Page 12 - Designing Ways 275

TRADE WINDS

Six questions to ask before hiring an architect

aking on a new building project is Are there any challenges you foresee standard practice today,” says Collen. “It
no small task. Given the resources with my project? should incorporate financial robustness
Tinvolved, whether constructing This question can help you manage and economic contribution too. Find
a home or a commercial development your expectations on a project and also out what the philosophy is at the firm
(or even renovating), it’s important to make you aware of problems you might you’re considering, how they ensure
partner with the right professionals. This not have thought about. “As a professional environmental care, and where they go
includes finding an architect who not only consultant, your architect is a bit like beyond it.”
understands your brief and your budget, a medical specialist who can diagnose
but who can bring the right expertise to potential issues with your project, and How does your firm leverage new
your project to ensure it is a success. This ‘treat’ them to ensure they are resolved as technologies to better serve clients?
includes the aesthetic components, but best as possible,” says Collen. “But great With all the talk of generative AI
also knowledge of building regulations architects go beyond problem-solving in architecture and using digital tools
and codes, zoning schemes, and risk – they also look at how to proactively to improve the client experience, it’s
management principles. However, choosing get the best results for you. Think of it as important to know whether the firm
the best architect for your needs can be prescribing the right vitamins and minerals you’re considering is up-to-speed with
challenging. That is why it’s important to to ensure your project is in top health.” making these a reality for clients.
ask the right questions before making a final “For example, at BPAS, we have a
selection. These six questions are designed Why should I choose to work with you? division called Archithera, that’s focused
to assist in this process. “It’s important to understand what sets on putting technology to the best use for
an architect apart from others and where our clients’ benefits,” says Collen. “We’ve
Why would I be a good fit for your firm they believe they can deliver value on used generative AI to streamline our
as a client? your project,” says Collen. “This question design process and rapidly trial a range of
“The best partnership between a allows an architect to highlight other designs, such as two- or three-bedroom
client and architect is one where there is services, relationships and advantages apartments in various configurations,
mutual respect and a shared objective,” they can offer you.” and parking lots for developments we’re
says Landseer Collen, Principal Director For example, you might be able to working on.”
at BPAS Architects, a multidisciplinary streamline your project if your architectural BPAS has also put technology to use
architecture and design firm based in Cape firm can handle multiple aspects of it, to improve client experience in terms
Town. “When choosing an architect, you’ll such as master-planning, urban concepts of visualising the end product. “During
want to select someone who has expertise and landscape architecture or interior Covid lockdown, we hand-delivered VR
in your space and who can deliver on design. The firm might also have strong headsets to clients, with a private video
your brief with confidence. For example, relationships with other professionals who link to a 3D project walkthrough,” Collen
if you’re planning to build a luxury guest could assist you, such as engineering and explains. “While they weren’t able to
lodge or city apartment complex, you’ll construction firms, or they may be able physically visit their sites or our offices,
ideally want an architect with either a track to point you to specialised products and they could do a 3D walkthrough at home
record in these types of developments who accomplished artisans. to see what to expect. It was a popular
understands the niche requirements, or intervention that we’ve since implemented
who is actively looking to enter the market How does your firm prioritise into our regular practice processes.”
and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure sustainability? He suggests asking prospective firms
your project will be a success. You also “Sustainability goes beyond green about their own technology and digital
want to work with someone whose ethics building principles – which should be transformation initiatives. dw
and philosophy match you well.”

Can you execute my brief within my
budget?
While clients often hesitate to share
their budget with an architect, Collen says
that doing so ensures you are not sold a
design that cannot be built with the funds
available. “This avoids frustration on both
sides,” he says. “Being upfront from the
start also avoids wasting time that might
be spent redesigning a building to cut
costs later on.”

12 Issue 275 • dw