Starting off a new commercial or industrial project is about two things – budget and the right team. From the moment of conceptualization to eventual completion, your team of architects is important. Not all commercial architects are the same, and owners and investors need to do their homework for finding one. In this post, we are sharing the questions you must ask when meeting an industrial or commercial architectural practice for the first time.
Do you have experience on similar projects?
The expertise of a company is critical. For instance, if you are in Montreal, you can check with Stendel + Reich data center architects. The company has created data centers with advanced automation and environmental framework for clients all over Canada. For designing a distribution & logistics center, you need a team that has done similar work. If needed, you can ask for references and check for reviews. A commercial architectural practice that has been in business for long will have good reviews and wouldn’t shy away from sharing details of their work profile.
What do you think are our project challenges? What are your suggested solutions?
Some projects have a budget or space crunch, while others have inherent design concerns. The challenges with commercial projects can vary, but you need architects who are capable of not merely identifying the same but also offer practical solutions. Long before you discuss quote with an architecture firm, consider talking to them in depth about the project. What a company brings to the table is important in the long run.
Can you share a quote? Have you addressed the contingencies?
This is another important question that must be answered. It is not merely important to find a commercial architectural practice that can work in your budget, but also ensure that they are capable of handling the contingencies that may happen along the way. The quote shouldn’t be your only concern. Many commercial architects are now focusing on things like sustainability and resilient buildings, and they may deliver more than what most clients expect. Of course, that may come for a price.
Now that you have figured out the basics, meet a commercial architectural practice at least a few times in person. Working with a local company can be immensely useful in this context, as they are more likely to be accessible and will be able to address your concerns without any delay. Check for top firms now!
