When a client comes to me with new project, they are coming to me to translate their dreams into reality, from the intangible to the tangible. It is important to understand their needs, the functions to be satisfied and the identity that the final project will take on. Frank Lloyd Wright coined the phrase so eloquently: ”Form follows function.”
Your architect should be your eyes on the project. The greatest value your architect has to you during the construction phase is to monitor the work to maintain design and project integrity. His or her observations assure that the construction documents are properly followed and discrepancies clarified. Unforeseen field conditions sometimes arise that may affect the design intent that only the architect can resolve or respond to.
All of these media works for different reasons and on different levels. They are all tools to develop, detail and refine the design, as well as to communicate the final design. Perception of the design will vary with each individual and with each medium and is therefore subject to interpretation.
All or any of the above. It is your responsibility to communicate to your architect your requirements, visions, style, materials, likes, dislikes. A good architect will pry this out of you. Successful communication on all levels will result in a successful end product.
Generally, there are “rule of thumb” ranges of costs for different project types in different markets or geographic regions. An architect familiar with the type of project in your area could give you direction to establish an initial budget. As a project develops with an architect, cost projections could then be prepared based on the design and development that has transpired.
In it’s simplest terms, think of the architect as your attorney. He helps to establish what it is you want in the project and then prepare the drawings that become the contract document between you and the General Contractor. The interior designer could establish all or part of what goes into the documents. Often, as in my practice, the architect does the interior design or works in concert with the Interior Designer.
This question could be answered on many different levels. The most important action to take prior to making the financial commitment is to determine if the building is zoned for residential use and if the loft (and building) has the infrastructure or potential to accommodate your anticipated conversion (ie: electrical, plumbing, stairs, elevators, heating). From there, your architect will guide you through the process of understanding your requirements, lifestyle and budgetary guidelines going forward.