Top 10 Tips for Hiring a Design Professional

As you begin the process of designing your new “dream home”, it may seem a little overwhelming at first.

Terms like plan packages, building permits, architectural styles, floorplan layouts, bonus rooms, and more, may be confusing at first, however if you follow the simple tips below, you’ll have all the information that you need to know when choosing a Certified Professional Building Designer to design your new home.

Top 10 Tips for Hiring a Design Professional:

EXPERIENCE
You have heard it a million times, and it’s true. There is no substitute for experience. This is especially true for design professionals.

AN OFFICE
Your first meeting should be in a professional’s office. That office may be in the designer’s home, but should be in a designated area. Remember, use caution if you are dealing with a part-time draftsperson conducting business from the kitchen table.

EXAMPLES OF WORK
While in a designer’s office ask to see some of their latest work. This will allow you to compare designer’s work and styles as you interview various design professionals.

REFERENCE MATERIALS
Look around their office. Today’s design professionals must stay on the cutting edge of their profession to compete. This requires a great deal of reference material such as books, manuals, code text, catalogs and samples of materials.

FINISHED PROJECTS
Ask to see photographs and request addresses of actual homes that have been built in a design similar to the one you are considering.

REFERENCES
Try to obtain a current list of former clients who you may contact to discuss the designer’s past performance.

CONTRACT
A professional building designer always has a contract or agreement for your review that covers such items as the fee and terms of payment, as well as the specific services that will be rendered for specified fees.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION
Membership in a professional organization such as AIBD(American Institute of Building Design) or AIA (American Institute of Architects) makes the statement that this individual maintains high moral and professional standards within the building design profession.

SEALS ON DRAWINGS
This indicates that the design professional is either a state licensed architect or a CPBD (Certified Professional Building Designer) through the National Council of Building Designer Certification.

CONTINUING EDUCATION
This is a requirement for a Certified Professional Building Designer. CEU’s (Continuing Education Units) are vital for building designers to improve their professionalism and to stay informed of the many advances in the building and design industries.

Resources:

• CLICK HERE to Search for Home Designer in your Local Area
• Download the Free eBook: “Your Guide to Residential Design Specialists and Key to Design Excellence”