“It’s a simple four walls and a roof. Why do I need an architect? What could possibly go wrong?”
That sounds like the concept for a hilarious two-hour comedy, but you don’t have to write that script with the house you’re building or renovating.
Fact is, even smart, well-intentioned people sometimes doubt the need for an architect on a project. Often that’s because they don’t fully understand, or haven’t fully considered, the architect’s role.
So, for the debut of “Tips in 2,” NJ HOME’s ongoing series of roughly two-minute interviews with industry experts, we team up with architect Rosario Mannino of RS Mannino in Rutherford to provide information that will help you make the best possible decision about retaining an architect when building (or renovating) the house you’ve always wanted.
Architects, of course, are academically trained and licensed professionals who create the plans and technical drawings for your home or building. Because you likely spend the majority of your time indoors, you’ll want an expert to consider your needs and your lifestyle to draft plans based on your vision. (Of course, an architect has a vision too, but rather than overriding yours, he or she can in many cases use it to help you formulate a clearer, more achievable idea of what you want—and bring it to life in the plans.)
Still, when you hire an architect, you’re getting more than someone who prepares the plans for your home. He or she will be part of a team of professionals working on your project from start to finish. One team member, a builder, will follow the drafted plans and ensure that your project stays on budget and is up to code, while an architect and interior designer, another expert, work together to understand and execute your goal as the homeowner.
“For example, an architect can be designing a room and be thinking about the view, but we also have to consider how to control the direct sunlight,” Mannino says. “We might have large, expansive glass, so [the interior designer thinks] about window treatments.”
Architects can also serve as problem solvers through the course of a build. They go through rigorous training and education to come up with creative solutions when things go awry. Because “there are always surprises that arise during construction,” an architect can make sure work stays on the course, says Mannino.
“Drawings are never 100 percent complete—there’s always some design intent that has to be filled in,” he adds. “An architect can fill in the design intent during construction.”
So how do you know which architect is best for your team? Be sure to watch the video above, in which Mannino explains the qualities you should look for when hiring an architect as well as the fees and work you can expect when retaining one. Then, rather than feeling like the punchline in a Hollywood comedy, you’ll be a tad wiser—a homeowner who’s ready to live happily ever after.