There’s no single “right time” to involve an architect, but the earlier, the better.
Every project comes with its own unique set of needs, goals, and challenges.
Architects don’t just create technical drawings—they’re key partners in navigating challenges from the start.
Whether it’s defining project goals, addressing site constraints, coordinating systems, or aligning with your team’s vision, early architectural involvement can help avoid missed opportunities, frustration, and costly delays.
Architects can assist you and your team in defining a clear vision, budgeting and feasibility studies, creative exploration to make the most of your resources, and organizing the many moving parts. This post aims to clear up the confusion and empower you to leverage an architect's expertise at the most advantageous points in your project journey.
Why Early Involvement Is Best
While there’s no single “right time”, there is a preferred time: as early as possible! Think of an architect as your creative partner, they are there with you from the very beginning to translate your vision into reality.
Here are four reasons how early involvement sets your project on a path to success:
1. Clarity and Vision:
Architects don't just draw the plans, elevations, and details which will become a tangible building; they act as sounding boards, helping refine your ideas and transform them into cohesive, well-defined project documents. Architects can help you identify project goals, needs, and wants and translate that into programming plans, phasing diagrams, renderings, material choices, and other documentation that focuses on the smallest of details to the big picture.
At VALERE we start every project in a similar way, gathering information. Clients often do not have answers to the questions we ask, which is okay! We want you and your team to dig deep and provide us with as much information as possible, especially early on. Guided by our previous experience, we approach each project with a holistic perspective unique to our profession.
2. Feasibility and Budget:
Architects possess a keen understanding of site limitations, zoning regulations, and general construction costs. By involving them early, you can avoid surprises and ensure your dream aligns with your budget.
Does your construction budget align with your design ideas? Do you have a realistic timeline for the design, bidding, and construction process? We can start with whatever project metrics you have defined and work with you from there.
3. Creative Collaboration:
The earlier the architect joins the team, the more influence they can have on the design. They can tailor the space to your unique needs and preferences, resulting in a truly customized environment.
Every project starts with a different collection of materials. We have clients that come to us with nothing but a logo, a name and menu for a café, a unit count for a multi-family development, or a target canopy square footage goal for a cannabis cultivation facility. Architecture and interior design are inherently a collaboration between us and you no matter your starting point.
4. Streamlined Process:
Proactive planning with your architect minimizes the risk of costly rework later in the design phase. Architects can foresee potential challenges and address them upfront, ensuring a smoother bidding and construction process. When we embark on your project with you from as early as possible, you maintain a team that has your best interest in mind keeping your vision, goals, and budget at the front of every decision we make.
Early Involvement Is Best, But It Is Never Too Late
Congratulations, your project is already underway! Maybe you’ve engaged a civil engineer to establish a site plan and now you are searching for an architect. You and your team may be in need of documentation to acquire funding, or you’re having trouble with your current architect having relevant experience.
At VALERE we are often approached by clients who worked with a “design consultant” to establish a floor plan, but now need a design professional (architect) who can develop the required documentation for permitting and construction and coordinate with the rest of the design team. Check out our other blog posts that dive into the differences between a “design consultant" and design professionals, and what documentation is required to start construction.
Examples
Architects can be invaluable partners even if your project is already underway in many ways. Here are a few examples of how VALERE was brought onto the design team later in the game:
1. Salvaging a Stalled Project:
Feeling stuck? Architects can breathe new life into stagnant plans. Their fresh perspective and problem-solving skills can help identify roadblocks and propose innovative solutions. Targeted questions, precedent studies, and discussion are helpful tools in getting your project back on track.
While every project is unique, we have identified the common pain points of the design process based on previous experience. Sometimes all you need is a rendering, a review of your project goals, or a fresh set of design ideas to reinvigorate your project and team.
2. Course Correction and Optimization:
Even if you have a basic design, an architect can refine and optimize it. They can address concerns about functionality, budget, or aesthetics, ensuring your space not only looks good but functions in a way to meet your needs.
Maybe the circulation of your cultivation facility isn’t efficient, or maybe your restaurant interiors don’t create the atmosphere you intended? Did a construction estimate come back over budget? Does the current plan of your development fall short of target residential units? At VALERE we do not hesitate to take a step back, collect your thoughts/concerns, and dive into the drawings to propose a solution that is right for you.
3. Adding Expertise at Key Stages:
Architects can contribute valuable insights at any stage of your project. Whether you need help selecting finish materials, navigating complex construction details, or initial program planning, their expertise can make a significant difference. We have an established team of dedicated design professionals for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and fire protection engineering we can engage with to provide a full-service approach tailored to your project needs.
Our understanding of codes and regulations, and how to stay informed about these codes, also brings value to projects at every stage. Early sketches of floor plans account for exit doors that are not always intuitive. For example, not accounting for a required egress stair in a floor plan could negatively impact the unit count of a residential building in a later design phase.
Making the Most of Your Architect
Architects do more than draw floor plans. The documentation we generate takes a holistic view of the building including exterior elevations, building sections, reflected ceiling plans, interior elevations, fixture, furniture, and equipment coordination, door and window schedules, paint color, lighting fixtures, and construction details just to name a few. We approach every project as a collaboration with you and your team whether you have a defined vision or just the start of an idea.
To maximize the benefits of working with an architect, it is important to remember these four key points:
1. Communication is Key:
Be open and honest about your vision, needs, goals, and concerns throughout the entire design process. The more information you share, the better your architect can translate your dream into reality.
2. Embrace Feedback and Collaboration:
View your architect as a valuable partner, not just a service provider. Their feedback and suggestions are informed by their expertise and can significantly enhance your project.
3. Ask Questions and Stay Informed:
Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek clarification. The more involved you are, the more informed decisions you can make, leading to a more satisfying outcome. When you ask questions, it lets us know that you are engaged with the process.
4. Design is an Iterative Process:
From the first sketch through final drawings, good design is a process that takes time. This process lets the design team work from the big picture down to the details. Along the way you may find yourself redefining or adjusting certain needs and goals you thought were set, and this is part of the process!
The Takeaway:
The right time to contact an architect is now!
While bringing an architect on board in the early stages of your project offers distinct advantages, an architect’s expertise can be incredibly valuable at any stage of your project. If our services are needed now or later, it never hurts to start a conversation as it is likely architectural services will be required eventually. Don't hesitate to schedule a consultation, regardless of how far along you are. Take the first step towards building a space you'll love with the invaluable guidance of an architect by your side.
Have questions about a project you're working on?
If you're considering working with an architect or just have questions about your project, reach out to VALERE Architects! No matter where you are in the process—whether it's just an idea or well underway—we’re here to provide insight and guidance. Our team is always happy to start a discussion, explore your vision, and help set your project on the path to success. Contact us today to see how we can support your goals, every step of the way.