Architecture firms in Long Beach, CA come in all shapes and sizes. There are large architecture firms that generally take on large commercial or municipal projects. Then, there are smaller architecture firms that specialize in smaller commercial projects, tenant improvements, and residential design (home remodels as well as new home design). There are even independent architects in Long Beach who typically handle small to medium sized projects. Based on the size and scope of your upcoming project, you can usually narrow down your search to a select few architecture firms in Long Beach, CA that take on projects like yours, but what other factors should you consider as you are going through the selection process?
One thing to keep in mind is whether you want to go with a design-build architecture firm or not. A design-build firm is one that has both architectural designers and general contractors in house. It is essentially a one-stop-shop for your project. You work with one company for both the design portion and the building portion. While this may sound appealing for its convenience, there are a couple of things to consider before going with this route.
According to Long Beach architect Mark Grisafe, “When you go with a design-build firm, you are locked in to working with the company for both the design portion of the project and the build. However, you may discover that while you like working with the architect at the firm, you don’t necessarily like working with their general contractor—or vice versa. For something as important as a major home remodel, a custom home build, or a commercial project, you should take the time to interview both the architect and general contractor who will potentially be working with you to make sure each person you hire will be a good fit for your project and will be someone you can communicate easily with. You may find that the best architect and general contractor work for the same design-build firm, but more than likely, the best two individuals for your project will work at separate companies.”
Another thing to keep in mind with design-build firms is that working with one eliminates your ability get multiple bids from general contractors on the construction portion of the project. The construction phase is, by far, the costliest phase of a project, and when you cut out the competitive bidding process, you may end up spending more than you need to. Grisafe explains how not working with a design-build firm can often save you money: “When you work with one of the independent architecture firms in Long Beach you can take the plans they produce to several different general contractors and have each of them bid on the job. Since all the general contractors will be bidding on the exact same set of plans, you can easily compare prices. Allowing multiple contractors to bid on your plans can often help you secure a better price—especially if you let each contractor know that there are multiple contractors bidding on the job.”
After you decide if you want to go with a design-build firm or one of the architecture firms in Long Beach, CA that lets you work with the general contractor of your choice, you’ll want to interview architects at several different firms to find one that offers a level of service that matches your expectations. Some architecture firms allow you to be very involved in the design process, while others don’t. Some firms will take your design through the permitting process, while others require you or your general contractor to complete this important step.
As you interview architects, you also want to make sure that you can communicate well with your designer, since good communication is often the key to a successful design outcome.
