Choosing an Architect That's Right for You

Choosing the right architect or builder can be a stressful proposition.  The decision and the process is emotionally exhausting.  If you were just going out to buy a pair of socks it would hardly be so crucial.  However, in this case you are looking for a very special person or person(s) to build your home.

Your refuge. Your sanctuary. 

A safe haven which will always greet you with a warm embrace and a cool place to lie. 

Identifying the architect or firm who possess that special ttrait, characteristic & style which best speaks to you and utterly moves you is difficult enough in your own backyard, let alone here in Mexico.  However, the bright side of building here means that you have access to some extremely talented architectural professionals that elsewhere in the world would completely be out of reach cost-wise.  This isn't to say that quality comes cheap, but relatively speaking it is still "affordable" to hire from the top.

Once you're ready, embarking on your quest is similar to taking up any new task ... using a little common sense and plenty of due diligence.

First Steps

The first step in choosing the right architect is to find an architect who is based locally (in this case Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo).  Locally-based architects/firms are familiar with local construction codes and permits and can often make the initial construction application process run much smoother. 

This is especially crucial when there is environmental impact involved as these reports are often lengthy in obtaining and pushing through local municipal channels.  If an architect is based locally chances are he will already have an established relationship with the environmental engineers and municipal agents that oversee and regulate this intial process.

Additionally, local architects are well aquainted with the types of materials best-suited for these coastal environs.  Unless you are a big developer planning for a large-scale development, it’s best to concentrate your search to a local level.

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

Familiarize yourself with 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 timeframe, cost, 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.

Researching an architect or firm
Ask the architect to provide at least two references and follow up with them.  Ask them what their experience was working with the architect & his/her firm.  Find out if they ran into any problems along the way and if so, how were the problems taken care of.  Mistakes can often be 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 regular updates 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 or construction manager.

Employing an independent, professional project or construction manager allows you to closely monitor the progress of your home construction via email through weekly progress & photo updates, giving you more overall cost & quality control.

Things you should consider before building in Mexico.