Consumer Information - Looking for an Ohio Architect?


				Why an AIA Architect? Like doctors and lawyers, architects are licensed professionals. The title "Architect" may be used only by an individual who possesses a state license to practice architecture. They are the only professionals in the construction industry who are ethically bound to represent you, the building owner. Professional qualifications generally include: • College degree from an accredited school of architecture, requiring five or more years of professional studies • Three years of internship under the supervision of licensed architects • Passage of a rigorous examination Only those professionals who have fulfilled these requirements, or other requirements as stipulated by each individual state, may legally call themselves architects and practice architecture in the jurisdiction granting the license. Individuals may be registered, or licensed, in more than one state by means of reciprocal licensing agreements among the states. Get the real thing . . . Look for "AIA" Look for the AIA initials after the name of any architect you consider for your project. AIA architects remain current with professional standards through continuing education and subscribe to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assure clients, the public and colleagues of their dedication to high standards in professional practice. What is the AIA? The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the professional organization that helps architects serve the public's needs and builds awareness of the role of architects and architecture in American society. The organization was created in 1857. Today, with headquarters in Washington, DC, and nearly 300 local chapters, the organization represents over 70,000 licensed architects and associated professionals. AIA members adhere to a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that assures clients, the public and colleagues of their dedication to high standards in professional practice. © 2004, The Potomac Valley Chapter of Maryland - The American Institute of Architects 3907 Metzerott Road, College Park, MD 20740-2078 - Phone: (301)935-5544 - Fax: (240)465-02 What an Architect Can Do For You No matter what kind of project you have in mind, you should speak with an architect who is a member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the earliest stage of the design process. Architects have the education, training, experience and vision to maximize your construction dollar and ease the entire design and construction process. Commercial and Institutional Architects Whether you're about to expand your current facility, adapt an existing structure to a new use, or construct an entirely new building, your building project represents a major investment that will affect the productivity and efficiency of your organization for years. Smart decision-makers know that the way to maximize such an investment begins with consulting an architect. Architects have the education, training, experience and vision to maximize your construction dollar and ease the entire design and construction process. Early involvement is key. By helping you define the building project, architects can provide meaningful guidance for design. They can conduct site studies, help secure planning and zoning approvals, and perform a variety of other pre-design tasks. Plus, when architects are involved at the earliest planning stage, they gain more opportunities to understand your business, develop creative solutions, and propose ways to reduce costs. The long-term result is a facility that adds to the productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness of your operation. Residential Architects You have a vision of what you want. Now you need to make that vision a reality. Architects are specially educated to help you define what you want to build, present options you might never have considered, and help you get the most for your valuable investment. They don't just design four walls and a roof? They create total environments, both interiors and exteriors, that are functional and exciting places in which to work and live. Architects are trained problem solvers. Need more room for your growing family? Architects can show you how to enlarge your home so you won't have to move. Have a limited budget? Architects can propose ways to get more for your investment than you imagined possible. Architects help you get the most from your construction dollar. Architects can reduce building costs, decrease your home's energy needs, and increase its future resale value through good design. Building is a long process that is often messy and disruptive, particularly if you're living in the space while it's under construction. Your architect represents you, not the contractors. Your architect looks out for your interests and smoothes the process, helps find qualified construction contractors, and visits the worksite to help protect you against work that's not according to plan. Why You Should Hire an Architect Few people realize how complicated it is to build - that is until they find themselves lost in a maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, contractors and so on. No two building projects are exactly alike, so there is no single, clear cut path to follow. The architect is the one professional who has the education, training, experience and vision to guide you through the entire design/construction process, from helping you define what you want to build to helping you get the most or your construction dollar. Architects see the big picture. They don't just design four walls and a roof - they create total environments, interiors and exteriors, that satisfy functional needs and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and live. Whether you are remodeling, adding on, or building from scratch, the architect can guide the way. Working with contractors and other construction professionals, architects can help you end up with a well designed project that meets your need and works with your budget and time frame. The Architect Solves Problems Most building projects start with a want or a need. "I need more file space in my office." Or, "We've outgrown our house." But how does that need or want get translated into square feet and three-dimensional space? That is what architects are trained to do - solve problems