Why Hire an Architect?
Design matters. Good design is practically unnoticeable but bad design screams and frustrates. Often design is considered “patina” when it is considered at all but design is specific to a set of variables.
Education
Most state licensing boards now require a professional degree in architecture from an accredited school. These programs typically require between five and eight years of post-secondary education. Most of the education that Architects receive is in design. Design education trains a person to interprete a set of requirements and place them in such a way to solve the problem. A good Architect is also a good problem solver.
Training
All Architects are required to serve in an internship where they acquire experience under a registered architect’s direct supervision and is typically eqivalent to three years of work in a variety of areas.
Examination
Every Architect must pass a four day, nine component exam. The exam covers testing in the following area: pre-design; general structures; lateral forces; mechanical and electrical systems; building design/materials and methods; construction documents and services; site planning, building planning; and building technology.
License Requried
In some jurisdictions you must have an Architect’s seal on construction drawings. This is true of most commercial projects. A licensed Architect has a seal with a specific number.
Architects are Independent Design Professionals
Architects don’t represent a single manufacturer or supplier and they collect and have access to information on building products from new innovative construction materials to window efficiency and more. Architects study construction material and methods and related issues such as cost and safety.
Continuing Education
Architect’s are required to maintain their license through rigorous and monitored continuing education.
Professional Monitoring
A State Board monitors activities related to licensure.
The Owner’s Advocate
An Architect is an advocate for their clients to ensure that the contractor’s/builder’s work is following the spirit of the intended design. Also, architects and their work help projects move smoothly and approve contractor requests for payments.
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