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This Is Probably a Project Too Small for an Architect, Isn’t It?

Whether or not your project is too small for an architect is a very common, yet tricky, question. Most projects (of all sizes) would be better with an architect involved, but it's true that it doesn't always suit to budget to hire a professional. Here are a couple of things to consider.

Jeff Pelletier is the Managing Principal and Founder of Board & Vellum, an architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture firm in Seattle, Washington.
Jeff Pelletier
March 22, 2011

I often get the question asked of me, "This is probably a project too small for an architect, isn't it?" After many years of the AIA and other national organizations trying to promote what architects actually do, this is still a question that pops up more often than not. I don't really know the reason why there's still such confusion, but here's the answer:

Maybe.

And here's why. Architecture has tried for years to become a commodity. Heck, I've beat my head against the wall myself over this one trying to make it work. But time and time again, the reality sets in that architecture solves specific challenges. Site conditions, owner requirements (or requests, as the case may be), local building codes, concerns from your neighbor, the list goes on and on. Hiring an architect is something you should do to solve the challenge of your site or building project. A book of plans may exist, but I guarantee you they’re going to need modification to meet the local conditions, and then you have to make sure you actually know what you’re getting!

There’s a bunch of services that a good architect can offer tailored to your scope and budget. While it would be fantastic if every project I worked on got to involve my services during construction, sometimes that isn’t in the budget. Sometimes a client only has enough resources (or doesn’t feel the scope justifies the expense) for a limited review of the scope and/or plans they’ve already gathered. The trick is to be realistic about the scope, and to tailor the services of the architect accordingly.

Chances are, your project will be better with an architect involved. Whether or not that is the right call for you isn’t one that I can make, but I can certainly help you make an informed decision. Questions, email, coffee, I'm always willing to help someone work through this tough decision.

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