The value of an architect

I never really knew how much money an architect could save until I had to use one. Most of us think of an architect as an added luxury and an added expense, especially when it comes to renovation projects, or to building a family home. I have learned that the money spent on an architect is money well spent, especially for these smaller projects. The expertise from an architect can save you thousands of dollars.

Most of us are under the impression that it’s easy enough to sketch out an idea and give it to a contractor who will turn the idea into a building. It’s easy enough to skip hiring an architect. After all, why add the typical 10 percent to the cost of construction by hiring an architect? I used to think this way, but several years ago, all that changed. I was given the task to lead a renovation project at one of the local private schools here on Saipan. Because it seemed like a fairly complex task, and because I had no experience in this area, I felt I had no choice but to hire an architect. It made a world of difference, not just in the beauty of the buildings and the usability of the space, but more importantly, in the overall cost savings. The money saved by hiring an architect far exceeded the architect’s fees.

Architects are experts on how to use space. Our architect on that project, Chris Fryling of N15 Architecture, spent time helping us get a clear picture of how we wanted to use the space. The process forced us to clearly define the various functions of the space in our own minds. As a result, he was able to squeeze the maximum use out of every square foot, while keeping things spacious and not cramped. Every square foot costs money, so being able to use the existing space to its maximum potential meant that we didn’t have to build on to the structure. We couldn’t have figured it out without Chris. Money saved.

A good architect can be especially helpful when it comes to building a house. Our family has grown over the past year, and while the house we live in is certainly big enough for all of us, the space is not arranged well for a family of our size. As we plan our new home, our architect guides us to think into the future. He points out that while the kids are young, it makes sense to put their bedrooms close to ours. But as they grow, and move into their teenage years, they will want a greater sense of independence, so rooms that serve one function right now, will serve a different one later. The home office at the other end of the house may become the teenager’s bedroom later, and serve yet another function when the kids leave the house. Using an architect helps a family keep spaces versatile and to build for the future, as well as for the present. The other thing that an architect can do is create spaciousness. Our architect used a variety of advanced techniques to make a 1,500 square feet space feel like a 2000 square feet space. That’s a savings of 33 percent in square footage, which actually makes it cheaper to use an architect than to not use one! More money saved.

Back before I knew the benefits of an architect, I put together plans for a renovation at my office. I asked several contractors to give me proposals for the project. The prices I received ranged from $3,000 to $9,000. After I started using an architect, I realized that one of the best things that an architect does is to put together the bid proposal. It has every little thing spelled out—“Doorknobs will be U.S.-made Baldwin or equivalent,” “Interior walls will be China gypsum _ inch thick place on metal studs spaced 16 inches apart.” I was amazed at how closely the contractors’ bids came in when they were given this kind of detail. With an architect, all the contractors have to use similar materials, so when the price comes in you know exactly what you’re paying for.

The next thing that I learned is that by being careful and meticulous in the planning stages, an architect saves you money by minimizing the number of changes you make after construction begins. Everyone knows that the “change order” costs you big money. Some change orders will be inevitable, but with an architect on board at the beginning, the changes you request after construction has begun are fewer. Even more money saved.

Even if you don’t use an architect to design your building or to prepare the bid, you can hire one to manage the construction project. Everyone has heard a story of the stresses of building a home. It’s a big project to watch over, and there are lots of emotions invested in it. As the project manager, the architect deals with the contractors, watches over the quality of construction, makes sure that the materials used are what was agreed upon, directs them to redo things that might need to be redone, and generally saves you from a lot of headaches. This can save you time, money, and your marriage.

Finally, because of the art involved in architecture, their work adds beauty to the structure and thus to the community. Much of this beauty comes at little or no additional expense. This benefit of architecture makes a building feel like you want to go into it. The beauty of a home or even a commercial building gives it real value. Homes sell better and rent at higher prices when they are beautifully designed. Commercial buildings fill with tenants when they are inviting.

If you’re considering building or renovating, talk to an architect first. See what they can offer. I’ve found hiring an architect to be a great money saver. In addition to Chris Fryling at N15 Architecture (233-5115), other architects listed in the phone book include Herman B. Cabrera & Associates (234-1778) and EM Chen & Associates (235-2445).

(David Khorram, MD is a board certified ophthalmologist, and director of Marianas Eye Institute. Questions and comments are welcome. Call 235-9090 or email eye@vzpacifica.net. Copyright © 2005 David Khorram.)