in creative ways. With Their broad knowledge of design and construction, architects can show you alternatives and options you might never think of on your own. Need more room for your growing family? An architect can show you how to enlarge your home so you don't have to move. Not sure how fast your business is going to grow?? An architect can design an office that meets your needs today and can be adapted for tomorrow. Have a limited budget? The architect looks for ways to make your project cost effective. The Architect Can Save You Money The architect's services are a wise investment for the money, not an added cost to your project. Why? Because a well-conceived project can be built more efficiently and economically. Architects plan your projects with you. As your ideas evolve, changes can be made on paper - much less expensively than later on when construction is underway. Thorough drawings also make it easier for the contractor to accurately price and build your project. Because energy efficient buildings can save you money on fuel bills down the road. An architect can design a building to maximize heating from the sun and let in natural light, thus reducing your heating, cooling and electric bills over time. Because the architect can work with your budget and help you select the appropriate materials and workmanship at a fair price. Architects develop the drawings and specifications to help you get bids for construction that are based on your requirements. Because an architect can help you choose materials and finishes that are durable as well as beautiful, saving on frequent maintenance and replacement costs. Architects work to stay abreast of advances in roofing, brick work, floor tiling, paint finishes, etc. Their familiarity with the full range of materials enables them to suggest the appropriate materials for your project. Because good design sells. A well-designed house has a higher resale value. A well-designed work environment attracts employees and increases productivity. The Architect Can Make Your Life Easier Let's face it, building is a long process that is often messy and disruptive, particularly if you are living and working in the space under construction. The architect you hire looks out for your interests and tries to find ways to make that process go smoothly. If your project requires engineering or other design services, the architect can coordinate this team of experts so you don't have to. The architect sorts out complex building codes and zoning laws. The architect can help you find qualified construction contractors based on your requirements. The architect visits the construction site to help verify that the project is being built according to plans and specifications. © 2004, The Potomac Valley Chapter of Maryland - The American Institute of Architects 3907 Metzerott Road, College Park, MD 20740-2078 - Phone: (301)935-5544 - Fax: (240)465-0253 What Do Architects Do? You have a vision of what you want. Now you need to make that vision a reality. Here's how an architect can help you: • Architects see the big picture • Architects are specially educated to help you define what you want to build, present options you might never have considered, and help you get the most for your valuable investment. They don't just design four walls and a roof -- they create total environments, both interiors and exteriors, that are functional and exciting places in which to work and live. • Architects solve problems creatively • Architects are trained problem solvers. Need more room for your growing family? Architects can show you how to enlarge your home so you won't have to move. Have a limited budget? Architects can propose ways to get more for your investment than you imagined possible. • Architects help you get the most from your construction dollar •Architects can reduce building costs, decrease your home's energy needs, and increase its future resale value through good design. • Architects make your life easier Building is a long process that is often messy and disruptive, particularly if you're living in the space while it's under construction. Your architect represents you, not the contractors. Your architect looks out for your interests and smoothes the process, helps find qualified construction contractors, and visits the worksite to help protect you against work that's not according to plan. Speak with an architect who is a member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the earliest stage of the design process. © 2004, The Potomac Valley Chapter of Maryland - The American Institute of Architects 3907 Metzerott Road, College Park, MD 20740-2078 - Phone: (301)935-5544 - Fax: (240)465-0253 Six Steps Involved in Design and Construction Design and construction projects involve several steps. Typically, projects go through the following six phases. However, on some projects, several of these steps may be combined or there may be additional ones. Step 1: Programming/Deciding What to Build The homeowner and architect discuss the requirements for the project (how many rooms, the function of the spaces, etc.), testing the fit between the owner's needs, wants and budget. Step 2: Schematic Design/Rough Sketches The architect prepares a series of rough sketches, known as schematic design, which show the general arrangement of rooms and of the site. Some architects also prepare models to help visualize the project. The homeowner approves these sketches before proceeding to the next phase. Step 3: Design Development/Refining the Design The architect prepares more detailed drawings to illustrate other aspects of the proposed design. Floor plans show all the rooms in correct size and shape. Outline specifications are prepared listing the major materials and room finishes. Step 4: Preparation of Construction Documents Once the homeowner has approved the design, the architect prepares detailed drawings and specifications, which the contractor will use to establish actual construction cost and build the project. The drawings and specifications become part of the building contract. Step 5: Hiring the Contractor The homeowner selects and hires the contractor. The architect may be willing to make some recommendations. In many cases, homeowners choose from among several contractors they've asked to submit bids on the job. The architect can help you prepare bidding documents as well as invitations to bid and instructions to bidders. Step 6: Construction Administration While the contractor will physically build the home or the addition, the architect can assist the homeowner in making sure that the project is built according to the plans and specifications. The architect can make site visits to observe construction, review and approve the contractor's application for payment, and generally keep the homeowner informed of the project's progress. The contractor is solely responsible for construction methods, techniques, schedules and procedures. © 2004, The Potomac Valley Chapter of Maryland - The American Institute of Architects 3907 Metzerott Road, College Park, MD 20740-2078 - Phone: (301)935-5544 - Fax: (240)465-0253 Twenty Questions to Ask Your Architect 1. What does the architect see as important issues or considerations in your project? 