Atlanta Architect

[David Robertson]

Just out of curiosity, how do you guys go about selecting your architect for multifamily projects? I'm a project manager for a midsize firm in Atlanta, and we're alway interested in how we can be more competitive in today's market. Thanks in advance for the insight!

[Kinley Puzey]

Can I throw out a few suggestions? I've worked as an architect on a few multifamily projects. Multifamily are often very time consuming, demanding, and code intensive. A few suggestions I would throw out from my perspective are as follows:

• For beginners, You can check out the American Institute of Architects organizationhttp://www.aia.org/ . They have an online database of architects that belong to their organization and that would be local to your area. It's not a sure fire way to get a solid architecture group but it shows that they are current and active within their industry and that they are maintaining current continuing education. It's not mandatory but it may help as a starting point if you have no connections.
• I would also look at your competitors and who worked with them on their projects. I would look at local buildings that are going up and research who worked on them. Not just the architect but the entire team.
• I find an informal interview works best before getting pricing. It's a long and involved process so I would make sure it's someone who you would feel comfortable working. Especially when there's problems. And there will be problems.
• Because most architects work on a plethora of building types they are constantly juggling code requirements for different methodologies. Multifamily buildings, in my opinion, are fairly complex due to the occupancy and density. Make sure they have a team or someone that knows multifamily housing inside and out. If you get someone that is specialized or just currently finished a project they will hit the ground running because its fresh on their minds.
• I would ask about their current projects and current schedule to make sure they have adequate time to give to you and your project. Ask specifically who you will be working with and if they have a dedicated team for your project. You will not be their only client but they shouldn't be spread too thin.
• If you have a contractor that's worked with other architecture firms see who they recommend.
• I would make sure they have experience with multifamily projects. I would check out their portfolio, walk through a project, and talk to past clients.
• Ask past clients how they were to work with. Ask how they handled revisions, changes, and problems on site. Ask how quickly they responded to design and construction issues.
• I would check to see if the type of work they do aligns with what you are hoping for with your project.
• See who they use for consultants. Make sure their consultants are capable and also have time for your project. Honestly, from my experience the consultants and engineers are where you may be losing out on money and time. Sometimes they are not as responsive as the architecture team and slow down the entire project. But, because they work for the architect it looks like its the architects fault.
• If your looking to save money, cutting design fees may not be the best place to look. If you have a good team the design fees may be more but it will save you more in the end.
• If you have a good architecture and team they will save you money but it may not be on the front end.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

Kinley