, a successful collaboration.

As you look back to the first meeting you had with the residential architect, you remember being nervous and doubtful of their abilities. And now when you look at the structure, you’re sitting in making that cup of coffee in your new kitchen, you agree that a residential architect was all that you needed for it to be possible.

And isn’t that one of the best decisions you made?! So, when it comes to selecting a residential architect, do some digging and collaborate with the right one.

And to answer the question that you need a residential architect, I’d think that you most certainly do!!!