Early advice from architects, please

13 years ago

We might need this advise next week, next summer or even next year, but we WILL need it sooner or later. We are looking for property in a ski resort town. We've spent the last year or so really thinking about what type of lot we want and have pretty much settled on the valley area near the base of the area where we can walk or bike anywhere (great bike trails). We already have a second home plus a rental home in the area so we can evaluate the plies and minuses of varios lots. Since our plan is to build a duplex (no mirror image or cookie cutter-wouldn't be allowed anyway) we are looking primarily at duplex lots. Our favorites aren't even on the market right now - just went bach to the bank after forclosure, but it is a nice new subdivision that came on right before the crash. Sold 2 creekside duplex lots and 13 single fam. 47 lots are now owned by the bank. ( the HoA will have some issues, but at least that is something Iunderstand and can handle that- I have represented poas in the past and know this issues)

The prime target is a the new urbanism TND plan. I've read the architectural guide lines and like them. I suspect the lots will be released back on the market fairly soon. There are also are some other infill lots in locations we like and might considerv if the TnD drags out too long.

All that to get to the question: do you think it is advisable to bring in an architect even before buying to advise us on wheter the type of lot meets our needs -- is the lot sized too small for the type of house we want? The duplex needs to be approx 2300 per side with one side (our side) one floor living and a basement, whiile the "kids" side will be a more traditional x2 story. Other issues I think an architect can advse us on are whether orientation a problem or would the cost to build on a particular lot take it
out of our budget? Right now we are looking at small lots in the 300000-400000 range. And I suspect we will spend close to another 1,000,000 on the build, which won't be for a could more years. Hopefully all will be cash For example ther is one lot we all love, but it is currently priced 100000 over our preferred budget. While it would be tempting to stretch the budget a bit for that lot, I suspect an architect is going to tell us that the lot calls for a
very expensive build which would take the overall build too much over. I don't want to spend my retirement years eating Raman noodles and counting pennies either.

So, should we establish a relationship with an architect now or wait until we buy and then hope he or she can give us what we want in that particular
piece of heaven. And if so, how do you suggest compensation?

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Comments (3)

virgilcarter
13 years ago
It's a good question, since yours is a rather special situation, given your desires for design, lot qualities and budget.

Every good design grows from it site and the conditions there, i.e., typography, drainage, views, climatic conditions, existing trees and important natural growth, utilities, regulatory conditions, etc. So starting by considering and selecting a preferred and advantageous site is a very good strategy. It's what I would do.

I find it difficult to impossible to design a house without a specific site in mind. All too often, however, the choices are made the other way round, and the site is often a last choice, if any. This is one of the major issues with using stock plans from a house-plan factory: they aren't site specific and sites may seldom be chosen to fit one of these plans.

I'd suggest an early relationship with an architect of choice who has the experience, talent and human chemistry to fit with you. One or two initial consultations might be all that's needed in order to arrive at some reasonable guidelines for your use. If you wanted to visit the site together for a more specific and detailed analysis/comparison, that too shouldn't be a problem.

You should work out the compensation mutually with the architect, but I should think an hourly or daily rate, plus expensives if any, would be reasonable. I can't imagine the time required to be very great.

Sounds exciting. Good luck on your project.

PS: Houzz has a current feature article on site selection and how it influences design. Lurkers will benefit from reading. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/think-like-an-architect-know-your-homesite-for-a-great-design-stsetivw-vs~6289966-Like-an-Architect--Know-Your-Homesite-for-a-Great-Design
mojomom
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, Vigil. Your good advice is helpful, as always. Over the last several years I have been exploring local architects a bit on-line and there are a couple that interest me. Just an observation, those I find most interesting are not those with the flashiest website with lots of very beautiful photos of very-high end (and usually spec) projects. Those that interest me the most focus on their personal design philosophy or take a "problem solving" approach and use photos to explain of how they addressed the challenge, whether the challenge was dictated by the site, budget or client's lifestyle
need.
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virgilcarter
13 years ago
m, your comments are very astute. There are all sorts of architects, just as there are every other professional. I hope you find the perfect fit.

Good luck on your project.