PAGE 100
THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
NOVEMBER 2012
Just as in selecting a partner for any
other major undertaking in life, it is
important to find an architect who is a
good match with your goals, your con-
cept of the project, your personality and
your budget. Choosing the right person
from the start allows you to enjoy the
process as much as the finished product.
The following steps in the selection
process can make all the difference in
creating a successful partnership.
Step 1:
Make a list of potential firms
and solicit information from them. Col-
leagues and acquaintances who have
worked with architects are excellent
resources, as is your local chapter of the
American Institute of Architects. Contact
those architects or firms and ask for
information, qualifications and refer-
ences. If you are ready to ask the archi-
tect for a preliminary proposal, send a
written description of your project to
help them in
the process.
Find out how
the architect
charges for
services and
ask about addi-
tional expenses
that could occur
as the project
moves ahead.
Step 2:
Evaluate your finalists. Consider your
candidates’ track record in general, as
well as their direct experience with proj-
ects similar to your own. Determine who
can best complete the project within
your timeframe and budget. If possible,
visit a few projects designed by your
finalists. There’s nothing like looking at
the actual work of a candidate to decide
whether you are a match.
Step 3:
Interview two
or three final
contenders for
the job. See
whether your
personalities
mesh, as well
as your con-
cepts for the
project. Clarify
the proposed
schedule, fee structure and areas of
responsibility.
Step 4:
At this point, you will probably
have a good idea who is your leading
candidate. To double-check your instincts,
make a checklist. Look at relevant experi-
ence, technical competence, budget con-
siderations and time frame. Finally, review
the interview in your mind. Did the archi-
tect really listen to what you were saying?
Did she ask the right questions? Did she
offer reasonable solutions? Above all, did
you feel comfortable?
The owner of the
BEER ARCHITECTURAL
GROUP
is Jeffrey A. Beer, a member of the
American Institute of Architects (A.I.A.) and AP
certified in Leadership in Energy and Environ-
mental Design (LEED). He established the firm in
1986
and now has over 30 years of experience in
designing an array of buildings including custom
residential, new commercial buildings, church
renovations, tenant fit-up as well as extravagant
vacation homes. He began his professional
career in San Diego County, California but relo-
cated to Warren, New Jersey with his wife and 5
children. The expert staff of licensed architects is
committed to providing reliable, personal and
professional service to the Client and takes pride
in defining the standard of excellence in innova-
tive design as well as cost efficiency while main-
taining quality control. BEER ARCHITECTURAL
GROUP stands committed to maximizing resale
values with unique designs and can manage the
project from conception to building completion
with professional leadership and integrity.
112
Town Center Drive, Warren, NJ 07059
908-757-7007
inquiry@beerarchitecturalgroup.com
HOW TO SELECT AN AIA ARCHITECT
Submitted By: Jeffrey A. Beer, A.I.A.
908-334-2876
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