18. 5 Questions to Stop Asking Your Architect (With Love)
May 4, 2022
Episode Highlights:
Estimating in the design process: general estimates vs. precise estimates.
How to get a pre-approval before investing in an architect.
Everything that goes into an architectural stamp of approval.
Rushing a project is never a good idea.
Breck's project highlight of the week: The Detroit Shipping Company
"A building without context is not a building at all."
-Breck Crandell, (Director of Design, TSI)
Show Notes:
0:30 - Introduction into episode 18.
2:05 - Breck's project highlight of the week: The Detroit Shipping Company
5:20 - Question #1: How much does it cost?
6:50 - The cost of the building itself versus soft costs.
8:09 - The three biggest factors that will influence how much a project can cost.
8:45 - Challenges with cost per square foot.
9:50 - When in the design process do people have a general estimate versus an accurate estimate?
11:30 - Have a budget figured out before you start talking with an architect.
12:38 - Question #2: Can I buy floor plans off you?
15:15 - Having a point of reference is a good place to start, however no 2 buildings will be identical.
15:30 - What goes into site adaptation fees.
17:52 - Question #3: Can you stamp this design I already have to save time?
18:50 - An architect's stamp is a legally binding contract.
20:00 - You should be working with an architect that will be with you throughout the whole process.
22:05 - Question #4: Can I build it myself?
23:30 - Your bank will most likely not let you be your own builder.
24:07 - General contractors will be very mindful of their scope of work.
26:18 - Question #5 - Can you build my project faster?
27:06 - Projects move as fast as money moves.
27:52 - The faster you push a project through the higher the risk becomes for mistakes to be made.
29:08 - Timelines often get held up because you are waiting on someone else.
30:15 - You have to be realistic in order to have a successful project.
33:39 - Doing research before coming to us will allow you to be much farther ahead.
34:46 - Concluding thoughts for episode 18.
Supplementary Episodes:
1) FAQ: How We Collaborate With Other Architects
2) Why You Need An Architect (...Especially If You Think You Don't)
Resources: