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.

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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.

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. 

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.

Check Out Boston Architect's Gallery!

The team at Boston Architect has two main goals: to make the client happy and to do the company proud.

That's why we're pleased to be able to showcase our gallery of architectural designs. From simple home and kitchen renovations to complex architectural designs, our architectural gallery perfectly illustrates how Boston Architect has over the past 30 years mastered every facet of the architectural process.

If you're in the Boston metro and need architectural services, then visit www.Boston-Architect.com today and requesting a free quote!

Get a Free Quote from Boston Architect!

A home renovation or design is not something that should be taken lightly. When it comes to your Boston home of office, you should heavily research architects before you make a decision as to who will perform the work.

At Boston Architect/Aesthetic Images, we're not interested in wasting your time. We want you to know the total architectural design project scope before you write the check. That's why we offer all current and future clients the ability to receive a Free Quote. 

Home renovations and designs should not be stressful and the staff at Boston Architect will do everything possible to make the process smooth and peaceful. Visit www.Boston-Architect.com today and request a Free Quote. 

Boston-Architect Website Design by WebDrafter.com

Boston Architect is proud to announce the design of their website from WebDrafter.com.

Boston Architect is comprised of experienced residential architects and can assist you in all your home design and renovations needs.  Boston Architect's fees are very affordable, extremely competitive and fixed prior to the start of work so you know the cost before Boston Architect starts any work.

Learn more about our services and view our gallery by visiting Boston Architect of MA.