Home Renovation

Finding the Right Architect for the Job

June 11, 2021

I am so excited to work with an architect. There is a part of me that believes I was an architect in a previous life. I love envisioning what a space could be and how the structure is built. It’s important to use every inch of space strategically, creatively and most important, in a way that will make my everyday life easy and efficient. This is especially important in the city where space is limited. Sketching up a new floor plan is a not only fun, but a creative outlet. I enjoy the creativity, as my day job is filled with numbers and analytics.

As I started this stage of the process, I quickly found myself overwhelmed by all the choices. I spoke to big firms, with big, scary price tags. They would be able to do everything from the architectural plans to the interior design. I then spoke to independent architects whose fees were in the middle. These were great conversations. I learned more about their process, how they approach projects and geek out on architectural design elements. Finally, I spoke to a firm that focuses on churning out the plans. They had the lowest fees which is appealing. They have a lot of experience with old Chicago duplex conversions to single family homes.

The decision was very hard. I went back and forth for a few weeks. We have renters in the upstairs unit, so I didn’t feel the urgency to decide on an architect. So, I finally decided to take a risk and put faith in my vision. I am willing and excited to put in the work, continue to educate myself and partner with the lowest fee firm. From a risk and rewards perspective, if it didn’t work the dollars I was risking were low enough that I could always start over with an independent architect.

My advice…

  • Use the time with the architects to gather more information and learn about the different processes and their approach to a renovation.
  • Take notes! You will have a lot of conversations and having your notes will be helpful to remember all the details.
  • If you are not sure of the layout you want or lack the vision of what your space could look like, you might need more help and should partner with an independent architect or design firm.

Fingers crossed that it was the right decision, but only time will tell.