Tips to Remember When Hiring an Architect

If you’re getting ready to hire a Salem MA architect, then you’ll need to remember that it’s not just a matter of looking online and hiring the first firm you come across. As one article noted recently:

After all, you want an architect who understands your dreams for your renovation or new residence and will work with you to achieve that dream.

You’ll want to look at their portfolio, ask them about the design process and problems they’ve had to overcome with previous designs. It’s also important to discuss with them pricing, who you’ll be working with and you’ll need to figure out whether you and the prospective candidate get along.

Read the entire article: “What You Need to Know to Hire an Architect.” 

Hiring an Experienced Boston Architect

Looking for the most experienced Boston architects around? We tackled the subject in an article a while back, and noted there are four main steps to hiring an architect: knowing what you want, asking around, narrowing down your list and finally choosing the best two or three.

When it comes to knowing you want, you should create a wish list and your visions for the project. Asking around should involve asking people you trust for recommendations. You should then have a fair amount of information to begin narrowing down your list to the final two or three candidates, and finally picking the best of the bunch.

As we said in the article, it's important to remember:

If you have or are in the process of building your dream home, you know how it important it is to take care in hiring an architect. It's not a process, like ordering a pizza, where a simple look at the Yellow Pages can tell you who to hire. It's something with which you should take care, as well as an abundant amount of research.

Read the entire article by clicking here.

Boston Architecture: 122 Commonwealth Avenue

When you visit 122 Commonwealth Avenue today, you'll find the headquarters for Bay State College. If you travel back in time over 130 years to 1871, however, you'll find this building in its original state, having been designed by architects Emerson and Fehmer, and built by James Brown Case and his wife, Laura.

The home itself has a very storied history, having been lived in not just by the original Case family, but later the Episcopal Bishop of Massachusetts, as well as several other owners before and after the Bishop. The home's dining room even gained a bit of fame in its own right, having been included in Charles Elliott's 1876 book, The Book of American Interiors.

Start building your own piece of Boston architectural history today. Call Boston Architects today at (617) 323-6081.

Old State House: A Boston Legend

The oldest surviving public building in the City of Boston is the Old State House, a history structure originally built in 1713. The Boston architects behind the Old State House are unknown, but the building was altered, restored, and renovated by three separate architects during its lifetime; Isaiah Rogers, George Albert Clough, and Goody, Clancy and Associates.

The Old State House is built in the Georgian style, and is considered a U.S. National Historic Landmark, and is also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. On March 5, 1770, the Old State House provided the backdrop for the clash between British soldiers and colonists known as the Boston Massacre. The building's balcony also served as the site where the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to the citizens of Boston in 1776. This building holds a lot of history for Boston and, if you get a chance, you should absolutely visit and check it out for yourself.

Looking to build your own history by constructing a brand new home? Contact Boston Architects today at (617) 323-6081.

Blueprints Explained

You may be vaguely familiar with what a blueprint is, but do you have a complete understanding of what information is contained on one, or how they're used by Boston architects? We've decided to put together a quick rundown to explain what you can expect to find on such a document.

According to Wikipedia, a blueprint is "a type of paper-based reproduction usually of a technical drawing, documenting an architecture or an engineering design." Nowadays, the term blueprint is often used to describe a detailed plan, and the traditional methods of creating blueprints have largely been replaced by plotters and computer aided design applications on computers.

Boston Architect is a company you can trust with your blueprint creation. We'll turn your dreams into an architectural design on paper, incorporate your ideas and wishes, and help the eventual builder on your project complete it to your specifications. Give us a call today at (617) 323-6081 to talk more about how our Boston architects can help you with your next home design or renovation design project.

Boston's Old North Church

The Old North Church, constructed in 1723, is a famous landmark in Boston history as well as Boston architecture. It was in this church that Paul Revere received the two-lantern signal, which meant the British were invading by sea. The church's official name today is Christ Church in the City of Boston, and the church itself is located at 193 Salem Street.



Here's an image of Boston's North End section. Here, you can see the steeple of the Old North Church shooting up from the rooftops.



