4 Things to Consider When Choosing an Architect

At Studio Four Design, our driving motivation is that Design Matters because people matter.

Choosing the right architect can seem like a daunting prospect when you’re trusting your dream project to a professional. When small business owners or budding entrepreneurs are pouring their hopes, dreams, and often, life savings, into seeing their vision realized, it can be a difficult task to turn over the work.

That’s why choosing the right architect is a critical decision early in the process. The right architect will listen to understand your needs, demonstrate experience with your project type, help you identify potential challenges and present solutions, and lastly, serve as a trusted partner throughout the design process.

1.    The right architect will listen to you and understand your needs.

You’ve dreamed of a finished space that will enable you to continue fulfilling your mission and provide opportunities for future growth. You might have spent sleepless nights wondering how you can best utilize or reimagine existing space or you may have a blank space to start with.

When you work with an expert who takes the time to truly understand your needs and desires and supports your vision, the stage is set for project success. As one client, Leah Hunter from The Houndry in Oak Ridge, Tennessee described, “Working with Studio Four was a dream for our small business… They took our vision and put it together in a way that works for our business and the space! They really made us feel like our project was their project and wanted to help us work toward the success of our business.” 

2.    The right architect will demonstrate experience with your project type.

Does a potential architect have experience with your project type? Whether your space will be designed to serve customers more effectively, provide a place for worship, create a learning environment, offer efficient workspace for employees, or enrich the lives of community members, your architect should offer experience with projects like yours.

If your niche is healthcare, for example, your architect should have an extensive understanding of the regulatory issues, safety stipulations, and other factors needed to comply with healthcare standards and to help create a space that enables you to provide the highest standard of care. Educational projects require their own set of unique components, including square footage per student, adequate restroom facilities, and more.

Church and ministry projects necessitate a deeper understanding of ministry objectives from your architect. With over 90 church projects on our company resume, Studio Four Design has had experience in creating worship spaces and children’s ministry settings and has effectively worked with church leaders in master planning, site planning, remodels of existing structures, and new builds.

3.    The right architect will help you overcome challenges and offer solutions.

Even “the best-laid plans” are sometimes met with unexpected challenges or complexities. National and regional supply chain issues, for example, resulted in recent years during the height of the global pandemic. A seasoned architect will be able to successfully evaluate the original design plans, consider your needs and desires, and effectively communicate options to you. With an experienced design team, you can have confidence that their recommendations will stem from extensive experience, knowledge of the build process, and a commitment to excellence in your project.

One Studio Four Design project impacted by supply chain issues during the pandemic was Summer Moon Coffee in Farragut, Tennessee. Unusually long lead times and unprecedented shortages of the original selections became an opportunity to find other comparable, quality choices. As one Studio Four Design team member described, “The unavailability of certain products offered a unique opportunity for the design team to identify and incorporate alternative finishes that would still mesh with the space including the brick veneer, tile, and adapting custom casework to the layout.”

Creativity, adaptability, and experience were key factors in the success and completion of this beautiful project.

4.    The right architect will be your partner.

When planning a project there are a number of factors that set the stage for a successful outcome. The ability to navigate potential challenges with your existing facility, job site, budgetary considerations, and adapt to any potential surprises through the course of a job.

An experienced architectural firm like Studio Four Design will truly serve as a partner in the design process while keeping your best interests in mind. The right design team will help you work through each step of the project, making suggestions and adaptations if needed, and equipping you with the information that you need to make informed decisions. As Dr. Kyle Smith from Beaver Creek Dental shared, “The team has been really good about saying ‘these things will look great’ and here are several price points to consider… They do very well at keeping me on track in different phases and educating me on what we need to accomplish in each phase.”

There are several important factors to consider when choosing an architectural firm to realize your dream. Finding an architect who truly listens and understands your needs, one who demonstrates knowledge of and experience with your project type, and one who can identify challenges and offer solutions are critical considerations. Finally, and just as importantly, an architect who will truly partner with you through the build process is an invaluable consideration to seeing a project successfully accomplished.

If you need help developing your plan to continue fulfilling your mission, contact our highly qualified and experienced team. We’d love to partner with you!

About Studio Four Design Inc.

Since 2002, Studio Four Design based in Knoxville, Tennessee has served as a premiere architectural and interior design firm in their region and beyond. Their guiding principle is Design Matters, and their goal is to exceed expectations to provide design solutions that positively impact their clients, community, and the organizations they serve. Their team has gained expertise on a select variety of project types over the last twenty years including churches, higher education, restaurants, retail, corporate, manufacturing, athletic, and recreational venues. Studio Four Design takes pride in its high-energy, performance-driven culture and its collaborative approach to working with its clients, consultants, and contractors. To find out more, call 865-523-5001 or visit http://studiofourdesign.com.