Architect’s Insights
WHEN DO YOU “NEED” AN ARCHITECT?
Understanding The Basics…
So, you’ve decided now’s the time, you’re going to finally get help designing your dream home. You’ve had a goal for much, if not all, of your adult life to live somewhere inspired, in a home that fulfills all of the feelings you want to experience every morning when you wake up. Perhaps you have dreamed of land in the desert southwest, the pines of the higher elevations, the red rocks of Sedona, the mixed topography of the Prescott area. Perhaps you love the idea of a cozy cabin, a workshop or garage to practice a hobby or obsession, a wrap around porch with a view to enjoy, or a kitchen worthy of culinary envy. Where do you start? Who do you call?
Let’s take a break from the actual “house design planning” for a moment and examine the most restrictive element in the goal for a custom home- the land. Before pursuing the planning of your home, the land you will build it on must be obtained. This step doesn’t keep you from dreaming of visions of materials, finishes and feelings, but it influences at least two controlling factors: topography and jurisdiction. We will circle back around for a third element.
1. Topography
The character of the property you choose to purchase and build upon influences many elements, from how to provide parking, access the entries, exit in a safe manner in an emergency, views, construction challenges and more. A highly sloped lot will obviously pose a more difficult build method than a level lot, and there are also a number of relatively flat or sloped properties that happen to be in floodways, creating additional requirements to build. Property dimensions, setbacks, slopes, utility easements, utility access, requirements for water and waste water services, drainage requirements, yearly washes and water flow histories-all of these will influence how and where you can build on a property, and must be determined prior to planning a home layout or location. That does not mean you can’t imagine your dream living room, kitchen or man-cave, but understand that topography will influence the final layout of a floor plan.
Often, easier build lots will go for premium, but sometimes you can find a gem. Find a respected real estate agent in your chosen region to get the best bang for your buck. They will be able to help you understand the nuances of most empty lots and their neighborhoods.
2. Jurisdiction (Code is King!)
The jurisdiction is the governmental entity that will be empowered with reviewing and approving the plans you (or your architect as your agent) will submit for permitting and, ultimately, issuing your building permit. The jurisdiction determines what current building codes are being followed at the time of review for approval. Building codes, in a nutshell, are international rules and regulations that all new or remodeled buildings must follow to protect human health and safety, as well as for energy efficiency and occupant welfare. If that sounds complicated, it can be, though the simplicity or complexity of a project will determine the codes that must be followed within the applicable jurisdiction. For a single family residence, generally, an architect must follow the current adopted International Residential Code (IRC) and some supplemental Energy Codes. Within our region of Arizona, and in many other states, a draftsperson with the ability to understand, apply, and design with the IRC rules and regulations may design custom homes and remodels. There are many drafts-people that are capable of designing a custom home.
Outside of custom home design and remodeling, almost all construction types require a licensed architect. This is, in part, because a licensed professional architect is entrusted with designing within ALL adopted building codes, rather than being limited to the residential code. This gives us more flexibility and more responsibility, both of which have been entrusted to us by the state Board of Technical Registration through a combination of education, experience and examination.
3. The Elusive Third Element-Better than Minimum is Optimal
There is a growing shift toward elite neighborhoods requiring the homes they host to be designed by a licensed Architect. The reason, by one neighborhood’s standard, is listed here in their own words: “It is required that an Owner retain a licensed Architect for planning and design to ensure a thorough analysis and understanding of a particular home site as well as the Owner’s special needs, desires, and living patterns.” -Sterling Ranch at Talking Rock Design Guidelines
Licensed Architects can often interpret and dissect the visions you have into a plan for the form, allowing for ease of life and optimization of your daily life experience. Above that, many architects, such as our firm, use building information modeling to thoroughly vet out various aspects of a home, such as light infiltration, sun exposures, proper insulation and adequate space for ventilation systems. With ever-increasing interest in integrating the interiors and exteriors of a home, proper protection from over exposure to sun is vital. Efficiency of comfort systems depend on the passive use, but not abuse, of sunlight. Using the exact latitude, longitude and true angle of a home allows for accurate planning and design.
What sets us apart? We have designed and built our own homes over the course of over 20 years. We have seen the results of proper planning, siting and designing and live with the results every day. We know from experience.
When do you “need” an architect? Custom Homes rarely “need” an Architect, unless required by neighborhood standards. More often, a licensed Architect is selected for the additional value they provide to the client.
If you have secured that land for your dream custom home or have purchased an existing home that warrants assistance to optimize it for your needs, reach out to take advantage of our Essential Project Analysis. We wish you the best in this season of your life.
-Trinidee Shelton
Licensed Architect
Shelton Architecture, Prescott, Arizona