A statute of Paul Revere stands outside the Old North Church as a symbol of that fateful April night in 1775.

Interested in designing some Boston architecture of your own? Contact Boston Architect today at (617) 323-6081.

Hancock Place: The Tallest Building in Boston

Known better as John Hancock Tower, Hancock Place has been the tallest building in Boston since 1976. It's the 50th-tallest building in the United States, and the 162nd-tallest building in the world.



Hancock Place stands approximately 790 feet tall and contains 60 floors. The structure's windows are highly reflective. In the image below, you can see parts of the city behind the camera being mirrored back.



This is a recent piece of Boston architecture, but a significant one nonetheless. Over the next few weeks, we'll be covering more famous Boston buildings in an attempt to help readers familiarize themselves with Boston's wide variety of architectural styles.

Boston Architect Gallery

For 30 years, Boston Architect has helped homeowners in Boston and surrounding areas create their own memorable bits of Boston architecture. We're affordable, but most of all, we're dedicated to doing amazing work. Here are a few photos of some projects we've completed for our customers.

















Imagine these looks as part of your new home or renovation. With Boston Architect, it's possible.

Call us today for Boston architecture work at (617) 323-6081. You can also get a free online quote.

Examples of Boston Architecture

Boston has many different types of architecture represented in its homes and buildings. Here are a few examples of Boston architecture we feel are significant.

 
Colonial
Revere House - 1681


Federal
Harrison Gray Otis' Second House  - 1802

 
Victorian
Boston Public Library - 1887


Contemporary
John Hancock Tower - 1972

Boston Architect appreciates the rich architectural history contained within the city of Boston, and we aim to help everyone create their own piece of Boston architecture. Interested in learning more? Give us a call at (617) 323-6081. You can also get a free architecture quote by filling out our online form.

Blueprints for House

Here are some of the more common questions we get asked about blueprints:

How many sets of architectural designs do I need to order?

It’s recommended those who have a mortgage and want to speed up receiving estimations order at least 10 sets.

What is a frontal sheet?

This is the artist’s representation of the home’s exterior. It’s drawn in two-point perspective to give you an idea of how the home will look once it’s built and landscaped.

What do detailed floor plans show?

These are complete in 1/4 scale, and illustrate each floor’s layout. Careful attention is paid to the dimensions of every room and interior space.

Boston blueprints designer AI Boston Architect can help you with all your architectural designs. Contact us today at www.Boston-Architect.com. 

Architect Facts

Below are some interesting facts about architects and architecture:

• An oculus is a horizontal circular opening, the most of famous of which can be found at the Pantheon.
• A cenotaph is an empty tomb, erected in honor of a dead ruler.
• Bridges were so sacred to the Incas that anyone who dared to tamper with one was put to death.
• It takes a person between 15 and 20 minutes to walk once around the Pentagon.
• There is only one man made structure that is visible from space: the Great Wall of China.

 When hiring a Salem MA architect, think first of Boston Architect. Learn about our services at www.Boston-Architect.com. 

Archtiect FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions we get about our architect services:

Why do I need an architect?

An architect will be able to provide you with the necessary tools to make your project successful. This person will become your advocate when dealing with design and construction issues, and should help you successfully navigate through the entire project scope, including budget, site and space.

What should I remember when hiring an architect?

Interview at least two or three architects, and find out if they’ve done the type of architecture you want. Visit the sites of their projects or take a look at the drawings. Be sure to speak to references, and ask them questions.

What all is involved in architectural design?

Architects have to think of many things before drawing up plans. They must consider what the building will be used for (the building’s “function”), and how many people are going to be in it at the same time. They also have to make sure it’s designed safely, and will last for many years.

Looking for a Salem MA architect? No matter the scope of your project, Boston Architect should be able to help. Enlist their services by visiting www.Boston-Architect.com. 

What Clients are Saying About Boston Architect

Thinking home renovation or architectural design? Consider Boston Architect for all your architectural services. Here's what one of our Boston MA clients had to say about us:

Easy to work with on reasonable price. Hard to find an experienced professional like him with great quality work but at reasonable price. Steven Petitpas excelled in his work on my new single family home architecture and will recommend him to anyone.

