Turn around on Construction plans for a 3 unit design

[Rich Hupper]

I bought a 3 unit building last year. Got bids from 5 architects to redesign 2 residential units and 1 commercial unit and do some historical preservation design. The bids ranged from 8500 to 50000. Being the newbie I am I went with the 8500.00 bid. This was November 22. We are now close to May 23 and I still do not have construction plans so I can apply for a permit with the city to do the work. 

I have never hired an architect for a project this big before so I don't know what is normal. Should I be more patient with the architect?

[Rich Hupper]

Quote from @Stephanie P.:

Quote from @Rich Hupper:

I bought a 3 unit building last year. Got bids from 5 architects to redesign 2 residential units and 1 commercial unit and do some historical preservation design. The bids ranged from 8500 to 50000. Being the newbie I am I went with the 8500.00 bid. This was November 22. We are now close to May 23 and I still do not have construction plans so I can apply for a permit with the city to do the work. 

I have never hired an architect for a project this big before so I don't know what is normal. Should I be more patient with the architect?

 No.  Move on. Tell them they've taken too long to move forward.  Hopefully you had some sort of written agreement that won't make you pay them anything to release them from their obligation to perform.

If you have a vision for what you want the space to look like or if you know what the historical preservation people are looking for, hire a reputable GC that can make plans.

 Okay thank you for the advice Stephanie I will have to review the contract.