Discouraged by the quality of construction in our new location, I am acting as GC on our next build. I have GC'd two major projects before- framing up- but not ground up (except for a gunite pool with 15k paver decking). I worked with Frank Betz to customize a conceptual plan they crafted this year. They use GA codes- I am in SC- from a few lumber take-offs the plan meets their system's requirements well. One suggested adding 2 more footings to account for load in crawl- I plan on hiring a soil engineer to confirm.
Building in an established neighborhood of over 800 homes- 1/2 acre lot with homes built 15 years ago on my street- and a few new construction by local custom builders on the few remaining lots.
I do not 'need' an architectural stamp to build- but, for peace of mind- how do I find an architect that might stamp my plans? Appreciate your thoughts/suggestions.
House plan & elevation provided here look like any other cheap developer mass-produced house. Looks bad but will fit-in well with the likely equally bad and/or mundane hood.
Enjoy your cookie cutter house. If you want quality, you need to pay for it from the beginning. This means hiring a professional qualified in your area. Asking architects after the fact (and after cheaping out) with a set of online bought plans is not going to get you anywhere.
Jan 6, 25 1:06 pm ·
·
BluecornGroup
NS - most architects are mediocre at best - look around the Built Environment - Gram don't waste your money on an architect because they will always require a soils report and a structural engineer's seal - you can do this yourself ...
The simple answer - you're not going to find any good architect to just 'stamp' your drawings.
We get a few people a year who want us to 'stamp' there designs. We never do it. Too much liability. In addition, it would be unethical for us to do so. We'd not be doing our standard of care as an architect.
The only way we'd do it is if we where able to review the design, make changes that we thought were required, and be paid accordingly for our services. Not one of the people who approached us for a stamp were willing to pay for it.
If you're really interested in finding an architect to do this then:
Find the architects in your area.
Contact them about what you want.
See if they'll do it.
Do not 'shop' around online for an architect to 'stamp' your 'design'. You'll be disappointed in the results.
I love seeing posted plans like this as it gives me a chance to think critically about a design.
If you engage an architect at the beginning they would be putting in some effort on real space planning, not something that looks like it's designed for a realtor to easily market. At the very least, have furniture.
If the properties are a half acre, I'm wondering why the layout is so compromised. I don't want to use that family room at all. With what I assume is an open railing, the only place that's logical for the TV is above the fire place, but that means placing the sofa opposite of it, which means the sofa is the first thing you see when you enter the main door. It's way too exposed. Everyone coming and going from that house can be seen from that sofa, which is great if you're going for a panopticon feel, but to me is just uncomfortable.
Also, having a utility room like the laundry that faces into the porch isn't great. In an ideal world where neighbours are engaged with each other, it should be a room that has a bit of an "eyes on the street" function like the office. It shouldn't be a room where you have to hide your underwear that's on a drying rack in case someone comes to the door.
On the subject of laundry, I would hate to be walking to that laundry room with a basket of clothes and not be able to operate the pocket door without putting the basket down. At least with a swing door and a handle you can use your elbow.
Along the lines of Non Sequirtur, I'm not sure what value you'd get out of engaging and architect to just stamp the drawings, or what value and architect would get out of it either.
I can picture this house looking great on Instagram or in some portfolio that people don't give much thought to, but it's not something an architect would probably be taking much credit for.
I think the OP doesn't want the architect to do the design.
It appears they want to architect to stamp the drawings only to 'confirm' that the OP has done everything 'right' from a technical, engineering, and code standpoint.
I may be mistaken however, that is what most people are looking for when they 'already did the design and just need a stamp.'
Jan 6, 25 2:43 pm ·
·
chris-chitect
Totally agree. I just couldn't help myself with the design feedback haha.
Did you check out the Frank Betz site? OP writes like they worked with some hot-shot well known designer when in fact, all they did was drop a few bones on stock plans.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I love to walk through the kitchen and pantry every time I need to do a load of laundry. Also, I love that if I hang up delicates to air dry when I do laundry that they will be viewable through the only window on the front porch for anyone stopping by to say hello or drop off a package for me, or even just walking by on the street
.
First off, space planning for houses are generally going to only fall within a few dozen or so plan types. Remember, you have rooms clustered between the social spaces (kitchen, living room, dining room [living and dining may be integrated as one great room) and the private spaces (bedrooms, and often bathrooms). Bathrooms and kitchens are relatively close in many plan types to simplify plumbing. Another common aspect to spaces is the locality of any garage being close to the kitchen. This comes from basic functionality requirements of domesticity. What you need to focus on in residential homes is experience of the spaces and in many cases, the storage areas (built-ins) and how they define the character of the space. You aren't going to be doing a great deal of "space planning" unless you go a bit further and integrate building's interior spaces and the exterior spaces. Basically combine building and landscape design. Tying it all together for a cohesive spatial experience.
