Do I need an architect or a designer?

11 years ago

Hi,

I'm looking to do some remodeling at my house on the SF Peninsula and I'm unsure of whether I need to go with an architect or a designer. I plan to keep within the existing footprint of my home, but possibly raise the ceilings, knock out a wall between kitchen and dining room that could be load bearing, and extending kitchen into the garage. These might be the only things I need an architect or structural engineer for?

In terms of the actual remodel, I'm looking to do the following things depending on estimated costs:

completely remodel and possibly expand the kitchen
open the kitchen to the dining room
replace dining room windows with a sliding french door with landing/deck to backyard
cosmetically upgrade the bathroom
replace original double hung windows to match the Marvin windows in bedrooms
Install garage that matches window
Upgrade electrical panel
Upgrade HVAC and ductwork
Drywall garage
Paint exterior
Advise on landscaping

Through this process, I am looking for someone that can do more than just drawings. I'm looking for someone who will work with me in conceptualizing what I want, provide advice on appliances, fixtures, and paint colors, help with prioritizing work within budget, and finding a reputable contractor to make this a reality. Of the architects in the area that I've spoken to, they will only work on projects $500K and up, they will only do drawings, or they did not give me enough in the initial session to make me feel comfortable selecting them.

Thanks in advance for you advice!

Featured Answer

aptosca

11 years ago

I'm on the peninsula. It sounds like my scope of work is in the ballpark of yours.

I ended up getting, via my realtor (who is well known and leader in my neighborhood), a designer and a GC that know each and have worked together. And they both know the custom cab maker.

I talked to multiple GCs and designers before settling on these two. Finding folks through a deep referral (multiple projects) that have worked together makes everything seem less problematic/complex/risky.

She's been great (so far; submitting permits soon.) Worth the money, for me. The GC's been clear about the division of responsibilities, what he needs from the designer and design. Certainly he needed things I didn't know how to answer.

There is a little structural work on my project, possibly less than yours. The designer's working with a structural engineer to get the necessary plans to support the permits. It's a relatively small part.

I'd guess there are great architects out there that would take on the work. I figure it's less about the title (for this scope of work) than it is the person. The designer's willing to be as full-service as I'd like, beyond plans and permits. I figured I was looking for folks that have worked together and that have contacts.

I have a really good friend who's a GC but not local. Seemed too risky to have him come do the work on this scope: too many subs/suppliers/etc. needed that he had no connections with.

I think having a separate GC and designer (could have been an architect) is working well. I guess with a different GC, they might be able to do the design but in the end, I kind of like having two sets of eyes on things. Not for dishonesty or anything, just more possible ideas to choose from.

I have a very good friend who's an architect and who I've talked about the project with a lot. He's very happy with the plans the designer's created.

She doesn't do landscaping ... but has contacts, of course.

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Comments (6)

User
11 years ago
Well, your scope of work will just about meet with that "minimum" in that location, so try going back to the well with some Architects. They can assist with some oversight of the GC As your representative. Or you could hire a ASID designer with project management experience who will then hire the GC and they can work together You just have to write the contract so as to specify the chain of command well. I'm working on a project like that now, and it sure ain't a budget approach!
tjdabomb
11 years ago
BJ, you plan on doing all that work yourself??? Some is easy, some not, some needs structural load calcs. Varied work here. I am in the east bay, probably not that much cheaper than your area. Depending on how much you will do yourself, be prepared with a large bank account.
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User
11 years ago
500K minimum? Just medium sized jobs and up in ther words.... Yup, welcome to remodeling world in an expensive to live location.
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
11 years ago
If you're in SF, you have access to a great local architect, John McLean. He works on a wide variety of projects--certainly less than $500K.

http://www.johnmcleanarchitect.net/
Gabenhon Tsao
11 years ago
BJ, I'm also in the peninsula, and am currently in the midst of a huge remodel/rebuild and I agree that you should get an architect for what you're planning. There have been many times where I thought I had a great idea for something, and then my architect turns up a much better idea that I never considered. When we shopped for an architect, there were a bunch that would do smaller projects. Ours does a reasonable hourly rate, and a max percentage of total (which we are nowhere near reaching). Keep looking until you find the right one (like dating)!