When you’re looking for an architecture firm for your upcoming project in Long Beach, California, you might be wondering on what criteria you should be basing your search. Should you look for the largest, most established architecture firm in your area? Should you look for one that specializes in projects like yours? What else should you be taking into consideration before hiring a firm to design your residential or commercial project?
As you look for a Long Beach architecture firm for your upcoming project, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Look at Long Beach Architecture Firms that Take on Your Type of Project
First of all, don’t assume that all architecture firm will do all types of projects. Some Long Beach architecture firms specialize in commercial projects, while others only do residential design. Still others do both commercial and residential design. You obviously want to make sure that an architecture firm actually does the type of project you’re looking to have designed. Although a residential architect in Long Beach probably could help you design your tenant improvement project, you may want to go with one that does tenant improvement design on a regular basis.
Look At the Size and the Scope of Projects Completed by Long Beach Architecture Firms
The next thing you want to look for is an architecture firm that takes on projects that are similar in size and scope to your project. For example, if you just have a small home remodeling project in need of architectural design, a firm that does ground-up, custom home design might not be a good fit (and may not even be willing to take on a small project, honestly). Conversely, if you need to have a large, commercial building designed, an architecture firm that specializes in small tenant improvement projects would not be a good fit. You want to find a firm that does projects like yours because they will have a good understanding of what needs to be included in the design, what types of outside professionals will need to be brough in, and how to best navigate the plan check process with the city.
Don’t Forget About the Client Experience Provided by a Long Beach Architecture Firm
Once you have narrowed down your choices of Long Beach architecture firms for your project based on the two points above, you’ll need to decide which one will be the best fit. A good way to make a final decision is to base it on the level of service and the quality of communication the firm provides. You absolutely want an architecture firm that you will be able to communicate well with—one that listens to your ideas, as well as your concerns.
In many ways, your architecture firm will be your advocate. They will communicate with people like city plan checkers, engineers, and general contractors on your behalf. You want to make sure they understand the end goals and can work with everyone involved to get your project across the finish line.
A good architecture firm will not burden you with the process. Rather, they will expertly handle all of the hurdles that need to be cleared and all of the requirements that need to be met in order for construction to commence.
So, how to you find a firm that meets your expectations when it comes to customer service? First of all, you can read reviews of Long Beach architecture firms. Look for reviews and testimonials from past clients who talk about their experience with the firm. You want to see phrases like “easy to work with,” “responsive,” “excellent follow-through,” “receptive to ideas,” and “great communication throughout the process.” Second, you’ll want to do a sort of causal interview with someone from the firm—preferably the person who would be the most involved in your specific project. Try to get a good sense of what kind of communication you can expect throughout the process and how much input you will be allowed to have on the design. Most importantly, try to determine if this is the type of person you are comfortable working with and who you trust to make important decisions about your project.