Friends, it's not the design that's so bad. Just a gross industry with abusive mark-ups and infrastructural strain. The buyers will be more than happy with it.
Anyone who engages an architect de facto isn't involved in this industry. It's not the design.
Blue - you've posted a lot of odd or nonsensical viewpoints that are not correct. It makes me wonder how much actual experience you have in architecture.
Was referring to state-licensed architects and engineers who will seal your drawings for a price for out-of-state projects - you can Google this if you like - I have been practicing architectural design since 1976 and passed the ARE in 1998 - I also have two patents pertaining to building systems - how many patents do you have? - I stand by all my posts - Non Sequitur is the really crazy fucker ...
Jan 6, 25 5:54 pm ·
·
Non Sequitur
Plan stamping is not permitted in my jurisdictions. BG, you have not convinced anyone that you have relevant experience.
Jan 6, 25 6:04 pm ·
·
OddArchitect
BCG - That's great. You still post a lot of nonsense here that most architects would know is incorrect.
What type of building systems do you have patents in? I ask because anyone can patent almost anything. Doesn't mean it's being used or is any good.
In many US states it is illegal for architects to stamp out of state projects where they aren't the architect of record.
Jan 6, 25 6:21 pm ·
·
BluecornGroup
You are correct in stating that anyone can (and they do) submit a utility patent application but receiving the patent is another matter - only about 2% of all patents have any commercial value per my patent attorney - I will not disclose my patent information for obvious reasons - I guess you now speak for most architects - if the project is located in the state where the architect is licensed why would he/she not be able to stamp the relevant architectural sheets? ...
Jan 6, 25 6:53 pm ·
·
OddArchitect
Unless the in state architect is the architect of record they cannot stamp drawings for projects. Are you unfamiliar with what an architect of record is?
FYI - you've already talked about your 'business', nationality, and where you live here. It's rather easy to determine who you are and thus determine what patents you have.
If something is patented, the patent filing is searchable. Filing a patent application does not equal patented. Just the facts. It is harder to find data about stuff that is filed but not been processed and approved. Of course, the key to searching such would require identifying information about you or the inventors to the companies the patent is assigned to and so forth. I'm not a rookie to the patent database. You know, there is that FOIA thing that applies to patent, trademark, and copyright registration. So anything submitted to government other than something sealed as national defense information, classified, etc. due to national security concern is pretty much obtainable. However, it is a big database so it can be tricky to find that info.
Jan 6, 25 7:26 pm ·
·
BluecornGroup
You can search issued patents by description such as "insulated concrete forms" on their website - when I was researching mine I did this at the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria VA which has current patent information based on their real-time computer database - I have used the FOIA "thing" but you can wait many months and you must have very detailed information, as you may know, and they will redact much information you were interested in ...
Jan 6, 25 10:12 pm ·
·
OddArchitect
No need for any of that BCG. You've already given enough personal information here to know your name, firm name, and where you live. Once someone has that info it's just a quick Google search to find all types of other things. This isn't a threat, I just want you to be careful.
In many states, architects do not stamp drawings prepared by others not under their direct responsible control & supervision from the very beginning and throughout. Especially if they were prepared by someone not licensed as an architect in the state or territory holding jurisdiction over practice of architecture where the project is proposed to be built.
Additionally, most licensed architects do not design traditional "style" based architecture. They design adhering to design process principles of modernism and post-modernism. This is what they are taught in architecture school. Traditional architectural styles or derivatives of those styles have all been done ad nauseum. Just about every imaginable permutation of traditional architectural styles are already been done. This means those designs are copyrighted or a derivative of public domain design. Architects are culturally artists. They aren't being creative and unique with existing traditional architecture.
On top of it, those plans you have are copyrighted. It would be copyright infringement of anything copyrighted in those designs. They would need a clear documented licensure agreement with the copyright owner to pass legal muster of copyright law. The copyright owner is not you but the person or company that did the design.
They are certainly more concerned with unlawful plan stamping than a copyright lawsuit issue but still. That's still important legal consideration.
Since you purchased than from some stock house plan site (assuming you even did that, OP), you may have a license but that might not extend to someone you contract depending on the words used in any agreement that you have with the original designer/company you got the plans from, assuming you have any. If you did not, then you can't legally use those plans... period.
You should contact the original designer/house designs company. If they are not able to provide such services in your state, they shouldn't have processed the order and refunded the money. They should not only have any required professional / occupational license (if required) but also the state and/or local business registration/license to conduct business where you are at. They should have done that upon or before processing your order.
Consider having a structural engineer review and stamp this instead. You want your foundation and framing to be done right. You watching the builder like a hawk should get the result you want for the rest of the work.
