Things to Consider When Hiring an Architect in the Southern California Area

As many people in the Los Angeles region face rebuilding, they may have numerous questions. Below are recommended considerations when hiring an architect:

What is an Architect?

In California, an architect is an individual or group of people in a firm who prepare drawings and documents of buildings and their specifications and oversees the process of construction. In the case of residential architecture, an architecture license is not always necessary to produce the contract documents for permitting and construction. To check for an architect's credentials with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

  • The Architects Practice Act (Section 5537) outlines specific exemptions where a licensed architect or engineer is not required. These include:

    • Single-family dwellings of wood-frame construction not exceeding two stories and a basement.

    • Multi-unit dwellings (up to four units) of wood-frame construction not exceeding two stories and a basement, provided the total on any lot does not exceed four units.

    • Garages or structures appurtenant to the above, of wood-frame construction, not exceeding two stories and a basement.

    • Agricultural and ranch buildings of wood-frame construction unless deemed an undue public risk by the building official.

      Experience with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
      Los Angeles includes various AHJs responsible for reviewing plans for code compliance. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so confirm your architect’s familiarity with your specific AHJ. For example, Altadena falls under the County of Los Angeles.

Architects and designers are helpful advocates for home and business owners.

What does an Architect do?

  • Some of the things architects can do are:

    • Create feasibilities studies

    • Develop plans and drawings for documentation of existing or past structures

    • Design and documentation of new buildings

    • Consult on best building practices including using the latest sustainable and resilient design techniques

    • Coordinate with local building authorities including City, County, State regulatory agencies

    • Provide knowledge of local building codes and zoning

    • Coordinate with engineers if needed

    • Assist with the selection of a contractor

Connecting with an architect (or landscape architect, interior designer, engineer, contractor):

Communication Skills, Design Philosophy, and Experience

  • Meet multiple architects or designers to assess their approach, communication style, and compatibility. Rebuilding can be an emotional process, so choose someone with whom you feel comfortable and confident.

  • Conveying a clear scope of work assists with both design solutions and fee structures. Do you need a complete rebuild? A renovation? 

  • Ask about general timelines for both design and construction

    Portfolio

  • Review a portfolio (print or digital) of relevant work to ensure the architect’s design style and experience align with your vision.

    References

  • Request references from past clients and follow up with them to gain insights into the working relationship and project outcomes.

Fees & Contracts:

Fee Structures

  • Architects use various fee structures, including hourly rates, Not to Exceed (NTE), fixed fee, or a percentage of construction costs.

  • Compare proposals from multiple firms to understand fee differences.

    Written Contract

  • A detailed written contract is essential. Refer to Section 5536.22 of the Architects Practice Act for required contract elements.

  • The AIA also has typical contracts for reference. The AIA B101 - Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect is a typical document and is a good resource to review.