DESIGN SPECIALISTS

Everyone enjoys talking about a new home or addition they're planning, and most people have definite ideas about what they like. But there's much more to designing a living environment than simply arranging rooms. The first step to successful design begins with the ability to listen to a client. A building designer will visualize space within a proposed design, then explore that space with the client to make sure it meets the desired expectations. Not only are there aesthetic issues -- form, scale and balance— but also, structural design and code requirements which the building designer must consider.
As a design evolves, a building designer will make you aware of state-of-the-art products and materials that may be appropriate for your home. They can accompany you on visits to manufacturer showrooms, offering advice on how to stay within a budget by exploring alternate design solutions, if necessary.
Some building designers offer a menu of services beyond planning and design. Project administration is one example. And if engineering or interior design services are required, a building designer can coordinate those services, too.
It's easy to see how a residential design specialist can be your best ally as you set out to make your dream of a new home or addition become a reality. The following information should help you more clearly understand the process of choosing and working with a professional member of AIBD.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT BUILDING DESIGNER

You need more living space and have decided it's time to get serious about a second-level addition. Or perhaps you've purchased a lot with an eye toward building your "dream home" in the near future. As you sit back and consider the scope of the project, you're besieged with a whirl of questions. A professional member of AIBD can guide you through this maze. They are specialists in the discipline of building design. From planning and design, through construction, to eventual occupancy, a Certified Professional Building Designer can help your dreams become reality in ways you never thought possible.
No two construction projects are totally alike. The same is true for building designers. Each has their own approach to design -- a unique "signature" style, if you will -- and a preferred method of operation. Some will limit their practice strictly to the planning and design of buildings, while others may offer construction administration services, as well. So, how do you determine which building designer is right for your project?
Finding the appropriate building designer for your project is not a difficult task. The steps are similar to those you'd take in locating any qualified professional. First, you'll need to compile a list of potential candidates. Start by asking friends, relatives and business associates if they've worked with building designers in the past, and ask for a referral. Check the yellow pages in your telephone directory under "Designer-Buildings" or "Residential Designers" for designers in your area, too.
Many contractors and design/build firms may have a building designer on staff, or they may regularly use the services of one nearby. A weekend "scouting" drive within may yield a few solid leads. Keep an eye out for homes which are similar in design to what you have in mind. If you see something appealing and construction is not yet complete, look for a job sign posted at the site. The building designer's name and phone number may be listed, which you can easily jot down. If the home is occupied, a quick knock on the door at a respectable hour might result in a referral from a flattered homeowner. Contact the offices of the local Codes Official to determine whether or not they can recommend someone. In many cases lumber retailers are also a good source for referrals.
You will find a list of potential building designers for your project on the "Members" page of this website. Feel free to call us at (405) 525 9919 if you have any specific questions.

SELECTING YOUR BUILDING DESIGNER

Now you're ready for the next step—a call to each name on your list. Keep a pad of paper handy to take notes. Introduce yourself, then describe the project you have in mind—a new home, addition, or renovation. The point of each call is to construct a summary profile of the individual or firm. Be specific with your questions. Ask the designer about his or her previous experience in designing various styles of residential projects. Ask if they're interested in your project, and if so, when they'll be available to do the work.

Many building designers may offer an informational brochure or letter-of-introduction which they mail to prospective clients. Read through any material you're provided carefully. This is a great supplement to your initial phone conversation and can help in determining if a building designer's capabilities are in line with your expectations. Ask for a list of client references and check them out.

Realistically, you should cut your list down to a manageable two-to-four building designers. When that's been done, you're ready to call and schedule an in-depth interview to learn more about each candidate. You really need to see the quality of each ones work in order to properly evaluate their fee. You need also to determine what services they are prepared to offer for that fee, generally their services can be tailored to fit your budget. To assist you in determining what construction documents you need, you might: (1) visit the National Council of Building Designer’s web site at www.ncbdc.com to check out their recommendations for Minimum Plans, (2) check to see what might be required by the local building inspections department for issuing a building permit, and (3) what your lending institution might require for issuing an appraisal and granting the loan.

Perhaps the most awkward time during your search for a compatible building designer is the interview meeting. Your housing needs, goals and finances will be the focus of this candid discussion. Equally important, it's essential to learn sufficient background information about an individual or firm before you engage their services. The building designer is attempting to do the same thing: to evaluate you as a potential client. Consider that a project can typically last upwards of six months. Obviously, both parties need to decide if they can work together comfortably for the duration.

Each interview will require at least an hour of your time—sometimes several hours if the "chemistry" is right. The venue is your choice. You can schedule to meet in your home, where perhaps you'll feel more comfortable, or you can meet at the building designer's office (if you've never visited a design studio before, the latter can be interesting). Many building designers do not charge for the initial interview meeting, but this is not always the case. Ask if there will be a charge before scheduling an appointment.

Building designers will oftentimes bring a presentation portfolio to the interview meeting. Such portfolios can include a collection of letters from satisfied clients, sketches and photos of completed projects, newspaper stories citing a building designer's civic involvement, or magazine articles featuring an extraordinary design. Flipping through the pages of a well prepared portfolio can tell much about the accomplishments about the accomplishments of a particular designer.