2. How will the architect approach your project? 3. How will the architect gather information about your needs, goals, etc.? 4. How will the architect establish priorities and make decisions? 5. Who from the architecture firm will be dealing with you directly? 6. Is that the same person who will be designing the project? Who will be designing the project? 7. How interested is the architect in this project? 8. How busy is the architect? 9. What sets this architect apart form the rest? 10. How does the architect establish fees? 11. What would the architect expect the fee to be for this project? 12. What are the steps in the design process?How does the architect organize the process? 13. What does the architect expect you to provide? 14. What is the architect's design philosophy? 15. What is the architect's experience/track record with cost estimating? 16. What will the architect show you along the way to explain the project? Will you see models, drawings, or sketches? 17. If the scope of the project changes later in the project, will there be additional fees? How will these fees be justified? 18. What services does the architect provided during construction? 19. How disruptive will construction be? How long does the architect expect it to take to complete your project? 20. Does the architect have a list of past clients with whom the firm has worked? © 2004, The Potomac Valley Chapter of Maryland - The American Institute of Architects 3907 Metzerott Road, College Park, MD 20740-2078 - Phone: (301)935-5544 - Fax: (240)465-0253 Messages of the Built Environment Try this activity to help you and your family become more aware of the built environment around you. Visit the AAF for more information. " Take a neighborhood walk and look at some windows. " What shapes do you see? Why? " Where do you see windows? " What do you think is behind them? " Find some that appear in odd places. " What would it be like to have no windows? " What would it be like to have all windows? " Draw a picture of a building that is interesting to you, or design your own. Where did you put the windows? What is the building's story? Careers in Architecture Discover architecture It is diverse and multifaceted, and has many opportunities for specialization -- become familiar with the options. Be interested. In the design of the built environment and public space. Ask questions. Contact your local AIA chapter; talk with architects; observe buildings and construction sites; visit schools and speak with architecture students. Prepare for professional education. Develop a broad interest in the arts and humanities and a solid background in the physical sciences, and math. Learn communication skills. Writing, speaking, freehand drawing. Read. Books and magazines on architecture and design. Resources The American Institute of Architects, Careers in Architecture, AIA Press, www.aia.org Roger K. Lewis, FAIA, A Candid Guide to the Profession, MIT Press, 1985 Contact The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), 202-626-7472, for career information. Contact the director of education at the American Institute of Architects (AIA), 800-242-3837, for career information. Glossary of Terms Related to Building Construction Addenda: Written or graphic documents, issued before the execution of a contract that modify, clarify or interpret the bid documents. AIA: The American Institute of Architects, a profession organization of registered architects. Allowance: A fixed sum for a specific portion of the work determined by the architect in advance of bidding to be used by all bidders in their bids. An Allowance would be used when the exact character or quality of an element of the work is not known at the time of bidding. Alternate: An alternative to the base bid that provides for a change in the level of quality, or scope of the work specified in the base bid. This provides the owner with an option to modify the project by accepting or rejecting the alternate. Approved Equal: Material, equipment, or method proposed by the contractor and approved by the architect for incorporation in or use in the work as equivalent in essential attributes to the material, equipment, or method specified in the contract document. Architect: A designation reserved, usually by law, for a person or organization professionally qualified and duly licensed to perform architectural services. Architect of Record: The architect licensed in the jurisdiction that the project is located in, who prepares, stamps and signs the construction documents, and is legally recorded as the architect for the project. As-Built Drawings: Drawings prepared after construction, that describe the actual construction of a project. Bid: A written agreement prepared by the bidder to enter into a contract to provide the labor and/or materials required by the terms of the bid documents. Bid Documents: Written and graphic documents prepared by the architect used by the bidders to prepare the bid. A typical bid document might include, construction drawings, specifications, instructions to bidders, a bid form, and other information used by the bidder in the preparation of a bid. Bid Security: A bond, cash, cashier's check, bank draft, or money order used to warrant that the selected bidder will execute the construction contract and furnish a performance bond, if required, within a stipulated period of time. Bond: A written obligation by which a bonding agency agrees to pay a specified amount, or complete specified work, in the event a contract is not