We’d love to put your testimonial on our website. Call us now at 617.323.6081 or visit www.Boston-Architect.com to request a free architectural quote.

Boston Kitchen Renovation Tips

Is your Beantown home kitchen in need of a serious facelift? Here are some Boston kitchen renovation tips to get you thinking about where to take your kitchen design:

Colors

It goes without saying, but colors make a huge difference in style, theme and filling empty areas. Colors can give your kitchen a certain mood and character, and can even make it look bigger or smaller; lighter colors add depth and warmth, while darker ones make spaces smaller.

Backsplashes

A backsplash ties every kitchen element together and add its own style by bringing together the color palette of other rooms. They come in variety of textures and no matter the chosen palette or theme, a backsplash can transform and enhance your kitchen.

Eco-friendly

Kitchens use most of your home’s energy, and a green-designed kitchen can save energy, as well as be functional and stylish. If you’re doing a simple remodel or update, or even creating a whole new kitchen, take the time to ask your Boston architect about how the project can be more environmentally friendly.

Organization

A top priority of your project should be how to make the area more organizational. Have it designed in a way that keeps clutter off of countertops, and has plenty of storage solutions. Ask about your designer or architect about installing a kitchen island, which can prove to be a great storage solution.

Need Boston architecture services for your kitchen design? Get in contact with AI Boston Architecture by visiting www.Boston-Architect.com. 

Hiring an Experienced Architect

If you have or are in the process of building your dream home in Boston, you know how it important it is to take care in hiring a Boston architect. It's not a process, like ordering a pizza, where a simple look at the Yellow Pages can tell you who to hire. It's something with which you should take care, as well as an abundant amount of research.

Know what you want
No matter who you select, it's going to come down to what you want. The first step you should take is to create a wish list of what you want the project to look like. Put together as many details as you can, including size, style, special features and plans for living in it. Such a plan will become the centerpiece you use in hiring a Boston residential architect.


Ask around
The most important aspect of any working relationship is trust. You want to be sure that whoever you hire ultimately will do the job you want to your specifications. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, as you're more likely to trust someone who has worked for someone you know. If your inquisitiveness hasn't resulted much in the way of names or leads, then search the Internet for the names of architects in your area.


Narrow down your list
Taking a good look at the architects' portfolios will give you a good idea of what each is capable. Examine their previous works to see if anything they've done previously would be a good fit for you and your needs. This will tell you about their Boston architectural design process and philosophy.

Before you make any calls to set up appointments or consultations, try to find out the following about each: do they stay with you through the entire process? Will they outsource anything, like schematics, administrative work or bid assistance? What is their typical fee structure like? Do they carry liability insurance? Are they LEED certified or having any green ratings? What have others had to say about their work? Finding out these answers before meeting face to face will leave more time to ask questions about your specific project.


Pick out the best two or three
With all this information available, you should be ready to meet with your top two or three picks. Call or e-mail each architect to set up a consultation, and ask every question of which you can think. Find out what kind of issues or opportunities could present themselves during the project. Ask about their workload, and if they're interested in your project. This will be the first chance each gets to find out what you want, so be sure to lay out very carefully your expectations.

After that last step, you should be ready to make a final selection. Trust your best instinct and whichever architect made you the most comfortable. Be sure to work out a contract where both parties' responsibilities are spelled out clearly.

Boston Architect Will Help You with Regulatory Requirements

Building permits can be difficult to understand if you’re not familiar with the process. The requirements to obtain one are often confusing and can be stressful. When you align yourself with Boston Architect, serving the Boston metro area and more, we’ll worry about the headaches.

Our residential architects will take care of all the proper permitting. We’ve been doing this for over 30 years, and are well versed in how the process works. You have enough to worry about, so let Boston Architect take care of the regulatory requirements.

When it comes to our clients, our goal is absolute satisfaction. Contact us today by visiting www.Boston-Architect.com, where you can obtain a free architectural design quote.

