Architects and pricing - question

I’d love advice on how to hire an architect as I’m really stumped. This is for a deck and kitchen.  I’ve gotten quotes that are fixed price then hourly at (usually) $125 per hour after that, I’ve gotten quotes of $175 per hour without a cap, I’ve gotten ones that are capped at a percentage of construction (and often in that case the person thinks construction will be double our budget) or a number of hours.  I’ve gotten proposals from people based on an email or phone call without ever coming to see the job (which seems odd).  I’m finding people who turn down our job who I’d otherwise love to hire, because we live further out (we are in Bay Ridge right near the subway but parking is a bit tight), good people who won’t cap their fees or who don’t seem to have enough experience for us to lean on etc.  Usually I’d have hired someone by now (I’ve hired contractors, electricians, roofers, flooring people etc but never an architect) and this one is throwing me for a loop.  I think it is the subjective, design element and trusting someone to be a good partner and good artist and good business person combined.   How do I know who to hire, who is sufficiently experienced but not overpriced? (I’m not hiring based on cost alone to say the least but we do have a budget and it is moderate not cheap or extravagant, and most architects seem to think it is a small job. But it is a complex small job.  I’m sure anyone we have spoken or met with would be fine to good but I don’t know who is the best partner for us and not sure how to figure it out.)    Thanks so much for any help Jeanne

jeanmarine2

in Architecture 13 years ago

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masterbuilder | 13 years ago

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One of my clients is working with a very reasonably priced Sunset Park architect.  He’s used him on two Manhattan projects and for his home renovation filing.  Email if you would like his information.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years ago

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It all depends upon the office, I have done all three.  It depends upon what the cleint is most comfortable with.  Just find someone you click with and respect their design sense.

greenmountain | 13 years ago

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You may need a designer/contractor who is not an architect but who colaborates with an architect.  The architect would draw the plans and apply for permits, but the contractor would also contribute to the planning and reduce the open-ended high hourly fee from the architect.  Hey, why do you need a triangle between client – architect – contractor.  On small jobs, direct communication can be better.

psp215 | 13 years ago

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I feel for you! We are in the midst of a gut renovation and the first architect completely over-designed our project — we received bids that were 60% to 130% higher than our stated budget!! Whomever you hire, make sure they understand your budget and will adhere to it. In your contract, put an item about cost estimating being done by a contractor at the end of design development.  Fixed price then an hourly is probably the safest route. $125 an hour is not too bad (believe it or not). If given a choice, I would lean towards the person with best communication/business skills — then design. We spent a lot to get a very beautiful design — which we can’t afford to build.  Just call me — Sadder but wiser