completed. Building Official: The municipal official responsible for enforcement and interpretation of the building code. Building Inspector: An employee or agent of a governmental authority empowered to inspect building projects and insure that they are constructed according to code. Building Codes: Regulations, ordinances or statutory requirements of a government unit relating to building construction and occupancy, generally adopted and administered for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. Building Plan: A view of a building floor, looking down from above, showing its horizontal elements, such as, walls, doors, windows, cabinetry, etc.. Building Permit: A license granted by a government agency to construct a specific project on a specific site, under the terms of the permit. CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) : State law requiring public agencies to review projects before approval to identify possible adverse effects on the environment. Change Order: An amendment to the construction contract signed by the owner, architect, and contractor that authorizes a change in the work or an adjustment in the contract sum, or the contract time, or both. Civil Engineer: An engineer that deals primarily, but not exclusively, with site work, such as road design, drainage design and grading. Construction Budget: The sum established by the owner as available for construction of the project, including contingencies for bidding to contractors and for changes during construction. Construction Documents: Drawings and specifications created by an architect that set forth in detail requirements for the construction of the project. Consultant: In the context of this glossary, a consultant is a design professional usually employed by the architect, to help design a project, such as, a structural engineer, mechanical engineer, interior designer, etc. Contract: An agreement between two or more parties. In the context of this glossary, a contract refers to the agreement between the contractor and owner, or between the architect and owner. Contract Documents: The collection of documents that define the agreement between the owner and the contractor, including, but not limited to, the contract, written specifications, and the drawings. Contractor: In this glossary, the contractor is the builder that has entered into an agreement with the owner to build a project. Since the contractor may bring in subcontractors to construct portions of the project, he/she may also be referred to as "the general contractor" or "the general". CSI: The Construction Specifications Institute, a professional organization of construction specification writers. Design/Build: A method of project delivery in which the owner contracts directly with a single entity that is responsible for both design and construction services for a construction project. Design Development: The preparation of more detailed drawings and final design plans, showing correct sizes and shapes for rooms. Also included is an outline of the construction specifications, listing the major materials to be used. Design Architect: A design architect would produce the schematic and/or design development documents for a project, but usually not the construction documents, and may not be the architect of record. This is usually only done on larger projects. Design Review Committee (Architectural Review Committee): A committee, usually appointed by the city council, or other elected body, that considers the design and aesthetics of proposed development. Detail: A drawing showing an element, or a small portion of the building. Door Schedule: A list of the doors, and their characteristics for a project, usually shown in a tabular form. Electrical Engineer: An engineer that designs the electrical and communications systems for a building. Elevation: A horizontal view of a building, or object, from one side. Energy Code: That portion of the building code that relates to energy usage conservation requirements, and standards. In California this is part of Title 24, and is sometimes referred to as "Title 24". Environmental Impact Report (EIR): Detailed review of a proposed project, its potential adverse environmental effects, possible changes that can be made to reduce adverse effects, and possible alternatives. Final Completion: That point in which all work is complete, and all other contract requirements have been satisfied. Finish Schedule: A list of the rooms, and their finishes, usually shown in a tabular form. Fire Code: That portion of the building code that relates to fire safety requirements, and standards. Fire Protection Engineer: An engineer that designs the fire alarm, and fire suppression systems for a building. General conditions of the Contract: The legal requirements in a construction contract that cover a wide variety of topics, issues, and problems that may arise once the project is under construction. Hardware Schedule: A list of the hardware used in the doors, usually shown in a tabular form, and referenced in the door schedule. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and cooling systems. Initial Study: Pursuant to CEQA, analysis of a project's potential environmental effects to determine whether an EIR is required. Instructions to Bidders: The ground rules that bidders are expected to adhere to in a bid, such as, date/time bids are due, bid form, where bids are to be delivered, etc. Interior Elevation: A horizontal view of an interior wall of a building. Invitation to Bid: A letter inviting a potential bidder to prepare a bid on a project. Labor and Material Payment Bond: A bond that protects the owner from suits arising out of the original contractor's failure to pay for labor and materials. Land Use Code (Planning Code): That portion of a municipal ordinance that regulates the development and use of land within the jurisdiction. Landscape Architect: A licensed design professional that deals primarily, but not exclusively, with site work, such as plant selection, irrigation systems, site furniture, etc. Lien: A claim on the property of another as security for the payment of a just debt. Life Cycle Cost Analysis: The calculation of expected future operating, maintenance, and replacement costs of designs and features to assist owners in developing a realistic design and budget estimate. Mechanical Engineer: An engineer that