Qualities to Look for in Choosing an Architect

Are you in the process of seeking an architect to do some designs for you? The process can be a lot easier when you know the right questions to ask. In this blog, we’re going to give you some basic questions to ask potential Boston architects to help you narrow down your search.

1. “What services do you offer?”

This is the first question you should have answered by any architect you meet. You want to make sure the architect can provide the type of design you need. There’s no sense in continuing to pursue an architect that can’t provide the basic services you need.

2. “Do you have any references or customer testimonials?”

The best way to find anyone in this industry is by word of mouth. But, let’s say none of your close friends or colleagues needed architectural design services. The next best thing is reviews from previous clients. Ask your potential architect if they have any testimonials for you to review.

3. “Do you have a portfolio I can review?”

When choosing an architect for your project, it really comes down to a creative pairing. You have to find someone with whom you’re going to work well. Find out if they have a portfolio for you to look at. This will give you an idea of their style and capabilities.

4. “How much experience do you have?”

While it doesn’t always correlate, you usually find better quality work from a more experienced architect. The more experience they have, the more designs they have under their belt. Working more creatively with an architect like this may be easier.

How We Stack Up

1. We offer a wide range of architectural design services. We can design everything from a brand new home to a large remodeling project.

2. We have customer testimonials available right on our website. You can peruse them at your leisure.

3. Our website features a gallery of previous projects. You can see what type of projects we’ve designed in the past.

4. We have more than 30 years of experience in the architectural design industry.

Are you looking for an architect in Boston? Give us a call today at 617-323-6081 or request a free quote online.

Do You Really Need to Hire a Boston Architect?

There are things in life where hiring a professional may not seem very necessary, but when it comes to your home, this should not be the case (unless you are a professional in the particular area to be worked on).

So, if you are planning on building a home, then it is highly recommended that you first choose a Boston architect to help you make the best use of your time and money. Whether it is hiring Boston architects to design that home with a great room complete with ornamental fireplace or having an architect design a state of the art kitchen where you can entertain guests, having a professional will ensure you get the look you want for your home.

But what else does an architect bring to the table? Here are some other reasons why hiring an architect will make a significant difference in the outcome of one’s home designs.

  • An architect will take the time to design, or re-design existing house plans, to meet your needs. A good architect will sit down with you and ask question about your routines, hobbies and plans for the future so that the final product will meet all your needs.
  • As you look over blueprints to decide on the look of your new home, you will likely encounter terminology that you are unfamiliar with. An architect will be able to explain these to you so that you can be sure that you select plans that meet your needs.
  • If you want a home that makes a statement both architecturally and artistically, then your architect is the person to talk to as they are skilled in both of these fields.
  • Architects understand design elements like lighting, texture, color and more that add style and personality to a home.

Hiring an architect is one of the most important steps you can take towards building your new home. Learn why today: call us at 617-323-6081 or Request a Free Quote.

3 Reasons to Seek Architecture Services Now

Are you on the fence? If you’re between remodeling, buying or building a home, the time to build is now! For those looking to build in Boston, architecture services are local and easy to find. At Boston Architect, we can work with you on the home of your dreams. In this blog, we’re going to list some reasons why it is a good time to build your new home now.

1. Reasonably Priced Land & Homes

When you have your own home built, there are many aspects you have more control over than if you were to rent or buy. Purchasing a reasonably priced plot of land and sticking within your assigned budget can benefit your wallet. Now is a good time to make an investment in your future home.

2. Saving on Energy & Maintenance Costs

In the long run, you will save a lot of money on your energy and maintenance costs. New windows and doors, with tight seals, will ensure the air you’re paying to heat or cool will stay where it belongs. Also, if you purchase a new home, you will know the appliances are in good working order. You’ll save on maintenance repair and replacement costs.

3. You’ll Enjoy Your Home Longer

If you build now, you’ll have more time to enjoy your home. Don’t throw your money away renting if you want to stay in the area. Put your money to better use by constructing the perfect home you’ll love for years to come. As opposed to renting, you’ll be able to modify your new home however you want. You’ll be able to call yourself a homeowner and enjoy all the benefits that come along with that.

In need of Boston architecture services? Then look no further and contact us today at 617-323-6081 or request a free quote online.

Boston Architects: Making a New House Your Home

As your local Boston architects, it’s our job to design you a home that makes your heart sing. We love to listen to you and get your creativity down on paper. But, from there, we leave it up to you. It’s the little things about you that make a house into a home. Whether you’re hiring an interior designer, or you’re an old pro, creating a homey feel will make you love your home even more.

