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CUSTOM HOME DESIGN * ADDITION & REMODEL
DESIGN * STOCK PLANS * DRAFTING SERVICES * CONSTRUCTION
10 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
1.) EXPERIENCE.
You have heard it a million times, and it’s true. There is no substitute
for experience. This is especially true for design professionals.
2.) AN OFFICE.
Your first meeting should be in a professional’s office.
THAT OFFICE MAY
BE IN THE DESIGNER’S HOME, but should be in a designated area. Remember,
use caution if you are dealing with a part-time draftsperson conducting
business from the kitchen table.
3.) EXAMPLES OF WORK.
While in the designer’s office ask to see some of their latest work.
This will allow you to compare designer’s work and styles as you
interview various design professionals.
4.) REFERENCE MATERIALS.
Look around their office. Today’s design professionals must stay on the
cutting edge of their profession to compete. This requires a great deal
of reference material such as books, manuals, code text, catalogs and
samples of materials.
5.) FINISHED PROJECTS.
Ask to see photographs and request addresses of actual homes that have
been built in a design similar to the one you are considering.
6.) REFERENCES.
Try to obtain a current list of former clients who you may contact to
discuss the designer’s past performance.
7.) CONTRACT.
A professional building designer always has a contract or agreement for
your review that covers such items as the fee and terms of payment, as
well as the specific services that will be rendered for specific fees.
8.) PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION.
Membership in a professional organization such as AIBD (American
Institute of Building Design) or AIA (American Institute of Architects)
makes the statement that this individual maintains high moral and
professional standards within the building design profession.
9.) SEALS ON DRAWINGS.
This indicates that the design professional is either a state licensed
architect or a CPBD (Certified Professional Building Designer) through
the National Council of Building Designer Certification.
NOTE: THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE ALLOWS A LICENSED CONTRACTOR TO
DESIGN RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION. CHECK TO SEE IF THE DESIGNER IS A
LICENSED CONTRACTOR.
10.) CONTINUING EDUCATION.
This is a requirement for a Certified Professional Building Designer,
CEU’s (Continuing Education Units) are vital for building designers to
improve their professionalism and to stay informed on the many advances
in the building and design industries.
NOTE: Scott Lee Bogden of Bogden Design Studio Inc. has met all of
these requirements and MORE. Please explore this website to review all
of my experience, education, affiliations, clients, examples of design
work, photos of completed and built projects, references, C.E.U.’s and
my license, STATE CERTIFIED BUILDING CONTRACTORS LICENSE # CBC 058908.
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