Samui Phangan Real Estate Magazine April-May 2013

inside & out l architect's talk
Choosing an architect doesn’t need to be daunting and can even be fun.
In any event, architects are worth hiring if you want to build something.
Regardless of whether your project is big or small,
expensive or thrifty, architects can make it better and
your life easier. Here are some tips on snagging the
right architect for your next job...
Look far, look wide. Don’t hesitate to ask your
friends and family if they know any good architects;
they are most likely to give candid feedback on
architects they know and may have even hired one
for their own project. But don’t limit yourself to a
word-of-mouth selection. For one, there is an everpresent
risk that your building project will be stressful
and test your relationships - if you don’t want to risk
harming a friendship or professional connection, you
may want to avoid hiring an architect in your family, or
close circle of friends.
Ask questions - the more the better. Whether you
talk to relatives, friends, or even the architect under
consideration, it pays to do some investigating. Ask
the architect’s former clients about their experiences
- whether the architect can keep a schedule, handle
crises, or communicates effectively. Ask the architect
how they approach their work - whether they are
more collaborative or prefer to develop designs more
independently.
Choose according to your style. Obvious?
Perhaps, but worth reiterating. Don’t pick an
envelope-pushing modern architect if you want a
traditional style home.
Even if you find an architect that is perfect in every
other way, you will be unhappy if their style clashes
with your own. The inevitable give and take during
the design process risks becoming more adversarial
than cooperative.
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