In my town, there's bulletin boards at the reprographics company, the lumber yard, and Lowe's where small engineers and architects put their business cards up. This is where you will find the people that will review and stamp a stock house plan for you.
Finding an architect to stamp plans...
Discouraged by the quality of construction in our new location, I am acting as GC on our next build. I have GC'd two major projects before- framing up- but not ground up (except for a gunite pool with 15k paver decking). I worked with Frank Betz to customize a conceptual plan they crafted this year. They use GA codes- I am in SC- from a few lumber take-offs the plan meets their system's requirements well. One suggested adding 2 more footings to account for load in crawl- I plan on hiring a soil engineer to confirm.
Building in an established neighborhood of over 800 homes- 1/2 acre lot with homes built 15 years ago on my street- and a few new construction by local custom builders on the few remaining lots.
I do not 'need' an architectural stamp to build- but, for peace of mind- how do I find an architect that might stamp my plans? Appreciate your thoughts/suggestions.
House plan & elevation provided here look like any other cheap developer mass-produced house. Looks bad but will fit-in well with the likely equally bad and/or mundane hood.
Enjoy your cookie cutter house. If you want quality, you need to pay for it from the beginning. This means hiring a professional qualified in your area. Asking architects after the fact (and after cheaping out) with a set of online bought plans is not going to get you anywhere.
NS - most architects are mediocre at best - look around the Built Environment - Gram don't waste your money on an architect because they will always require a soils report and a structural engineer's seal - you can do this yourself ...
BG, we agree on something!
Grammyb-
The simple answer - you're not going to find any good architect to just 'stamp' your drawings.
We get a few people a year who want us to 'stamp' there designs. We never do it. Too much liability. In addition, it would be unethical for us to do so. We'd not be doing our standard of care as an architect.
The only way we'd do it is if we where able to review the design, make changes that we thought were required, and be paid accordingly for our services. Not one of the people who approached us for a stamp were willing to pay for it.
If you're really interested in finding an architect to do this then:
Good luck.
I love seeing posted plans like this as it gives me a chance to think critically about a design.
If you engage an architect at the beginning they would be putting in some effort on real space planning, not something that looks like it's designed for a realtor to easily market. At the very least, have furniture.
If the properties are a half acre, I'm wondering why the layout is so compromised. I don't want to use that family room at all. With what I assume is an open railing, the only place that's logical for the TV is above the fire place, but that means placing the sofa opposite of it, which means the sofa is the first thing you see when you enter the main door. It's way too exposed. Everyone coming and going from that house can be seen from that sofa, which is great if you're going for a panopticon feel, but to me is just uncomfortable.
Also, having a utility room like the laundry that faces into the porch isn't great. In an ideal world where neighbours are engaged with each other, it should be a room that has a bit of an "eyes on the street" function like the office. It shouldn't be a room where you have to hide your underwear that's on a drying rack in case someone comes to the door.
On the subject of laundry, I would hate to be walking to that laundry room with a basket of clothes and not be able to operate the pocket door without putting the basket down. At least with a swing door and a handle you can use your elbow.
Along the lines of Non Sequirtur, I'm not sure what value you'd get out of engaging and architect to just stamp the drawings, or what value and architect would get out of it either.
I can picture this house looking great on Instagram or in some portfolio that people don't give much thought to, but it's not something an architect would probably be taking much credit for.
I think the OP doesn't want the architect to do the design.
It appears they want to architect to stamp the drawings only to 'confirm' that the OP has done everything 'right' from a technical, engineering, and code standpoint.
I may be mistaken however, that is what most people are looking for when they 'already did the design and just need a stamp.'
Totally agree. I just couldn't help myself with the design feedback haha.
Did you check out the Frank Betz site? OP writes like they worked with some hot-shot well known designer when in fact, all they did was drop a few bones on stock plans.
Actually I didn't. But now I have, and wish I didn't. Yuck.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I love to walk through the kitchen and pantry every time I need to do a load of laundry. Also, I love that if I hang up delicates to air dry when I do laundry that they will be viewable through the only window on the front porch for anyone stopping by to say hello or drop off a package for me, or even just walking by on the street .
EA - that's a design feature. It lets everyone know how cool and sexy your underwear is.
First off, space planning for houses are generally going to only fall within a few dozen or so plan types. Remember, you have rooms clustered between the social spaces (kitchen, living room, dining room [living and dining may be integrated as one great room) and the private spaces (bedrooms, and often bathrooms). Bathrooms and kitchens are relatively close in many plan types to simplify plumbing. Another common aspect to spaces is the locality of any garage being close to the kitchen. This comes from basic functionality requirements of domesticity. What you need to focus on in residential homes is experience of the spaces and in many cases, the storage areas (built-ins) and how they define the character of the space. You aren't going to be doing a great deal of "space planning" unless you go a bit further and integrate building's interior spaces and the exterior spaces. Basically combine building and landscape design. Tying it all together for a cohesive spatial experience.
