Hiring a Commercial Architect? Top Things to Consider

If you’re looking for an architecture firm to assist you with the design of a newly constructed or renovated property, look no further than Ronald Kuoppala Architecture. A member of the American Institute of Architects and NCARB certified Ronald Kuoppala Architecture is one of the most reputable architectural design firms on Long Island. Whether you are in need of a commercial architect or a residential architect, you can have confidence in the incredible architectural design their team will create for your project.

Whether you are in the beginning phases of starting up a new business and you’re looking for a customized space to call home, or you have been in business for a while and you’re thinking about expanding or upgrading your property, you’re going to want to hire a commercial architect.

A professional that specializes in commercial architectural design will be able to bring your ideas to fruition and provide you with a beautifully designed and functional space. It goes without saying that you want to hire the best architect for the job, and in order to do that, you need to take the following factors into consideration before you hire someone to design your commercial building.

How many years have they been in business?

Though a new architecture firm can certainly do incredible work, there’s something to be said about the experience. Someone who has been around for a long time will not only have ample experience to draw upon but will also have developed a solid reputation with the community. Though it may not be the ultimate deciding factor, the amount of time that a prospective architect has been in business is certainly a factor that you should take into consideration.

Do they have experience in your industry?

Ask prospective architects if they have experience in your specific industry. It’s a good idea to choose someone who has designed buildings in your industry because it assures you that they have had a firm understanding of your needs. It also ensures that they will be comfortable designing a space that will adhere to any regulations and requirements that there may be when it comes to creating a commercial space for your specific industry. If the firm doesn’t have prior experience in your field, there’s a chance that they could hit some speed bumps along the way, which could derail the project and delay its completion.

Do they have references?

Any reputable commercial architect will be more than happy to provide references, so don’t be afraid to ask for them. Ask for the names and contact details of clients and contractors that the firm has worked with in the past. Follow up with those references to find out their overall impression and whether or not they would recommend working with the firm.

What and how do they charge?

Budget is a major factor that needs to be considered when selecting an architectural design firm. You want to stay as close to your budget as possible, otherwise, you could end up in serious financial turmoil. Ask prospective architects how they charge; for example, do they charge by the hour or based on the square footage of your project? Also, make sure that you get a written estimate from all of the firms that you are considering so that you can compare your options. Remember, however, that while it may be tempted to go with the firm that quoted the lowest price, they may not offer the best results; the old adage “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to architectural design.

Are they accessible?

It’s always a good idea to work with an architecture firm that you can easily access. You’ll have several meetings throughout the design phase, and having to travel great distances can be taxing; not to mention the fact that it can cut into your already hectic schedule. Plus, if something comes up or you have questions along the way, you want to make sure that you can reach your architect. A reputable architect will be easy to reach and will always be willing to answer your questions with as much detail as possible. When it comes to designing a property, open lines of communication are extremely important.

Ronald Kuoppala Architecture: Meeting the Commercial Architecture Needs of Long Island Business Owners

Since 1996, Ronald Kuoppala Architecture has been designing commercial spaces for Long Island business owners. Their team of professionals creates highly functional and aesthetically pleasing commercial spaces for all types of industries. To find out more about their processor to schedule a consultation, call 516.797.8317 or visitwww.rkarchitecture.com.