Guide to Choosing an Architect

Text and Photos By Maura Taylor

It’s said that a home is an expression of the uniqueness of its owner and choosing the right architect who understands this concept makes all the difference. Embarking on your quest to find the right architect is similar to taking up any new task, using a little common sense and plenty of due diligence. Now that you’ve bought your piece of paradise, it’s time to take the right steps to turn your unique vision into a reality.

First Steps

The first step in choosing the right architect is to find an architect who is based in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. Locally-based firms are familiar with local construction codes, permits and environmental impact reports and are familiar with what materials work better in our local coastal environs. Unless you are a big developer looking for a large-scale builder, it’s best to concentrate your initial search locally.

Contacting an Architect

Some local firms have a current website, while others simply have a phone number and physical office. If you are contacting the firm through their website and they are in a position to act on your request quickly, you know they are interested in your lead. If you make first contact and do not hear back for a while, the firm may already have sufficient projects keeping them busy. Of course, if you are in the area, call them directly and make an appointment.

Meeting an Architect

View each firm’s mission statement and design philosophy, along with their current work portfolio. Make sure their style agrees with your vision. Before making contact, think of some specific questions you would like to ask; write them down and bring them with you. Discuss your priorities in terms of timescale, cost and quality and make sure the architect is on the same page. Take your time during your meeting to really get a feel for the architect and if he/she doesn’t offer first, ask to be introduced to the members of the firm. Remember, the firm will be working for you, so the first impression you get should be a good one.

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Researching an architect

Ask the architect to provide at least two previous clients and follow up with them to find out their individual experience working with him/her. Ask if they ran into any problems and if so, how were the problems taken care of. Mistakes are often made during the construction process and it’s important to know that they are handled responsively. If possible, visit a few completed projects and do thorough walk-throughs to check for attention to detail.

Employing an architect

Once you have made a decision on which firm you will be working with, make sure you are given a clear project timeline, detailed project budget and payment schedule. Normally, an initial deposit of about 30 to 60 percent is requested in order to purchase materials and in some cases, order certain products such as appliances or home accessories that require a significant lead-time. Make sure that whatever payment plan is agreed upon, you have a calendar of work approval and payment milestones so as not to hold up the building process.

Overseeing the Process

Now that you have selected an architect and the work is to begin, you may request that your architect send you weekly updates via E-mail and if possible, photos of the ongoing work under construction. If you are living outside of Mexico, it’s a good idea to contract a project manager that can be onsite to oversee the process, keep you updated on the progress, assist with crucial decisions and ensure that if any mistakes are made along the way that they are addressed and resolved effectively and in time. A project manager will also ensure that the construction process adheres to the budget and is delivered on time, something every client can appreciate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Maura Taylor lives in Zihua and serves as intermediary and design consultant for home remodeling, restoration and condo finishing projects in Zihua and the surrounds. She can be reached by phone or email: zihua cell# (755) 101-9711 or destinozihua@gmail.com