The work of a Building Designer is varied and may consist of residential, both single and multi-unit, and commercial structures as permitted by the architectural statutes of each state. A Building Designer's approach to any problem is based on the practical, functional and economical solutions that will best fulfill the client's requirements, while translating these factors into a concept that is both aesthetic and utilitarian.

A qualified Building Designer offers a complete array of professional services. The Building Designer's prime task is to furnish preliminary and detailed designs for the proposed structure, ranging from the initial concept to complete working drawings and specifications that will comply with all applicable building codes and regulations.

A Building Designer may supply or arrange additional services such as selecting contractors and overseeing construction. A Building Designer may be retained to provide all or any part of the planning, design, and construction process, as the client desires. These services are subject to the policies and services of the individual designer.

During the initial planning stage, the designer confers with the client to ascertain type, size, and ultimate usage of the structure. The Building Designer may offer recommendations regarding the site, interior and exterior layout materials to be used, the range of services, and architectural and exterior treatments.

The Building Designer may provide of time and costs to be incurred in preparation of the drawings specifications, and construction estimates.

When the design concepts are accepted by the client, the designer may present a contract detailing the extent of the services to be furnished and outline the related responsibilities, fees, and structural, mechanical and electrical considerations.

When retained to do so, a Building Designer may assist the client by preparing and publishing bid proposals for construction, and may also interpret and explain bid proposals to the client with any recommendations. As the client's agent, a Building Designer may in some states conduct on-site inspections of construction, ensuring that all work meets the recognized standards and protects the client's interests.

A member of the American Institute of Building Design has met the requirements of the AIBD By Laws and the work experience standards deemed necessary to gain comprehensive knowledge of the profession of building design.

The American Institute of Building Design maintains a registry of Building Designers who have demonstrated outstanding competence in the field. Those persons so certified are permitted to use the title of Certified Professional Building Designer, which can only be appointed by the National Council of Building Designer Certification. Certified members are deemed qualified to perform services required in any portion of planning design and construction, as permitted in their state of residence or practice.

For more information regarding AIBD designers in your area, or AIBD membership information, please call or write to, The American Institute of Building Design, 991 Post Road East, Westport, Connecticut 06880, (800) 366-AIBD.

It's a really good idea to establish a budget first. Visit several financial institutions and speak with lending officers. There's no need to commit to any one institution at this point, but a financial loan officer can be invaluable in helping you evaluate your budget. Banks rely on criteria beyond a simple income statement in order to qualify potential home builders and home buyers. They can save you time and effort, and help you determine what you can realistically afford to spend or borrow, if need be. It's important that you know your budget before you start into the design phase.

To better communicate your ideas and aspirations to us consider creating a scrapbook. Collect as many photos, brochures, articles and magazine clippings as you can which help to describe what you'd like your home to look like, inside and out. Keep in mind; this can be a lengthy, ongoing, ever changing process. Take as much time as you can with it. A good scrapbook can take months to assemble.

As your scrapbook takes shape, take a look at your lifestyle and develop a wish list of rooms and features you would want in your new home. Use your current home as a model - are the bedrooms too small, the kitchen too dark? Does your grandmother's antique buffet fit in the dining room? How is the "flow" from one room to another? There are many things to think about. Use the comparison form included in this packet to get started.

If you don't already own a building lot, at some point you will need to find one. Hopefully you have included some features about "where" you want to build on your wish list of "what" you want to build. You will want to make sure your design ideas blend with the area or neighborhood you have in mind. Also, check to see that your design falls within the price range of the existing neighborhood because this is something the bank may scrutinize. Thoroughly investigate the site itself. Is it construction ready, or will you be responsible for the installation of water, electric, gas, and septic or sewer? Make sure you do your homework before you purchase the property.

It's never too early to talk to contractors. Always ask for references, and follow up on them. Visit completed projects and speak with the owners. Ask questions about their satisfaction with the contractor's performance and fees charged. Once you've decided on a General Contractor, or a contractor for a particular portion of your project, i.e., a mason, be prepared to wait for his/her availability. There are probably some projects ahead of yours. If the contractors are good, they're busy.

During all of these steps, it pays to keep in touch with your banker(s). They can be very helpful in keeping you on track with your budget as well as trends and information about the housing market. At some point you'll be talking with them about any money you'll be borrowing. Keep in mind that some banks are better than others are with construction loans and mortgages. Even if you are established with a bank, it pays to shop. You will also want to let the bank know whether you'll be acting as the General Contractor or not. Some banks may have an issue with this, so it's good to get it on the table early.

As you start to pull together your building site, finances and design ideas, you'll want to get in touch with us at Gardo Design Group to schedule an initial meeting. Take a look at the outline of the design process we've provided, it details the steps involved in taking your ideas to actual construction documents. The key to getting through this phase of your project is to be realistic about your budget. It can be frustrating, but our goal is to keep as much of your custom home intact while staying within your budget.