Ensure a great relationship with your architect
Q. I'm considering building my own clinic. What should I ask when hiring an architect? A. Hiring the right architect is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the building process, say Sal Longo Jr. and Michael Crosby, co-owners of Crosby Longo Architecture studio in New Orleans, La., and designers of the 2000 Hospital of the Year.
By Sarah A. Moser, associate editor
Q.
I'mconsidering building my own clinic. What should I ask when hiring anarchitect?
A.
Hiring the right architect is one of themost important decisions you'll make during the building process, saySal Longo Jr. and Michael Crosby, co-owners of Crosby Longo Architecturestudio in New Orleans, La., and designers of the 2000 Hospital of theYear.
"You'll work with this person closely for six months totwo years, so trust your instincts and choose an architect you thinkyou'll develop a comfortable relationship with," Longosays.
Consider whether the architect has designed veterinaryfacilities before, though that doesn't have to be a deciding factor,Crosby says."Also ask the architects to show you projects they'vedesigned, provide references, explain the design process, and discusseach of your roles."
"The architect must listen to your needs,"says Longo. "So tell him or her what issues are important to you and seehow he or she responds. Once you've seen an architect's work anddiscussed your project, you'll have a better sense if he or she is rightfor your facility."
July 2001
VeterinaryEconomics