designs the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems for a building. Negative Declaration: A document approved by a public agency based on a determination that a project not exempt from CEQA will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment. Overhead: That portion of the cost of doing business that is not directly related to any specific project. Performance Bond: A bond that binds a surety company to complete a construction contract if the contractor defaults. Permits: Approvals required by local building authorities, including building, land use, fire, energy code, etc. Perspective: A 2 dimensional drawing that represents a 3 dimensional view with vanishing points. Planning Commission: A group of citizens appointed by the city council or board of supervisors to consider land use planning matters including proposals to adopt or amend a general plan or zoning ordinance, take action on subdivisions, and approve use permits and variances. Profit: That portion of a fee not included as a direct or overhead cost. Profit is considered the benefit accrued for doing business. Program: A written statement setting forth design objectives, constraints, and criteria for a project, including special requirements and systems, and site requirements. The program is usually prepared by the architect with input from the owner regarding the goals, needs and function of the project, design expectations, available budget, and pertinent building code and zoning regulations. Project Budget: The sum established by the owner as available for the entire project, including the construction budget, land costs, costs of furniture, furnishings, and equipment; financing costs; compensation for professional services; cost of owner furnished goods and services; contingency allowance; and similar established or estimated costs. Retainage: A portion of contractor's earned funds withheld from each progress payment until the project is complete. 5 to 10% is a common amount withheld, and is used as leverage to insure that the work is indeed completed under contract. Schematic Design: The preparation of studies to ascertain the requirements of the project, consisting of drawings and other documents illustrating the scale and relationships of the project components for approval by the owner. The architect also submits to the owner a preliminary estimate of construction cost based on current area, volume, or other unit costs. Section: A drawing that represents a slice through a building (usually a vertical slice). Setback: Minimum distance that zoning ordinance requires must be maintained between a structure and property lines or between two structures. Shop Drawings: Detailed drawings showing how building elements will be fabricated, usually prepared by the fabricator or manufacturer. Site Plan: A view of a project site, looking down from above, showing its horizontal elements, such as, buildings, vegetation, roads, contours, etc.. Soils Engineer: An engineer that is licensed to analyze soil conditions and produce design criteria used by the structural engineer to design the structural systems for a building. Specifications: A part of the construction documents contained in the project manual consisting of written requirements for materials, equipment, construction systems, standards and workmanship, usually prepared in a standard 16 part CSI format. Square Footage: Square footage is the building floor area, and it can be calculated as either gross or net square footage. No uniform standard for computing building area for all types of buildings yet exists, and architects, builders and realtors each measure square footage differently. Structural Engineer: An engineer that is licensed to design the structural systems for a building. Subcontractor: A contractor, usually a specialty contractor, such as electrical or plumbing, that is under subcontract to the general contractor. Submittals: Items that the contractor must submit to the architect for review and approval including such items as, shop drawings, product data, samples, mock-ups, test results, warranties, maintenance manuals, etc. Substantial Completion: The point when construction is sufficiently complete in accordance with the contract documents, that the owner can occupy or utilize the building or space. Supplementary Conditions: Modifications to the general conditions of a contract to adapt them to a particular project. Surveyor: A licensed design professional that prepares drawings defining existing site conditions, site boundaries, and sets monuments locating those boundaries. Unit Price: A price for a specified unit of work and/or materials used to cover unknown conditions and variables that cannot be quantified exactly at the time of bidding. Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit): Pursuant to the zoning ordinance, a permit to authorize uses not routinely allowed on a particular site subject to compliance with specified conditions. May require a public hearing before the Planning Commission, Zoning Board, or Zoning Administrator. Variance: A limited waiver from the requirements of the zoning ordinance, or building code, that may be granted because of special circumstances regarding the subject property. A land use variance usually requires a public hearing before the Planning Commission, Zoning Board,or Zoning Administrator. A building code variance may be granted by the Building Official, or a Board of Permit Appeals. Vendor: The supplier of materials, and equipment used in the construction of a project. Window Schedule: A list of the windows, and their characteristics for a project, usually shown in a tabular form. Zoning: Local ordinances regulating the use and development of property by dividing the jurisdiction into land use districts or zones represented on a map and specifying the uses and development standards (e.g. maximum height of structures, minimum setbacks, minimum useable open space) within each zone. Zoning Permit (Zoning Certificate, Land Use Permit): A permit granted pursuant to the zoning ordinance to allow development or use of a specific project on a specific site under the terms of the permit. Required prior to obtaining building permit. © 2004, The Potomac Valley Chapter of Maryland - The American Institute of Architects 3907 Metzerott Road, College Park, MD 20740-2078 - Phone: (301)935-5544 - Fax: (240)465-0253