Hiring an Architect     “Hiring an architect is a big decision. The 1943 statements below are still relevant to today. Additional questions arise about what services are appropriate for a draftsman, or and engineer to perform verses an architect. The following facts may prove helpful:     ARCHITECT: Education- A minimum of a Masters of Art in Architecture is required in Florida- a 6 year degree, Internship of 2 years minimum under a licensed architect after graduation is required, under a measured IDP program training focuses on Design of buildings and habitable spaces, and includes structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems. Although we are licensed to design structures up to three floors, and unlimited MEP systems, most architects choose to hire, as a subcontractor, licensed professionals in those specialized fields. Passing Nationally ( NCARB) accredited testing is required, to obtain an Architectural license, plus all items noted above Continuing education is required to maintain good standing with DPR, and an active architectural license. Architects focus on building designs, the management of getting the building designed, including the orchestration of the consultants (MEPS), providing construction documents so the general contractor can build the project.   ENGINEER: Education- a minimum of a Bachelors degree is required- a 4 year degree Internship of 2 years minimum is required in the specific field the trainee seeks licensing. Unlike, architects which focus solely on designing buildings, the engineer has numerous fields they can pursue once they obtain their 4 year degree. Examples that may be pursued after college may include: electrical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, etc. Engineers are not licensed to design habitable space, such as buildings, although some building departments overlook the license parameters, and the Florida Building code. Continuing education is required to maintain good standing with DPR, and an active engineering license. Engineers specialized focus in various fields is critical to the successful development of a building, such fields as mechanical systems, structural Systems, and electrical systems.   DRAFTSMAN: Education - none is required, although often a draftsman will have a 2 year technical degree. Draftsman generally works under the direct supervision of an Architect, or Engineer. When draftsman work independently they have no licensing, to produce drawings for buildings.   INTERIOR DESIGNER: Generally an ID holds a bachelors’ degree in design from an accredited university, and is allowed to provide permit documents for interior build-outs, but is not licensed to design free standing, new, or shell buildings. They do have to pass a national exam, and are licensed with the state. There license number would be present on all documents they produce.   INTERIOR DECORATOR: There are no educational requirements, although some may have have a AA or BA degree, by choice. There work is limited to, picking out fabrics, colors, and finishes. They would not be not be engaged in any work effort that requires a permit, unless they are working under another licensed professional. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: The LA, generally hold a four or five year professional degree in design. They are licensed to provide permit documents for landscape, and “hardscape” features which are a part of the landscaping design, such as arbors, pump room, exterior retaining walls, pergolas, water features, etc. They generally would not provide services for habitable space. They pass a national exam, carry a professional license number, and are generally very knowable concerning plants, trees, and exterior space designs.   COMMONLY USED TERMS: CAD - Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of a wide range of computer- based tools that assist engineers, architects and other design professionals in their design activities. It is the main geometry authoring tool within the Product Lifecycle Management process and involves both software and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D solid and surface modelers. CAD originally meant Computer Aided Drafting because of its original use as a replacement for traditional drafting. Now, CAD usually means Computer Aided Design to reflect the fact that modern CAD tools do more than just drafting.   ARCHITECTURAL FEES: We use industry standard project estimating techniques to find a rough total construction cost figure for each project. An estimate for total architectural fees is then determined based on the type of construction and level of service required for the project. Our scope of services is outlined within our Proposals. This percentage typically falls between 5-12% depending on the building type, level of construction sophistication, associated risk of project specifics, and scope and level of services selected by the owner.     What is included? The Architect’s Fee Percentage includes all standard architectural services (analysis, drawings, details, specifications, etc.) as well as structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering. They typically do not include fees for specialized design such as acoustical engineering, kitchen detailed planning, specialized interior design, landscaping, civil engineering, specialized lighting, or furniture and equipment specifications. These services typically fall within their own specific contracts but can be included within our scope of services if requested.   How are fees billed? We invoice based on estimated fee percentage complete, based on the proposal total. Most projects tend to grow in size as clients spend more money on details and finishes independent of the architectural services provided.   What are some typical fee percentages and construction costs? Architect's Fee (Percentage) Cost/sq. ft. Average Building Size (sq. ft.)   New Construction Country Clubs/Clubhouses 8% - 15% $76 to $215 13,000 to 66,000 Custom Housing - Single Family 8% - 16% $110 to $400 2,800 to 9,000 High Schools 6.4% - 9.75% $90 to $220 32,000 to 150,000 Executive Hotels 6% - 12% $105 to $250 29,000 to 190,000 Hospital 7% - 14% $175 to $375 20,000 to 350,000 Light Industrial 2% - 9% $35 to $100 9,000 to 188,000 Manufacturing - Biotech 8% - 14% $250 to $1000 10,000 to 80,000 Manufacturing -   Nutra / Medical Devices 6% - 9% $150 to $250 20,000 to 200,000 Manufacturing - Pharma 6% - 10% $150 to $350 20,000 to 200,000 Medical Office 8% - 13% $100 to $250 8,500 to 42,000 Mixed Use   Retail / Professional 5% - 12% $66 to $134 40,000 to 310,000 Public Offices - City/County 6.7% - 11.5% $100 to $280 11,000 to 31,000 Office Buildings - Low Rise 5% - 10.% $150 to $250 15,000 to 90,000 Restaurants - Custom 5% - 13% $85 to $220 1,900 to 7,500   Construction Renovation All Commercial 10% - 16% $50 to $200 5,000 to 100,000