Is there a reason why the client doesn't want to work with an experienced window company that works on apartments?

Thanks for your comment, Virgil... She has contacted two window companies, but each sells only one brand of window. Not knowing which brand is better, or how to compare them, is the concern. Neither of the brands are reviewed by Consumer Reports, but that may not be applicable for multi-family anyway. I think the desire is for an independent recommendation. I know you can compare certain thermal properties of windows, but it's hard to get a handle on how well a window is constructed.

If I were her, I'd focus more in the installer as a window is only as good as how they're installed. Do some research and read reviews and pick out a few installers. If they're installing crap windows, they'll likely not have great windows. Then have them come out and give window recommendations and bids. Then she can either research the window options, and ask for help here if she has concerns or questions.

If she'd prefer to be hands off and have someone else do this for her, she should at least still do some research on window upgrades before talking with installers/contractors, etc.. The more informed she is, the better informed decisions she can make. She can't simply trust whatever she's told because some contractors will take her for a ride.

I can't speak to the architect side, but I just went through the same thing for my home and got a lot of great advice by searching this forum, window upgrade sites, and asking questions. It's a large investment, and not something I wanted to take lightly.

Well, I'm sure that there are architects in your local community who have experience in this sort of project and may be willing to work with you. You can look here on Houzz, Google for local architects and contact the local office of The American Institute of Architects. Good luck on your project.

She could also find a larger window company that carries multiple brands.

Yep.

First thing to look for in a window company is the length of time in business under the same name/management. And the 'best' window depends almost completely on design/materials/construction. To get comparable quotes, she needs to decide what she wants in relation to those three areas. Then window companies can bid comparably.

Thanks, HandyMac. Both single-brand companies are family-owned and have been in business for many years, which is good. For design, she wants as close to what is there now (which are original to the bldg). It's in the materials and construction, that she does not have knowledge.

The original windows are black metal, so presumably steel. The bldg was built about 1970, so the windows are dual sliding, for the most part. The two single-brand companies are quoting vinyl - generally in white or beige color. One company offers a bronze color vinyl, but it may be that it is simply painted, and might require upkeep.

Steel is also a very expensive window today as it is considered a high end architectural window. Need to determne what is there, what they want the new windows to look like and a basic budget, then start looking for window contractors, other wise your peeing upstream. Just my opinion.....................

Why an architect?

Not a knock on architects in any way, but I think that a window specialist makes a lot more sense when someone is asking about specific company-based information on design/materials/construction (to semi-quote Virgil and HandyMac).

The building is steel and concrete with a brick facade, with an elevator, but it is not a luxury bldg - it's middle market rental apartments. Steel windows probably would be overkill. I can't tell what the current windows are made of -- possibly it is anodized aluminum.

Why does your client want to change the windows? Upgrade the look? Performance?

Sliding aluminum windows are the workhorse for light architectural and commercial operating windows in North America. There can be a fair bit of quality difference (even if they may look the same) between the higher and lower end products.

In Europe aluminum tilt/turns are a lot more common in that application.

My opinion(no science in it, just observations from repairing rental properties) is that windows need to be as maintenance free as possible and as damage proof as possible. Not sure vinyl windows will meet both areas.

Try a magnet on the metal to find out what it is. My bet is aluminum.

The major window manufacturers make aluminum frame windows.

Here is a comparison between vinyl/aluminum framed windows.

100% agree about maintenance free and damage proof!