Renovating your office can be a great way to get an instant boost in productivity and staff retention. It can also help you attract new clients and partners, but having a professional team who knows what they’re doing is important.
It may seem like hiring a commercial architect is just another unnecessary expense on top of everything else. Still, it could save you money by helping keep costs down with their expertise in space planning, budgeting, and more.
Choosing the right commercial architect is key to your project’s success. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics and explore how to find the best structural design professionals.
Understanding Commercial Architecture
For those who may not know, commercial architecture is a specialized field. Commercial architects work on commercial buildings, like offices and retail stores.
Commercial architecture isn’t the same as residential architecture or interior design, though all three of these areas are related in that they involve designing spaces for human use. Commercial architects specialize in one specific area: creating spaces for businesses and organizations to operate efficiently. They might also help design public buildings, such as schools or hospitals, focusing on the functionalities of the structure more than the aesthetics in most cases.
They don’t just focus on these structures either; they often work closely with urban designers who specialize in city planning so that their designs fit into an existing urban landscape without overwhelming it or detracting from its character.
How To Find A Commercial Architect
As of 2021, there were an estimated 125,500 architectural jobs in the country, according to the Labor Bureau. Meanwhile, there were over 22,000 architectural service businesses in 2018, per Statista. With such figures, finding a commercial architect in your area isn’t hard.
Here are some tips on how and where to start:
- Ask Other Businesses
If you know any business owner who has hired an architect before, ask them for recommendations. They may be able to give you some insight into the process they used and their experience with the architect they worked with.
- Ask Your Local Chamber of Commerce or Business Association
These organizations can help connect you with commercial architects in your area. Many chambers offer networking events specifically designed for small businesses looking for help from professionals in various industries–including architecture.
- Search Online
Besides seeking professional referrals, you can start looking for commercial architects by using search terms like “commercial architects near me,” “architects near me,” or even just “architects.” You can also look online at websites where people post reviews of businesses they’ve used before.
You’ll want to cross-reference these results against other sources, including professional social networks, where people often list their skill sets. Browsing through them lets you know if they have ample experience and qualify for the job.
Commercial architects work independently or with commercial contractors who specialize in commercial construction projects. These firms can be found through the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, or by word of mouth and referrals.
Finding a commercial architect can be a daunting task. There are so many architects in your area; finding the right one for you can take time. No worry! We’ve compiled some tips on how to find an architect that will best suit your needs:
- Industry Experience
This may seem obvious, but it’s important to consider when choosing an architect. If you’re looking for someone specializing in residential design or commercial renovations, ensure they have relevant experience before hiring them.
- Portfolio
A professional portfolio is essential for any professional service provider. They should present their work history so that potential clients can see what kind of projects they have worked on before–and whether or not those jobs were successful based on customer reviews/ratings left online by previous customers.
- Experience with Your Location
An architect with experience designing buildings in your area knows what works well with local zoning laws and building codes. This is something that might not be obvious from just looking at blueprints alone.
- Flexibility
This is vital information if money is tight and you’re looking for someone who can offer cost-effective plans without sacrificing quality. Choosing commercial architects who can work on restricted budgets can advise you on how you can utilize your office interior space.
- Licenses and Insurance
When renovating your office, you must take the appropriate steps to ensure your workspace is up to code. This includes ensuring that your building meets all the requirements and can withstand any damage during construction.
Similarly, professional architects must have business insurance to protect their businesses and manage costly risks.
Concluding Thoughts
With the right commercial architect, you can create the perfect office space to help your business thrive. The key is to find someone who understands your needs and is willing to work with them throughout the renovation process.
We hope the discussion above has helped you gain enough knowledge and confidence to make an informed decision. We wish you the best of luck with your project!
