Find the right architect

A good architect brings creativity, dependable skills, and value to your project. But every professional brings unique strengths. So the key is to find someone who demonstrates the skills you particularly want.

In 27 years as an architect, I've observed three types of clients—and three types of architects who work best with them. Determine your type, decide who'll work best with you, and then make your dream building a reality.

The director

If you know exactly what you want in a remodel or a new building and have a clear layout in mind, perhaps even a prototype, you're a director. You've studied the plans of other clinics and spent many hours with graph paper laying out the reception area, exam rooms, and treatment areas. You've thought about how the building might sit on the site. But you're probably a little uncertain about building codes and technical concerns.

You need an architect to take the plan from sketch to reality. You need a coordinator, someone who'll work with a mechanical engineer, structural engineer, and other consultants to take your layout from graph paper to construction level drawings. This person will work with your local jurisdiction and make plan modifications to meet code requirements.

You're looking for a high-quality coordinator, not creativity. So when you talk to prospective architects' references, talk with contractors and consulting engineers about his or her ability to coordinate work.

The collaborator

You have a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your project and a reasonable understanding of the building's functional requirements. And while you're not inclined to try to layout the building yourself, you want to be very involved in the design process.

You've looked at a lot of veterinary practices, and you like something about each one. You may also bring ideas to the table that you've never seen built before.

As a collaborator, you need an architect who listens and involves you in the design process. You need someone who creates responsive designs that suit your vision. This person considers you the expert for your project and listens carefully while you describe your design goals.

When you're interviewing potential architects, remember that you're going to particularly value their listening skills. And you probably want an architect whose project list includes many different building types. Be certain to ask references whether they felt listened to and whether their finished buildings are technically sound.

The manager

You want to make the big decisions and be efficient with your time. In general, manager clients want the assurance of working with an architect who's a recognized expert in building veterinary practices.

You know your key requirements, such as how much you want to spend and how much room to allocate for each employee. You want to attend meetings, answer questions, and review the design work as it develops. You'll set the big-picture agenda and you expect your architect to fill in the details.

Your architect should be a specialist. The right architect for you has designed many clinics and possibly written articles or given seminars that demonstrate his or her expertise at building veterinary facilities.

John Perkins, AIA, owner of Perkins Architectural, in Portland, Ore., has 27 years of experience listening to and working with these different types of clients. Send questions to ve@advanstar.com