Inspiration

Once your local Boston architects have done their job, it’s time to start gathering inspiration for your home’s interior. Many search online for tips, while other stick to more traditional media and flip through magazines. Wherever you turn for inspiration, collect all your favorite ideas. Different areas of your home can have different flavors or you may be able to use the ideas at a later date.

Style & Color

Your personal style may be hard to define right away. If you don’t know how you want your home’s interior to look, start with the basics. What colors do you like the best? Which themes do you love? Start building an interior design plan from there. When you build a new home, you have the opportunity to overhaul the whole look. Don’t be afraid to be bold and create an interior design you can’t help but love.

Furniture

Furniture is a key factor in making your new house feel like home. After a long day at work, what do you want to do? You could prop your feet up on a big comfy couch, or have a set of deck furniture that’s to die for. Buy purposeful furniture that fits into the style and color theme of the rest of your home. Putting some thought into your furniture purchases can ensure a beautiful overall look inside your home.

Need a Boston architect to design your new house? Give us a call at 617-323-6081 or request a free quote.

Boston Residential Architects

Are you planning to make a major renovation to your existing residence, or finally build your own dream home?  Boston Architect has architects that specialize in residential design. If you want to build a new home or make renovations in Boston, residential architects can help you get your ideas on paper.

You may already have a pretty good idea of what you want your finished job to look like, but getting your thoughts about the project crystallized and documented can be overwhelming. The residential architects at Boston Architect will meet with you to discuss and sort through your needs and desires. You may need a minimum of three bedrooms and two bathrooms and would like to have a three car garage. Perhaps you even have some photos or magazine clippings that illustrate what you have in mind.

We will help you turn your thoughts into an affordable, workable solution with an efficient floor plan and interior and exterior appearances that are aesthetically appealing. Our architects will also ensure that your Boston residential home design will comply with all local, state and national codes.

Once the design concept has been clarified, we will proceed with the actual architectural plans for your residential project. After your final approval, we can help guide you in selecting affordable, qualified, reputable contractors and tradesmen, while helping you avoid those who might be trouble. We can help you evaluate and select from the bids submitted, and then we can make sure that all of the necessary permits are obtained and maintained until the project is completed.

Boston Architect offers a free initial consultation with one of our residential architects for your Boston project, and we will provide you with a clearly written proposal you can understand at the beginning of every design project.

Request a free quote today or call Boston Architect at 617-323-6081.

Architectural Design Services: Are They Really Necessary?

There may be times when it doesn’t seem necessary to hire a professional, but when it comes to your home, it’s best to hire a professional in the Boston area, unless you yourself are well equipped to handle the job. If you’re not sold entirely on hiring a professional, then keep in mind that you’ll only get out of the job what you’re willing to put into it.

If you’re planning on building a home in the Boston area, then you shouldn’t decide against having a professional help out with the job. Before any hammering of nails can commence, you should have Boston architectural design services professionals draw up the necessary plans, so you are able to make the best use of your time and money.

Are you still not seeing the need for professional architectural design services? Then consider the following …

  • Architects will invest the time in designing or re-designing existing house plans in order to meet your needs. Take our team, for example: we’ll sit down with you and ask you about your hobbies, plans, routines and other pertinent information so the final product meets all your requirements.
  • The blueprints will have terminology with which you are most unlikely familiar. The team at Boston Architect will be able to explain these terms to you so that you can choose the plans that best meet your needs.
  • Do you want your new Boston-area home to be both architecturally and aesthetically sound? Then an architect is the person who you want to speak with, as we are very highly skilled in making both of these factors into a reality.

If you’re building a new home in the Boston area, then hiring an architect is one of the most important steps you can take. Begin now by calling us at 617-323-6081 or Submit a Free Quote Request.

Home Building and Renovation: Architect vs. Building Designer

Are you going to build your dream home or conduct a major home renovation? Then you may be on the fence between hiring an architect and hiring a building designer for the plans of your new and improved home. There are major differences between these two professions. Depending on the type of project you’re considering, one of these professionals may better meet your needs. In this blog, we’ll review why a Boston architect may be more qualified to handle your project plans.

Certifications
Each state in the United States has different laws on the certifications and licenses an architect needs to obtain. Some common requirements for an architect to become certified include education, experience (internship) and testing. The test is usually taken to earn a professional license. In Massachusetts, the Office Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations (OCABR) handles all architectural licenses. It is not always a requirement for a building designer to achieve the same level of certification as an architect.

