Start With the Real Objective, Not the Stated One
When a homeowner asks whether they need an architect, the answer often depends on details they haven't mentioned yet. For Andrew Lipman, a design consultant for home renovations in New York, the work begins with listening. He said "I spend time listening to a client and really trying to undersand what their overall objective is - as of oftentimes, people truly don't know."
A recent project illustrates the point. What began as a kitchen remodel became a larger renovation of the downstairs after Lipman learned more about how the family lived. Because they have younger children, he felt they would benefit from a larger kitchen and casual living space. The layout was reworked so that the formal living room and family room were reassigned, and the existing family room became a living room backing onto a glassed-in porch that will now serve as the dining room. In his words, "they have the perfect layout for their family today and years from now."
Only after those conversations did it become clear that the clients needed an architect. They met with several and selected one to draw up plans for the entire home, so that a future upstairs renovation would have architectural plans already in place.
The Architect's Role Doesn't End at the Final Plans
Lipman believes the role of an architect is widely misunderstood. He said "when you engage with an architect on a project, that relationship doesn't end they hand over final plans to the client. There are always modifications and the architect is truly a part of the renovation team from start to finish."
That continuity matters because renovation decisions do not stop when drawings are issued. Treating the architect as a one-time service rather than a team member for the duration of the project can leave homeowners managing changes alone.
What Homeowners Decide Too Early
Personal references are a common starting point for hiring an architect or designer, and Lipman considers them important. But he cautions against settling too quickly. He said "it's critical to meet with several architects, spend tine speaking with them and see if they can take your words and create an executable plan that is within your budget."
He also points to the working relationship between the architect and the general contractor. "I've found that architects who have strong working relationships with the General Contractor can go a long way to executing a project seamlessly," he said. Because clients are busy and decisions have to be made every day, closer coordination among architect, designer, and contractor makes the renovation experience better for the client.
His practical advice is to take time meeting potential architects and feel confident that they understand your vision and have creative ways to accomplish it. Since the architect is the essential first step, he prefers to meet general contractors they have worked with at the same time. As he put it, "When the day ends, you're hiring a team, not just an architect to do work on your home."
Takeaways for Homeowners
- Describe how you actually use your home, not just the room you want to change.
- Expect the architect to stay involved through construction, not just until plans are delivered.
- Interview several architects and test whether they can turn your words into a plan that fits your budget.
- Ask about their relationships with general contractors, and consider meeting contractors alongside the architect.
More about Andrew Lipman's renovation design consulting is available at Andrew Lipman Design. For background on what architects do during a renovation, see the American Institute of Architects and Wikipedia's overview of architects. Homeowners researching contractors can also consult Wikipedia's article on general contractors.