Advice on Hiring an Architect for Your Commercial Project

Architects are certainly in their own league when it comes to the construction and building industry. Nationwide, architects are held to a very high standard, and therefore required to meet a strict set of qualifications. Aside from a bachelor’s degree in architecture, all architects must pass the Architect Registration Examination, be licensed by the state, possess a business license, and have liability insurance coverage at the state minimum. This applies whether they are independent or with a firm. So, when you are looking for commercial architects in Indianapolis, you can lead with an expectation of how they should be qualified. But that’s not all you need to know.

Continue below for some top advice on hiring an architect for a commercial project in Indiana, plus how to skip the hassle of an extended search by going straight to the leaders in commercial construction.

Commercial Architect Firm Indianapolis Indiana 317-253-0531
Commercial Architect Firm Indianapolis Indiana 317-253-0531

Architect Credentials to Look For

Architects are highly-accomplished, formally-educated professionals, and they should have the proper qualifications to prove it. Essential credentials of an architect include some of the ones already mentioned, like a bachelor’s degree in architecture, passing the Architect Registration Examination, business licensing, and liability insurance.

Equally-imperative qualifications to look for in an architect include apprenticeship at a trade program approved by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, internships, and abundant hands-on experience in the field. Many states require a set number of hours to qualify as adequate experience. Many states and architectural firms place even more qualification requirements on architects, such as additional professional licensing.

What a Commercial Architect Can Do For You

There are many services provided by an architect, some of which may overlap with the services of industry contemporaries, like designers and builders. Primary architectural services include historical research of land or property, master planning, blueprint sketching, budget cutting with design, permit acquisition, and bid solicitation. Furthermore, architects generally draw up finalized plans, align with project engineers and designers, manage the budget, and oversee the construction project.

Who Else Works on a Construction Project?

An architect would primarily handle the creation of the design and building plans. They will also oversee the entire project once construction begins.

An engineer is hired to work out the structural elements and plans for the project. Not only do they ensure safety, but they also oversee the whole project.

A designer may work alongside an architect to create an aesthetic for interior spaces. They make sure their designs are compatible with the architectural plans.

General contractors hire and manage subcontractors. They sometimes work with their own team too. Builders are hired to implement the actual labor, like setting walls and foundations.

Interior decorators are hired after construction to enhance the designer’s work. Through design, they incorporate plans for paint, furnishings, fixtures, window treatments, floor layout, lighting, décor, and overall ambience.

If you are wondering where to find an architect for your commercial construction build, you are already in the right place. Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for a one-stop-shop solution to full-service commercial construction management in Indianapolis, Indiana. From start to finish, our teams handle it all.

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