What to Expect When Hiring an Architecture and Design Firm

GOAT is a New Orleans-based architectural design office that offers creative solutions in architecture, interiors, and branding for a diverse range of client and project types.  Our team has worked on a wide variety of project types to create unique, contemporary spaces and structures.  While we live and breathe design, we realize that what we do and how we do it can be a bit of a mystery to the general public.  Whether we are the right fit for your project or not, we want to help you to know what to expect.  So, with this blog series, the GOAT team will demystify the process of hiring and working with an architect by going into detail about the process from start to finish. Below is a brief overview of the things we will cover over the coming months:

Finding the Right Architect

Researching, contacting, interviewing, and hiring a design team can be an overwhelming undertaking if you are new to the process. Finding the right fit for your project is a critical first step. In this post we will cover what type of projects require an architect, the types of firms that are out there for consideration, resources to help you find options, and what factors to consider during the process.

Proposals and Contracts

Once you have narrowed down your search to one or a few finalists, you will likely receive a fee proposal to seal the deal. We will help you avoid sticker shock by sharing what to typically expect, define the terms you are likely to see, and help you understand how a contractual agreement is beneficial for all parties involved.

The Design Process

So, you’ve hired your dream design team… Now what? We will give you a peek behind the curtain to explain how our design process works and explain the typical project phases and the deliverables to expect throughout.

Documentation & Permitting

To the uninitiated, the actual permit and construction documents for a project, even a small one, can be so opaque as to be overwhelming.  We will help you understand how to read a set of construction drawings and describe how the permit review process can be expected to go.

Construction

Once you have a set of construction documents and a permit, your architect’s job is done, right? Not quite.  We will explain why retaining your architect throughout construction is critical to your project’s success, what to look for in a general contractor, and what to expect during construction.

Whether remodeling your kitchen or building your dream home, opening a small café or envisioning a high rise of the future, there is a design team that will help you make it a reality. 

To view a selection of our work, head over to nolagoat.com/work.