Advice on Hiring an Architect for Your Commercial Project

Posted on May 4, 2022 by bafcorp20

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.

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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.

What You Should Be Asking a Commercial Architect Before Hiring Them

Posted on July 27, 2020 by bafcorp20

When you’re planning a remodel or do construction build for a commercial property, at some point in time you will be faced with the responsibility of hiring an architect. But before you make any final contracting decisions, it is important for you to know exactly what you should be asking your architect in order to gauge their professional acumen, aptitude, and overall dependability.

Continue reading to learn a quick list of 5 questions you should be asking a commercial architect before hiring them to take on your needed commercial remodel or new construction build.

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Interviewing a Commercial Architect

When preparing to meet with potential commercial architects, the three most fundamental basics are to clearly define your project, ask them any and all questions you have, and take all the information you receive from your interviews and compare them with one another. As for questions, here are the top inquiries you should include with your commercial architect interview:

Are You Qualified?

Of course, the most important aspect of hiring any commercial boulder or designer is their qualifications. Not only should they have extensive experience in the industry, they should also have formal training, hands-on training, a record of qualifications, and most importantly, superior skill. Feel free to ask your potential architect to provide proof of work, proof of qualifications, and references of past clientele of projects. You can see their work as well, as most architects will provide a portfolio of the past work.

Do You Provide Visuals or Models Prior to Construction?

Another important aspect of hiring a commercial builder or architect is to learn how they communicate their plans to their clients before getting started with the actual construction phase of the project. Ask your potential architect tires whether or not they provide visuals, 3D imaging, models, or any other form of plans to show their work. This helps to confirm whether or not the architect understood your vision, and was capable of translating it into real life. Keep in mind however, architectural drafting does take quite some time, so you may not be able to get this type of information in initial interviews.

Will You Be Hands-On with My Project, or Minimally Involved?

Some architects are very hands-on with the commercial build or renovation project, while others are simply there in the initial phases of drafting and planning, and then let a separate team of professionals complete the process. Depending on your personal preferences and unique specifications of your commercial build or renovation, you might prefer an architect that is very hands-on, or an architect that is minimally involved following the drafting and planning phase. It is highly beneficial to have an architect who prefers to stay on as a consultant until the project is complete to ensure top-quality results.

Do You Predict Any Difficulties or Setbacks With My Project?

Every commercial project, whether a new construction build or a remodel, is unique in its own way. An important question to ask your architect is whether or not they foresee any challenges or setbacks with your particular vision. This conversation can help you organize your thoughts and preferences, and plan for a more efficient and streamlined construction process.

How Busy is Your Schedule?

One of the most frequently asked questions in any type of commercial contracting interview is the question of time. When you have a commercial renovation or new construction build in mind, you are likely eager to get it started. After all, the quicker you start the quicker it’s done. However, many contractors and architect have current projects that they are fulfilling, which might interfere with the start and finish date of your particular project. Be sure to discuss the schedule and timeline conflicts ahead of time with an architect, to ensure that your project will be kept a priority over time.

Commercial Design Build Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction and design build services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial architects deliver a streamlined construction process that meets all defined engineering and design specifications, procurement, schedules, and budgets. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

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5 Common Types of Commercial Contractors and What They Do

Posted on May 11, 2020 by bafcorp20

When you have a commercial design build or renovation project, your first priority is to hire the right contractor for the job. But with so many builders out there, from general and specialty contractors, to architects, designers, and more, how do you know which contractor is the right one for the job?

One way to help clear up the confusion is to simply learn the actual differences among them. Once you have this knowledge, you can better begin your search for a commercial contractor that can be trusted to meet your overall design build and construction needs. Continue below to get started.

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Commercial Construction Professionals

The 5 most common types of contractors you will come across in the commercial construction industry include general contractors, specialty contractors, design build contractors, architects, and engineers. Of course, there are various other building and construction professionals in the industry, but these five are the main experts you will work with to plan and implement your commercial construction project. You might only hire one, all, or a combination depending on your specific project needs.

👷 General Contractors – A professional general contractor manages and coordinates all aspects of a construction project, from space planning and permitting, to design, build, and even post-occupancy facility maintenance. They also hire and supervise all other laborers and subcontractors.

👷 Specialty Contractors – A specialty contractor is the same as a general contractor, but only in a specific industry or skill. For instance, there are contractors that specialize solely in patio and porch builds. There are pool contractors, landscaping contractors, plumbing contractors, and more.

👷 Design Build Contractors – A designer, or design build contractor, is a professional who basically has the role of designer and general contractor. They manage and coordinate all aspects of a commercial construction project, including the interior space planning, design, and function.

👷 Architects – An architect is a formally-trained, specialized builder who designs spaces, buildings, and complexes, whether from the ground up, or for major renovations, conversions, and remodels. Generally, they work alongside the project general contractor to meet all specifications.

👷 Engineers – An engineer is another formally-trained and certified professional who analyze, design, build, test, and often times, invent, machines, facility systems, buildings, and devices, for the purpose of meeting certain functional objectives.

Indianapolis Commercial Construction Management

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction management services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors deliver a streamlined construction process that meets all defined engineering and design specifications, procurement, schedules, and budgets. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.