Q: Why do I need an architect? A: It’s the LAW and, in most cases, it is required. Florida Statute FS 481.229 lists exceptions from licensure. An architect can save you money, time and trouble, additionally; they are great resources if you have questions or are building something for the first time. Including an architect as part of your project team can add value to your building and will give your project the best opportunity for success. For more information on the Florida Statutes visit the link to the left. Q: Who regulates architects? A: The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards regulates architecture at the national level. Ultimately, every State has the authority to regulate the practice of architecture within its jurisdiction. All regulatory criteria and statutes can be obtained through the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. In Florida, the Board or Architecture and Interior Design govern both architects and interior designers. For additional information on DBPR or NCARB please visit the links to the left. Q: What do architects do? A: Along with producing the construction drawings, architects and engineering consultants make sure that projects meet Local, State & Federal regulations for safe use and occupation. The primary role of the architect is to PROTECT THE HEALTH, WELFARE and SAFETY of the GENERAL PUBLIC. Q: What is the difference between a building designer and an architect? A: As confusing as it may sound, for projects that do not meet the requirements for exception from licensure, the State of Florida does not recognize a building designer as a design professional, that is to say, ONLY a Florida Registered architect can be recognized as the building designer because architects are required to be licensed by the State and must complete and show evidence of continuing education. It is illegal for anyone not holding a valid license to even call themselves an architect. Additionally, building designers cannot sign & seal drawings. For additional information please see Florida Statute FS 481.213 Q: How can I identify a Florida Registered architect? A: Per Florida Statutes, ALL registered architects in the State of Florida must display their license number on all marketing literature including, but not limited to, phone listings, letterhead, drawing title block, business cards, brochures and vehicle displays/ signs. Additionally, ALL Florida licensed architects are issued a wall display license and a wallet display license that is current for 2 years. If you aren’t sure, ask to see it. Once you’ve got a license number, you can check the status on the Department of Business & Professional Regulation website. There you can see if his/her license is active and you can also file a complaint. Architects practicing as sole proprietors are assigned numbers that begin with the letters “AR”. If the architect is practicing under a fictitious name, partnership, corporation or LLC, they must have a certificate of authorization. Certificate of Authorization numbers begin with the letters “AA”. Beware; an AIA number IS NOT a license to practice architecture. The American Institute of Architects is not a licensing body, it is a professional organization. Q: What if I already purchased house plans online? A: This is a matter of copyright law. A Florida registered architect may only sign & seal plans that were drawn under his/ her direct supervision. If someone else did the drawings, then the architect, by law, would have to have a written copyright release from the original designer and, at the very least, should redraw the construction documents, checking for compliance with all local, State & Federal regulations. Most architects are reluctant to take on these projects because once the architect accepts the commission; he/she may assume the liability for that particular design. Q: What should I do if I’m unhappy with my current architect and would like to hire a different one? A: Situations like these arise more often than people think. Here are a few tips for both sides: Remain professional. Honor your contract. This should go without saying, but is typically the reason that things go wrong to begin with. The second biggest reason is that one or both parties feel that their expectations are not being met. Familiarize yourself with the terms of your contract. Ultimately, you may have to pay for services that have already been rendered to that point. Typically the account should be current prior to termination. You may need to review your contract with an attorney. Schedule a meeting with the architect. Communicate the problem/ your concerns.
Move mouse over Part(2) to continue... Listen and be open to reasonable alternatives. There may be very good reasons why something can’t be done or accommodated. If/when you decide to terminate services, depending on the stage of the work, ask for a written release of copyright/ intellectual properties. Find a replacement architect. Discuss what happened with the previous architect. In many cases the replacement architect will call, meet with or simply know your original architect. After reviewing all the information, the replacement architect may or may not decide to take on your project. Keep in mind that the replacement architect is not legally obligated to take over your project even if you’ve already terminated the contract with your previous architect.
Q: My architect is unresponsive or quit. What should I do? A: Most likely, you’ll need to hire another architect. If the project has already been permitted, you/your contractor will need to contact the permitting agency (building department) and make them aware of the situation. They should be able to help you or explain their procedure(s). Q: My architect isn’t licensed. What should I do? A: You should report ALL unlicensed activity to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Q: What should I look for in a contract for architectural services? A: A good contract should EXIST. Often times we think that good deals can only happen through oral and good faith “on a handshake” agreements. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We recommend you take the time up front to negotiate a good fee and commit to a fair contract. A good contract clearly identifies the parties involved and delineates things like scope of services, fee schedules, payment schedules/ terms, conflict resolution and termination. Additionally, it gives both parties a good idea of what each should expect from the other. Many architects use standard AIA contracts that can be used for most projects. Q: What do I look for in a good architect? A: A good architect listens to what the client wants and should be able to interpret that information and translate it into a tangible design or concept. Good architects should be able to communicate both orally and visually through the use of hand sketches, physical models, Computer Aided Drawings and virtual 3D models. Good architects know the current codes & local ordinances and should be able to answer most questions about them or at least be able to give you some explanation as to their implication(s) on your particular project. Finally, a good architect should be able to function as a good businessperson. The architect should be responsive to client needs and should serve as a resource/ guide throughout the entire project. Q: What are the typical architectural services? A: Generally speaking, architects offer (5) five basic services: 1. Schematic Design 2. Design Development 3. Construction Documentation 4. Bidding & Negotiation 5. Construction Administration Additionally, architects can offer additional services including, but not limited to: site planning, feasibility studies, building information modeling, 3D modeling & rendering, life cycle cost analysis, Interior design, LEED consultation (if accredited), and owner’s representation services. Not ALL architects offer the same additional services so your decision to select an architect should take into account what he/she may have to offer. Q: How much do architects cost? A: Architect’s fees vary from project to project and are influenced by factors such as: type of project, scale/ size, scope of services, amount of overhead and or estimated construction costs. Q: What is the difference between an architect and a structural engineer? A: architects and structural engineers can provide the same service(s) if they are (1): competent to do so and (2): if the nature of the architecture or engineering is “incidental” to their primary service. The architect cannot solely provide engineering services and the engineer cannot solely provide architectural services and neither may describe himself/herself as anything other than what they are licensed as. Q: What is LEED®? A: LEED® stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED is a program created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to certify buildings that demonstrate superior energy efficiency and environmental principles in their design, construction, operation and maintenance. For more information visit the USGBC’s website at the link to the left. Q. What is the difference between LEED Accredited and LEED Certified? A: A LEED Accredited Professional is a design or construction professional with knowledge of the LEED rating systems and process required to certify a building. Buildings can be Certified, Certified Silver, Certified Gold, or Certified Platinum. For more information visit the USGBC’s website at the link to the left. 
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