How to talk to an Architect

[sjacobs]

We're in the process of buying from a redevelopment agency an old downtown Firestation (about 10,000 sq ft) in the downtown of a small city (pop 16,000). It needs a major remodel, preliminary estimated to be about 1 mil. I'm an ISP and my partner is a dentist, and we know as much about construction, etc., as that background indicates. So we're really going to need to hire an architect.

To get started, I've called about 5 to ask how much it costs to hire an architect and what specifically does an architect do? I know those are pretty basic questions, but I have to start somewhere.

The responses I've received have ranged from a (sight unseen), "oh, I can do that for $20,000"to an architect conducting a site visit and saying that they could manage the project for 12-15% of construction costs.
That's quite a range.

At this point I'm hoping to get some guideance on two issues: 1) what is the "typical" charge for architectural services; and, 2) what's the best way to get up to speed on how to talk to an architect. Communication seems to be most of the battle and we want to be able to do our part.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Seth

[RWL]

Here are two documents that should be of some help to you--

The fee for services is a very dicey thing and in your case is a matter of what documents, and other information is available about the building. If little is available the cost will rise due to the unknown nature of the existing workand what maybe encountered when doing the new work. The architect will want to do a good job for you, but at the same time is interested in protecting him/herself from liability. One usually cannot merely state a price without due consideration, seeing the site and discussing the project, in depth with you.

[sjacobs]

Thanks for the info. It was very helpful.

Seth