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In the past, we’ve noticed that many of our clients think it’s necessary to hire an architect before talking to us. This isn’t true, but it’s an understandable mistake. The purpose of a design-build firm is to eliminate the need for an architect. At Winthorpe Design and Build, we have our own team of designers who work hand-in-hand with the construction team that will build your project. There’s nothing wrong with hiring an architect if that’s what you feel like you have to do, but we suggest considering your options before spending your money. 

Aren’t Architects More Specialized than Design-Build Firms?

From alpsinsurance.com

This preconception is something a lot of people seem to believe. Since architects do one thing and one thing only, that means they must be the best at it, right? That’s not necessarily true. If someone makes art in only one medium, that doesn’t mean they’re the best artist with that medium. It usually means that they’ve gotten too used to that medium, and their work may start to feel uninspired. 

Architects can fall prey to sinking into a rut, designing fanciful or uninspired designs. Hiring an architect can get pretty expensive, and they play a significant role in completing your project. That’s not to say you should hire someone with a bare portfolio, though. Instead, you should consider a firm like Winthorpe Design and Build. We’ve been in the business of designing houses for nearly three decades. But, unlike many architects, we do a wide enough range of things to avoid becoming complacent. We have the expertise to pull off a build and the inspiration to keep our designs fresh and as close to what the client wants as possible. 

Can Architects and Designers from a Design-Build Firm Work Together?

From iStock

If you feel the need to hire an architect to work alongside our designers, Winthorpe Design and Build won’t stop you. However, we will encourage you to do some heavy consideration first. Building, renovating, or remodeling a home is expensive enough as it is. The last thing you need is the price of an architect taking up half your budget, plus the people you’re hiring to build it. 

We have worked with architects in the past, and the projects have always turned out alright in the end. However, we’ve found it to be a “too many cooks in the kitchen” scenario. As more and more people get involved in designing and planning your project, the ability to communicate and function as a team dwindles. 

The primary issue builders have with architects is that they are almost always oblivious to the construction aspect of what’s going on. While some know what they’re doing and can seamlessly craft a practical build design, they are pretty hard to find. 

When an architect with no personal knowledge of construction gets assigned to a project, it follows the same pattern:

The client goes to the architect with a general idea of what they want. 

They sit down together and make multiple drafts of design concepts until it’s perfected down to the last detail. 

The design gets brought to the construction team.

The build team has to explain that all that time and planning was wasted because there’s no way that design is buildable within their constraints. 

The builders or homeowner has to send the plans back to the architect, and the whole process is repeated until something practical is finally produced.

By hiring a design-build firm in place of an architect, you can eliminate this hassle. Our team of expert designers has first-hand experience with the construction process, which means they can design a practical build the first time. 

Other Benefits of a Design-Build Firm

Not only does hiring a design-build firm in place of an architect save you time and stress during the design process, but it also benefits you in many other ways. Our team takes the time to sit down with you and go into extensive detail about what exactly it is you hope to get out of this build and what you want it to look like. After we’ve perfected the design to be both realistically functional and the home of your dreams, our expert construction team brings the drawings to life. 

Hiring Winthorpe Design and Build is cheaper than hiring an architect, too. Then factor in the decreased time it takes us to develop a design that works for you and your budget. And, unlike architects, we walk you through the entire process, starting with the initial contact and ending with a follow-up visit one year later. 

If you’d like to ditch the architect and hire a firm that can do their job and more, or if you’d like to hire both, contact Winthorpe Design and Build today! Experience our new process, which includes virtual consultation and design services. 

We look forward to doing business with you!

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