At what point during lease negotiation does it make sense to hire an architect?

Most companies begin the process of evaluating a new or larger company location by hiring a real estate broker to represent them in evaluating available properties. The broker will need to know the approximate size of office you need along with parking requirements. An architect can be helpful at an early stage translating these requirements into a "fit plan" where different properties can be tested for how well your company will fit within the available space. Unless your company has the capability in-house, an architect can help you evaluate your space requirements and prepare fit plans.

Should I work with the landlord's architect, or hire my own?

Many owners of commercial real estate, have their own architects available to prepare plans for their tenants. In most instances, the tenant is able to choose whether to use the landlord's architect or hire their own. The advantage of using the landlord's architect is that they are often familiar the facility and are thus able of control costs and construction schedule. Hiring your own architect means they are working directly for you and don't have a dual role of keeping the building owner happy as well.

What services should I expect from my architect?

The answer to this question depends on the capability your company has in-house, or through consultants that have already been retained. In the initial planning phase of work, the size of office space, type of building and location need to be determined. An architect can be helpful with preparing a "program" of required spaces and the physical relationship between them. The bulk of the architect's work is in conceptualizing how the space will be laid out and preparing the plans the contactor will use to construct the office space. Once the plans are complete the design needs to go out for competitive bidding by General Contractors, and then built by the selected firm. An architect can assist with the bidding and evaluating the construction. The Massachusetts Building Code requires that an architect review the construction work for most commercial office spaces.

How do we select a style or presentation that suits our company?

An office space design is best derived from the way a company works and the type of goods or services it provides rather that based on abstract principles. For example, a start-up technology firm with venture capital funding suggests a modern collaborative workspace, designed with a close eye on budget. An established law firm, on the other hand suggests a work place embodying the permanence and success that they have earned over years of practice.