Posts by T. Bryan Mulligan, AIA
What is that ‘thingy’ on the roof?
This blog post was inspired by an article that I recently read as well as conversations I’ve had with many clients. Architects (and builders) have names for just about every component or system involved in the design and construction of a building. Most of these terms have been passed down from as far back as the ancient Egyptians to […]
8 Myths About Architects
Myth #1: I can’t afford an architect. This is number one because it is the most mis-understood. An architect will make your budget his or her best friend and will negotiate to get the best materials and the best workmanship for a good price. More bang for your buck. An architect will not only advocate […]
The Road Crit. What An Architect Won’t Do For You.
As a student of architecture you become quite familiar with ‘the crit’. This is where your work is continually scrutinized and critiqued, sometimes brutally. These sessions usually take on one of two formats, the desk crit or the wall crit. A wall crit involves the whole class and one to four+ critics consisting of professors, recent graduates, local architects, etc. These sessions […]
What Does An Architect Charge & How They Structure Their Fee?
If you are here for the quick answer scroll to the bottom, otherwise… Compensating an architect never seems simple and is usually a mystery, even for the architect. Personally it is not my favorite and would rather do it for nothing, but I have a family to feed, and… well that’s just not how the […]
17 Questions To Ask Your Architect… before he or she is your architect.
Personality is an important quality to consider when determining who will design your project. The architect you choose will need to work well with many types of people and professions, and most importantly he or she needs to work well with you and the builder/contractor. There are as many questions you can ask as there are […]
How to find an architect
The methods of finding an architect can differ greatly and depend on the type of project. But regardless of your project’s size and complexity, or its budget, an architect will make your life easier. You don’t need a ‘top rated’, or ‘award winning’ architect, you just need one who fits your project, your style, similar values […]
Do I need an architect? (Part 2)
When people ask me if they really need an architect, I eventually respond with, “who else would you trust with your $400,000 investment?” Which is usually after a lengthy debate that immediately follows, “well, it depends”. But I would be careless if I said your best option is […]
Do I need an architect? (Part 1)
You have a few acres to build a single family home or purchased a 100yr old home that needs a gut renovation. You have a tight budget and are concerned about spending it efficiently. So you ask yourself, “do I need an architect?”. Depending on the size and scope of your project you might not […]