Jan 2019

ARROYO
HOME & DESIGN
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
HOW AND WHY TO FIND A GREAT
ARCHITECT FOR YOUR PROJECT
Remodeling Is a Team Effort, Says Veteran of the Trade
BY BRUCE HARING
PHOTO: Meghan Beierle O’brien
Every January brings a time for personal renewal and new beginnings.
For many homeowners, it also comes with a desire to revamp and refresh their
living spaces. Perhaps an updated bathroom, an expanded bedroom, a few
changes to the kitchen are needed to accommodate new appliances or
enhance socializing.
If you’re planning to really dig into your home and perhaps change multiple
rooms, alter your fl oor plans, or spend more than five percent of the total value of
your home, it may be time to consider hiring an architect.
An architect is a professional that is trained in building design. They
bring engineering, ergonomics and design skills to the task at hand, offering
suggestions that may enhance your vision of the proposed home project. And
because they are immersed in the worlds of contractors and construction, they
may even be able to lower the cost of the project by having relationships with
materials suppliers.
Choosing an architect is somewhat akin to choosing a signifi cant other.
It involves communication, the sharing of viewpoints, the ability to achieve
consensus, and a great deal of empathy. After all, you’re talking about a large
investment of time and money, disruption to the normal fl ow of life, and a shared
future of hoped-for prosperity.
A good architect will listen to your needs, then come up with a solution
that meets your standards and budget. Once you’ve agreed on a design,
the architect produces a fl oor plan or blueprints, assists in fi nding the right
contractors, helps with any city permits, and oversees the construction process.
But if you’re not experienced in the renovations game, you may have a
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