Step 1
The architect is an important cog in the building process. The architect is the one person who has an overview of the entire process beginning with initial studies of space needs, to site selection, design, construction, and finally furnishings. An architect contributes greatly to the beauty, functionality and energy efficiency of a home and yard. He or she is the home owner's function, design, and quality control advisor.
Architects are usually selected on recommendations from previous clients, a personal interview and a review of previous projects. The architect's fee is based on a percentage of the construction cost, an hourly rate, or a flat fee. Typically, the architect's fee is recouped on energy savings alone over the first 15 years of a building's life.