7. Twenty Questions to Ask Your Architect
HOW
DESIGN
WORKS
FOR YOU
1. What does the architect see as important issues of
consideration in your project?
2. How will the architect approach your project?
3. How will the architect gather information about your
needs, goals, etc.?
4. How will the architect establish priorities and make
decisions?
5. Who from the architecture firm will be dealing with you
directly? Is that the same person who will be designing
the project? Who will be designing the project?
6. How interested is the architect in this project?
7. How busy is the architect?
8. What sets this architect apart from the rest?
9. How does the architect establish fees?
10. What would the architect expect the fee to be for this
project?
11. What are the steps in the design process?
12. How does the architect organize the process?
13. What does the architect expect you to provide?
14. What is the architect’s design philosphy?
15. What is the architect’s experience / track record with cost
estimating?
16. What will the architect show you along the way to explain
the project? Will you see models, drawings or sketches?
17. If the scope of the project changes later in the project, will
there be additional fees? How will these fees be justified?
18. What services does the architect provide during
construction?
19. How disruptive will construction be? How long does the
architect expect it to take to complete construction?
Source: American Institute of Architects
howdesignworks.aia.org
20. Can the architect provide a list of client references?
Bacon Group, Inc., www.BGArchitects.com, 800.961.1967
Richard S. Bacon, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CGC
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8. Sustainability Checklist for Architects
SITE DESIGN AND SELECTION
• Select site near transit, daily shopping needs and
work.
• Select infill site – reduce sprawl.
• Restore sites natural system functions.
• Design for bioclimatic conditions – passive comfort
controls.
WATER
• Conserve and reuse stormwater.
• Reduce potable water consumption for non potable
uses.
• Reduce off-site treatment of wastewater.
• Use gray water systems.
• Conserve building water consumption.
WASTE
In view of these environmental concerns, sustainable
design embodies the following goals:
• Minimize use of resources.
• Minimize waste generated from construction,
renovation and demolition of buildings.
• Minimize waste generated during building
occupancy.
• Encourage better management of waste.
• Reuse existing buildings.
• Design for less material use.
• Design building for adaptability.
• Design building for disassembly.
ENERGY
• Use alternative energies and appropriate
technologies.
• Reduce all energy loads.
• Optimize building placement and configuration for
passive energy use.
• Optimize building envelope thermal performance.
• Provide daylighting – all rooms lighting during
daylight.
• Design efficient systems.
• Use efficient electric lighting systems and controls.
• Maximize mechanical systems performance.
• Use efficient equipment and appliances.
• Use renewable or other alternative energy sources.
• Simulate total building energy use.
• Integrate all systems and reduce total energy use.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ)
• Minimize production and transmission of air
pollution.
• Zone manage controls to maximize personal
comforts.
• Control moisture to prevent microbial
contamination.
• Provide ample ventilation for pollutant control and
thermal comfort.
• Provide appropriate thermal conditions.
• Provide effective lighting.
• Provide appropriate building acoustical and
vibration conditions.
• Provide views, viewspace, and connection to natural
environment.
Bacon Group, Inc., www.BGArchitects.com, 800.961.1967
MATERIALS
• Minimize consumption and depletion of material
resources.
• Minimize the life-cycle impact of materials on the
environment.
• Minimize the impact of materials on indoor
environmental quality.
• Use materials with low environmental impact during
their life cycle production.
• Use salvaged and remanufactured materials.
• Use recycled content products and materials.
• Use materials from renewable sources distribution.
• Use locally manufactured materials installation.
• Use low voc-emitting materials.
• Use durable materials.
Source: American Institute of Architects
Richard S. Bacon, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CGC
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21. Additional Resources & Workshop Presentations
These resources are available
from Bacon Group. Contact
Mindy Bacon at 727.725.0111 or
email mindy@bgarchitects.com.
Bacon Group’s
Basic Guide to Reading
Architectural Drawings.
Please note that Rick Bacon’s
presentations may not be
available until after the
conference.
We recommend you download
ASV’s Guidelines for Standards
of Care in Animal Shelters.
It contains a lot of valuable
recommendations related to
facility design and primary
enclosures for animals.
To learn more about Bacon
Group and its design work for the
animal care community.
Association of
Shelter Veterinarians
http://www.sheltervet.org/
Bacon Group, Inc. Architecture
• www.BGArchitects.com
• www.S3Shelters.com
• Find us on Facebook
Bacon Group, Inc. Architecture
Bacon Group, Inc., www.BGArchitects.com, 800.961.1967
Richard S. Bacon, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CGC
Page 1