Have you ever wondered what exactly an architect does and how engaging one could help your home renovation? We interviewed Danielle Berwick, of Berwick Architects, on our podcast All Things Renovation to find out more about her role in the renovation process. Here’s a summary of her conversation with Brandy.
What do architects do?
Within the construction industry there are so many specialists that are key to the project. Architects are generalists – they are the ones with the vision of how all these components overlap and they lead a collaborative team of these specialists (lighting, fireplaces, art, flooring etc.).
Construction is complicated! People get excited about their ideas and don’t always know the implications of their choices. Architects narrow down and help prioritize their ideas.
What is the role of an architect versus a designer?
The training of an architect is really about problem solving, not just about the aesthetics, which designers tend to focus more on. It’s a blend of science and art that meld together with a whole team.
If the architect, interior designer, and contractor can all come together and work collaboratively with the home owner, it becomes a better project.
When a client engages an architect, what should they bring to the table?
- Enthusiasm!!
- Communication is really the key. Be able to say what your needs and your wants are – even have a list or a spreadsheet. People often think that you don’t talk about those until further down the road, but the sooner we know about them, the better.
- Be aware of you probably won’t get every single item on your list. It’s a hard reality, but it’s about prioritizing.
- Have some idea of a budget. A lot of people don’t know what anything costs, but an architect knows what those costs are and can help sort out quotes.
You probably don’t need architect for simpler projects. A designer or a competent contractor can get you through those. But where it is really valuable to have an architect on the team is when you’re doing a larger project like raising the roof or building an extension. An architect helps with all the transition details that help meld the existing structure with the new one. Homeowners sometimes miss opportunities that an architect can see with their bigger vision of the project.
How much input does the client get?
I think that you really can’t do a project without a great client. It’s about having a good relationship and talking about everything from the beginning. Some people are really resistant to saying what they actually want. And it’s good when we can give them the platform to dream a little bit bigger than the confines of what they think they are allowed to have. They can focus on what they want while an architect can focus on how to make that happen.
What is the high-level process of working with an architect?
People tend to want to get into the construction really quickly, but spending a bit more time planning in the beginning can save you a lot of time and money in the future. If you’re changing something on a jobsite it’s a lot more difficult than on paper!
The general steps are as follows:
- Schematic design
- Design development
- Permitting & construction documents
- Bidding for quotes
- Construction begins
Do you do project management?
Some architects help to manage projects rather than leaving that to a general contractor. It really depends on the team, sometimes we do it more than others. I do some interior design so I can follow through when I’m already on site, talking about materials while the building is being built. But it’s different every time.
There is great value of working with an architectural professional to expand the limits of what you can potentially do, especially on a larger scale renovation. It’s the combination of the science, the art, and the creativity that come together and really make a space function and shine for the people living there.
To listen to the full episode and read the show notes, visit www.AllThingsRenovation.com or click on the Podcast tab at the top of our homepage at www.woodbeart.com.