Well I know for my underwear OddArchitect, but I don't assume that would apply for everyone.
Friends, it's not the design that's so bad. Just a gross industry with abusive mark-ups and infrastructural strain. The buyers will be more than happy with it.
Anyone who engages an architect de facto isn't involved in this industry. It's not the design.
OP, you'll have to pay if you want a stamp.
Craigslist
architects are a dime a dozen ...
They are not. Frauds and designers who think they are architects are a dime/12
Blue - you've posted a lot of odd or nonsensical viewpoints that are not correct. It makes me wonder how much actual experience you have in architecture.
Was referring to state-licensed architects and engineers who will seal your drawings for a price for out-of-state projects - you can Google this if you like - I have been practicing architectural design since 1976 and passed the ARE in 1998 - I also have two patents pertaining to building systems - how many patents do you have? - I stand by all my posts - Non Sequitur is the really crazy fucker ...
Plan stamping is not permitted in my jurisdictions. BG, you have not convinced anyone that you have relevant experience.
BCG - That's great. You still post a lot of nonsense here that most architects would know is incorrect.
What type of building systems do you have patents in? I ask because anyone can patent almost anything. Doesn't mean it's being used or is any good.
In many US states it is illegal for architects to stamp out of state projects where they aren't the architect of record.
You are correct in stating that anyone can (and they do) submit a utility patent application but receiving the patent is another matter - only about 2% of all patents have any commercial value per my patent attorney - I will not disclose my patent information for obvious reasons - I guess you now speak for most architects - if the project is located in the state where the architect is licensed why would he/she not be able to stamp the relevant architectural sheets? ...
Unless the in state architect is the architect of record they cannot stamp drawings for projects. Are you unfamiliar with what an architect of record is?
FYI - you've already talked about your 'business', nationality, and where you live here. It's rather easy to determine who you are and thus determine what patents you have.
If something is patented, the patent filing is searchable. Filing a patent application does not equal patented. Just the facts. It is harder to find data about stuff that is filed but not been processed and approved. Of course, the key to searching such would require identifying information about you or the inventors to the companies the patent is assigned to and so forth. I'm not a rookie to the patent database. You know, there is that FOIA thing that applies to patent, trademark, and copyright registration. So anything submitted to government other than something sealed as national defense information, classified, etc. due to national security concern is pretty much obtainable. However, it is a big database so it can be tricky to find that info.
You can search issued patents by description such as "insulated concrete forms" on their website - when I was researching mine I did this at the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria VA which has current patent information based on their real-time computer database - I have used the FOIA "thing" but you can wait many months and you must have very detailed information, as you may know, and they will redact much information you were interested in ...
No need for any of that BCG. You've already given enough personal information here to know your name, firm name, and where you live. Once someone has that info it's just a quick Google search to find all types of other things. This isn't a threat, I just want you to be careful.
Thank you ...
In many states, architects do not stamp drawings prepared by others not under their direct responsible control & supervision from the very beginning and throughout. Especially if they were prepared by someone not licensed as an architect in the state or territory holding jurisdiction over practice of architecture where the project is proposed to be built.
Additionally, most licensed architects do not design traditional "style" based architecture. They design adhering to design process principles of modernism and post-modernism. This is what they are taught in architecture school. Traditional architectural styles or derivatives of those styles have all been done ad nauseum. Just about every imaginable permutation of traditional architectural styles are already been done. This means those designs are copyrighted or a derivative of public domain design. Architects are culturally artists. They aren't being creative and unique with existing traditional architecture.
On top of it, those plans you have are copyrighted. It would be copyright infringement of anything copyrighted in those designs. They would need a clear documented licensure agreement with the copyright owner to pass legal muster of copyright law. The copyright owner is not you but the person or company that did the design.
They are certainly more concerned with unlawful plan stamping than a copyright lawsuit issue but still. That's still important legal consideration.
Since you purchased than from some stock house plan site (assuming you even did that, OP), you may have a license but that might not extend to someone you contract depending on the words used in any agreement that you have with the original designer/company you got the plans from, assuming you have any. If you did not, then you can't legally use those plans... period.
You should contact the original designer/house designs company. If they are not able to provide such services in your state, they shouldn't have processed the order and refunded the money. They should not only have any required professional / occupational license (if required) but also the state and/or local business registration/license to conduct business where you are at. They should have done that upon or before processing your order.
Consider having a structural engineer review and stamp this instead. You want your foundation and framing to be done right. You watching the builder like a hawk should get the result you want for the rest of the work.
In my town, there's bulletin boards at the reprographics company, the lumber yard, and Lowe's where small engineers and architects put their business cards up. This is where you will find the people that will review and stamp a stock house plan for you.
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