ADVICE
MEETING YOUR MATCH
The right architect can help transform a house with great potential into your dream home.
Pro tips for finding the perfect architect for your project—and personality.
AFTER PLENTY OF TOURS, you’ve finally found a
house that has the potential to be your dream home— with a few alterations. Whether you want to add living space in the basement, open up the main floor plan, or take on an even bigger project, working with the right architect is key. To find your ideal match, heed the advice of some pros in the know. When it comes to the initial search, Windermere Real Estate broker (and trained architect) Wendy Indvik and Jeffrey Pelletier, founder and principal of Board & Vellum architecture firm, both say you should solicit referrals from friends and family as well as online reviews. Indvik also suggests walking
14
WINDERMERE LIVING FALL 2019
through potential architects’ completed projects, if at all possible. “You want to make sure that you’ve seen projects that they’ve done that you like, and that you can imagine living in,” she says. “Then check out their references both in the world of building with contractors as well as their former clients.” More importantly, they both recommend talking to several architects. “It will help you understand the different range of firms that are out there and how they can help you,” Pelletier says. With a few choices in mind, it’s time to open up communication. Start with a casual email inquiry, which Indvik notes is better for keeping records in
TRINETTE REED/STOCKSY.COM
BY I SAB E L L E JO H N S O N