Tips from Boston Architect on How to Hire an Architect

Want to avoid getting ripped off on architectural designs and home renovations? Boston Architect, experienced architects serving Eastern Massachusetts, has the following tips:

• Ask around
  You want to be able to trust whoever you hire ultimately. Getting leads from family and friends if they can recommend anyone. This should give you a good base from which you can develop a base. If this initial research doesn’t amount in much, then scour the Internet for names.
• Narrow down the list
  Research what each architect has done. A look at their portfolios is a good indicator of whether they are a good fit for you and your needs, as their work will tell you about their architectural design process and philosophy.
• Identify a short list
  Pick a few who would be good fits. Set up initial phone consultations with each, and ask if they would take on your project, anticipated fees and references. Follow this up by calling each reference to get their feelings about the architect.
• Meet the finalists
  Conduct on site interviews with the final two or three. Ask them every question during this process, including your budget, design process and any issues or opportunities that could present themselves during the project.
• Make your selection
  Pick whoever you feel most comfortable with and can trust. Work out a contract where each party’s responsibilities are clearly spelled out.

Follow these tips and you should avoid unscrupulous architects who won’t do what they promise. If you’re in Boston or the surrounding areas, consider Boston Architect to be your residential architect. Contact us today by visiting www.Boston-Architect.com and be sure to request a free architectural quote.

Boston Architect Celebrates Over 30 Years of Business

Contact: Steven Petitpas

(617) 323-608

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOSTON – Boston Architect marks over 30 years of business in 2011, having provided architectural services to the Boston communities since the early 1980s.

“A lot has changed in 30 years, but we still have the same commitment to our customers,” said company founder Steven Petitpas. “Our goal has always been to listen to our clients’ wishes and to navigate them through the sometimes stressful maze of regulatory requirements.”

Boston Architect’s services include residential renovations to attics, basements and kitchens; whole home remodels; new home designs; residential additions, like master bedroom suites, family rooms and garages; master deed plans; and unit deed plans.

The company prides itself on its affordable fees, aiding patrons in obtaining building permits and weeding out suspicious builders. Boston Architect will review construction proposals, and recommend to clients fair priced, honest contractors.

“We stand with our clients throughout the entire project,” Petitpas said. “Boston Architect will resolve any design or construction issues that might occur, and will do everything in our power to save time and money for our clients.”

Boston Architect serves Eastern Massachusetts, including Boston, Lowell, Cambridge, Brockton, Lynn, Quincy, Newton, Somerville and many more. More information about the company can be found at www.Boston-Architect.com.

What Customers Are Saying About Boston Architect ...

Thinking of a home renovation or need an architectural design? Consider Boston Architect for all your architectural services. Here's what one of our Boston MA clients have to say about us:

Steve assisted us in creating plans to change our house from a 1000 sq ft to 2200 sq ft plus a garage.  His fee was significantly less than other architects, yet he was able to do exactly what we were looking for.  Our house is a functional home and he kept that flowing through the new addition.  He met with us many times until we all agreed on the plans and he was very flexible about making changes.  It was nice not to worry about an hourly fee.  We were especially impressed that he followed the project through to the end of construction.  We would absolutely recommend his to others and would hire him again in the future.

- - - Natick MA

Let us earn your respect. Call us now at 617.323.6081 or visit www.Boston-Architect.com to request a free architectural quote.

What Customers Are Saying About Boston Architect ...

Thinking of a home renovation or need an architectural design? Consider Boston Architect for all your architectural services. Here's what one of our Boston MA clients have to say about us:

We had two preliminary meetings with architects.  We chose to go with Petitpas because of his quote, which was very much lower than the other architect.  We are very, very pleased we did choose to go with him.  We had weekly meetings with him to discuss the plans and go over their updates/changes.  He worked our ideas into the design as well as coming up with nice ideas to add to the design.  We're very excited to begin construction.

- - - Roslindale, MA

Let us earn your respect. Call us now at 617.323.6081 or visit www.Boston-Architect.comto request a free architectural quote.