HOW TO SELECT AN ARCHITECT

There are many good architects in Seattle, with many years of experience. So how do you pick the right one for your project? Here are some pointers to get you started.

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HOURLY Consultation

You may be considering purchase of a new property and need advice on how to maximize the opportunities the site has to offer. Or wondering about the possibilities that an existing building might have after renovating. We can offer advice about potential cost and code issues, and can compare pros and cons between properties if you're wieghing options before purchaisng.

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Need advice on that small special project? No matter where you are, if you have access to the internet we can help!

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ThE DESIGN PROCESS

We at Sortun Vos have in place a rigorous method to approach each individual project. While each project is unique, we follow these steps as we design the project and its components.

Most important is communication between architect and owner. Free-hand sketches, 2 dimensional drafted plans, and 3 dimensional computer animated models are used to illustrate our ideas and invite feed-back.-

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FEES AND CONTRACTS

Fees and contracts can vary greatly from architect to architect. Architects may arrive at a cost for their fees based on an hourly rate, a percentage of construction cost, a lump sum total, dollars per square foot, or size of job.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why should I hire an architect?

Some of the the usual answers are: an architect is knowledgeable about all aspects of the design and construction process and designing a building can be a complicated task. An architect is trained to take your desires and turn them into a design that responds to your needs and requests. They can make the process of design go smoothly and act as an objective advocate during the construction process. Sometimes hiring an architect can save you money. Architects are trained to understand the process of construction, and can help make construction go more smoothly, avoiding costly change orders. They can help you site your house to best take advantage of views and sunlight, and develop drawings and specifications for an energy efficient building. An architect can help you choose low maintenance and long lasting products that can save in future maintenance costs. When it comes time to sell your property, a well designed project will often sell for more and sell quickly because people value good design. In addition to all of the above, we at Sortun·Vos believe that the process should be enjoyable and creatively satisfying for the entire team, and we work hard at making it gratifying.

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