Size of Your Project
Typically, an architect handles larger projects. If you’re looking to design a whole new home or make significant renovations to your existing home, a Boston architect is probably the avenue you’ll want to pursue. Building designers are probably suitable in a situation where you are only remodeling portions of an existing home. An architect will have the time and skill to design architectural designs for more intense projects.

Creative Style
Usually, an architect will be more creative when producing a design for a project. They are able to take into consideration what the customer wants and needs, but design something even better. If you are just looking for a literal translation of your ideas to paper, a building designer may be able to do the job. But, if you’re looking for someone to take your ideas and turn them into something beyond your wildest dreams, an architect can handle the request. Architects are typically trying to push the boundaries and limits of current design.

To hire an architect capable of designing your dream home or renovation, call Boston Architect today at 617-323-6081 or Request a Free Quote.

5 Home Architectural Design Trends in Newton MA

The homes of tomorrow won’t be the same as those from yesteryear. Advances in materials and technologies are reshaping the way Newton homeowners want their homes to look. From floor plans changing to conform to the ways live change to shifts in the way homeowners perceive their home, home architectural design has certainly come a long way. As there are changes in architectural design, Newton homeowners will seek to design new, sleek dwellings.

Here are some trends in architectural design that are becoming more popular:

Eco-Friendly

As we become more sensitive to the needs of the environment, architectural designs for Newton and other area homes will also become more eco-friendly or “green.” More building techniques are using materials that are simple and bio-degradable. Don’t think of these designs as primitive, however; these designs are comfortable, beautiful and cost friendly.

Adaptive

Appearances can be deceiving. A home in Newton that appears to be new might not be. It might have been adapted from an older structure. More and more, architectural designs are repurposing older structures, constructing new residences from outdated, empty or abandoned structures.

Healthy

It’s well known how synthetic materials and chemical additives used in home building can impact one’s health. Therefore, more architectural designs are leaning toward creating homes that don’t rely on glues, laminates and plastics for construction.

Storm-Resistant

Your Newton home should be a shelter from the storm, and be able to withstand the worst of Mother Nature. Knowing that homes need to be able to stand up against extreme winds, hail, rain and other impacts from nature, architectural designers are making more homes ready to stand up to the weather.

Accessible

Homes in Newton shouldn’t be about just what serves you now, but what you’ll need in the years to come. What will be necessary for you to have in your home as you get older? Therefore, sunken living rooms, high cabinets and elaborate staircases are decreasing in popularity, while wide hallways and other mobility-friendly features are becoming more popular.

Looking for an architectural design firm near Newton? Give us a call at 617-323-6081 or Request a Free Quote.

Cambridge Residential Architects

You may be wondering why you should go with a residential architect to plan out your new home or home renovation project. The simple answer is because we focus on you. We, at Boston Architect, have been helping the residents of Cambridge MA, with all their home and renovation design needs for over 30 years. We will help you through all off the planning procedures involved with a new home or a home renovation project. There a few elements we take in to consideration every time we begin a project. As Cambridge residential architects, we are excited to take on your next project!

Property Considerations

If you’re designing a new home or renovating your current home, we will take in to consideration the size and location of your property. We want to help you develop a design that is not only appropriate, but pleasing to the eye. If you are looking at a country setting, we can design a country feeling, timber frame house. If you are looking for a more modern design, we can design around that, as well.

Lifestyle Considerations

When we begin a design for your home or remodeling project, we focus on your needs. If you have a family, or growing family, we want to plan for that. As Cambridge residential architects, we will be able to accommodate any lifestyle preferences you have. If you want to have your home addition in the same style as you current home, we can accommodate that as well.

Your Unique Vision

We want to help you achieve the look of your dreams. We are able to design a home that no one else will have because it’s designed to your specifications. At Boston Architect, we want to focus on your dream home design. Cambridge residential architects are looking to create for you the home you’ve always wanted. There is always a way to bring together the elements you’re looking for, in the price range you’re willing to spend.

To hire the best residential architect in Cambridge, call us today at 617323-4955 or fill out our Free Quote Request form today!

Welcome to Boston Architect’s New Blog!

As a locally owned and operated business in the Boston metro, we at Boston Architect have always prided ourselves on our work, and illustrating why we’re one of the area’s top companies for architectural services.

Because of the pride we take in our work, we’re happy to today launch our blog. It will be frequently updated with information on renovation planning and design. We will also use this blog to showcase projects – past and present – the Boston Architect staff has worked so very hard on.

Not familiar with Boston Architect? Please visit our home page to learn more about our company and services, or if you’re looking around at different Boston architectural companies. We look forward to working with you!