| Step
one!! Hire an architect that specializes in Historic Preservation.
Many claim that they do, but check their references to see how many
successful restorations they have completed. Have they received
any formal preservation education or training? Are they associated
with any professional preservation associations? If the architect
is not properly trained in preservation many obstacles can come
up in the restoration that they cannot properly handle. Historic
buildings need special treatments; there are specialists that will
be a better value for your money. Preservation architects make good
building consultants for a wide range of projects. Among their strengths
are background and experience in project planning, knowledge of
traditional construction techniques and materials, ability to design
appropriate additions to historic buildings, and access to experienced
contractors. They have the expertise to help plan and administer
construction projects from foundation to roof.
After prequalification
and site visits, a congregation will have proposals from several
architects in hand. Whether soliciting architectural services for
an initial conditions survey or to plan a specific construction
project, the next step is to interview each of them to determine
which architect will best suit the project. In addition to specific
questions about their proposals, these general questions should
be used in interviewing an architect:
Contract and
Proposal
- Is the
price quoted a not-to-exceed figure or an estimate dependent on
hourly rates? How will extras be billed?
- If an unanticipated
problem develops during the course of the project that requires
additional design services, how will additional services be billed
– hourly? Will there be a cap on fees?
- Does your
proposal include an allowance for reimbursable expenses?
- If needed,
has an estimate for the services of a structural or mechanical
engineer been included in your proposal? Are there other sub-consultants,
such as stained glass consultant or masonry conservator, whose
services you will include in your proposal or investigation?
- Please
give an estimated start date and number of weeks needed to complete
the report (or prepare plans and specifications). Is this a realistic
estimate?
Plans and Specifications
- Will schematic
or scale drawings be prepared and included as part of the initial
conditions survey? Will accurate, scaled drawings or large-scale,
detailed photographs be used as the basis for plans and specifications?
- Will you
provide several copies or a reproducible disc of the final report?
- Will you
be able to make a presentation to the entire congregation once
the survey or construction documents are completed? Would you
prepare a slide or digital presentation for potential funders?
Project Management
- How do
you envision your role once a project has been established, especially
in terms of contract administration and working with the contractor?
- Will you
help us identify contractors to bid on the project?
- Who from
your office would manage the project?
- How often
would you expect to meet with the building committee? Could you
attend evening or weekend meetings?
- Would you
be able to offer advice about fundraising or assist the congregation
in preparing grant or loan applications?
- In working
with buildings of a similar age and construction type, what were
the challenges involved?
Referrals
In addition to interviewing the architect, several questions can
be asked of the architects’ references.
- Was the
architect responsive to the congregation’s needs?
- Did they
work with the same staff person, project manager, or project team
throughout the project?
- Did the
architects submit a project schedule, and was the schedule met?
- If they
were hired to prepare construction documents, were they quick
to address problems that arose during construction?
- Were the
projects completed on time and within budget?
- Did the
project meet their expectations?
- Would they
hire this architect again?
|
