Too many people still think architects are necessary only for designing the big building projects — museums, schools, baseball stadiums, hotels, or corporate headquarter buildings.

However, the truth is, an architect can make any building project more comfortable, functional, energy-efficient, and even more cost-effective.

Let's start with the myths and misconceptions that people tell themselves when they don't hire an architect:

"I can't afford an architect."
"I don't need an architect, it's such a simple project."
"I don't think an architect can add anything, my contractor has it all covered."

So, why would you hire an architect? What benefits will they bring? And, in difficult economic times, how do you justify the cost?

The answers are found in understanding what an architect does, the in-depth knowledge and experience they bring to a project, and the oversight and guidance they can provide from start to finish.

The Making of a Licensed Architect: Education, Training, and Testing

The skills and talent—and value—of an architect are far broader and deeper than drafting a set of blueprints. In fact, the scope of their education and training truly runs from A to Z—from arts to zoning, and so much in between.

An architect's training focuses on solving problems and creating ideas. Combined with a broad education in the arts, engineering, and construction, architects gain an overall approach to building design, site studies, construction methods and materials, the climate, codes, zoning, contracts, budget and project management.

The formal professional training to become a licensed architect is long and arduous. Depending on the university, it takes five or six years to get the professional degree(s), typically a Masters in Architecture. That's followed by two to three years of supervised practice working with an established architect, before being allowed to take the rigorous, national Architect Registration Examination (ARE) leading to licensure.

Altogether, that can add up to be as much time as it takes to become a physician. So, whether you are seriously ill or serious about building, isn't a professional your first call?

Working with an Architect — from Idea to Built

At the project's start, an architect is able to interpret a client's needs and provide solutions that get the function, size and budget right.

When a small budget is the big issue, a licensed architect has the training, expertise, and experience to enable an owner plan and create smart, cost-effective solutions for the specific needs of the project.

Engaging an architect from the beginning can translate into saving money up front and avoiding costly mistakes in the construction phase.

After working with Joe Madden on his law office in downtown Fort Myers, Florida, I heard him elucidate:

"As a real estate attorney involved with both commercial and residential real estate projects, I see how our clients work directly with licensed architects in developing building plans for their proposed uses.

"Our clients rely upon the architect from design through construction, ensuring the building is constructed to meet their needs. They find that utilizing the skills of an architect can actually save money because they are able to design space more effectively and efficiently for the specific intended use." — Joe Madden, Madden Law Firm, Fort Myers

Architects Design for Style, People, Environment, Place—and for Your Success

Importantly, the architect can immediately determine: Are you being realistic? That's an answer prudent to know at the beginning.

A good architect will investigate the site or building, consider the climate and determine how all existing conditions will impact the design and then, present not only a design but a solution.

Drawings, often presented in three dimensions, make it easier to visualize proposals and avoid surprises. Changing a drawing or a computer model is far less expensive than making a change in the field, after construction has started.

Suggesting appropriate proposals and suitable materials is only one skill. How many times has an item, originally put in to save a few dollars, had to be replaced? Architects understand the advantages and problems that come not only with certain building design decisions, but also with the selection of materials, fixtures, and furnishings.

Designing energy efficiency into a building at the outset also saves money on running costs and reduces the consumption of natural resources.

Studying the history of art and architecture, not only architectural design and construction, prepares an architect to incorporate balance and proportion–the key to making buildings look good.

Consider the difference between some of the mass-produced houses in some gated communities—with massive overhead garage doors dominating the front of the home and hiding the entrance—and the appearance of a home custom-designed by an architect to reflect the owner’s ideas and to make ideal use of the site’s space and environment.

The architect will use the vision of a client to produce dynamic creative space that serves users and makes buildings efficient and comfortable.

Architects provide more than just four walls and a roof: They create environments, incorporating daylight, views and the climate, inside and out. And, did you know a considered design is even conscious of the space between the buildings?

Architects Provide Valuable Work throughout the Construction Process

It is important to remember, if it can go wrong on the building site, it will. Inevitably, it is the time when the budget will spiral out of control. Given the opportunity and with cooperation from the construction team, the architect can be the one to keep a handle on costs.

Their comprehensive understanding of a building produces solutions to site problems that will make the least impact on all aspects of the building - minimizing cost increases. And, if they monitor changes and substitutions, quality is rarely reduced.

The Real Value Adds Up

So, if the cost of hiring a professional still seems high, think of it as an investment in the long term: Include the actual costs of the mortgage, and fees will average about 1-2 percent of the overall expenditure. 

That's a small price for a building with improved quality of space, greater efficiencies, better materials, fewer maintenance issues, and a reduced impact on the environment.

And further down the road, consider the resale value. Good design sells.

Remember what Red Adair, the American oil well firefighter, understood: "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur!"

Joyce Owens FAIA RIBA

A previous version of this article appeared in Joyce Owens’ “Architect About Town” column in the Fort Myers News-Press