What should I expect from my architect in Costa Rica?

What is the design process like? 

Every architect has their specific method but generally speaking, a similar design process can be expected from most. The information in this article is based on my professional experience as an architect in Costa Rica.

First, you will have a meeting. At this meeting, you will tell your architect everything you have, need and want. Budget issues, expectations, and steps to follow will be defined. The architect will give you a quote and, once approved, the design process will start!

The architect will then investigate the specific context of your design: the regulations, the lot and other aspects unique to your project. This stage is known as preliminary studies. Then, your architect will begin to sketch the first ideas and shape the general concept of the project. This phase is known as the concept design. 

During this phase, you will meet constantly with your architect to discuss the project proposals. The architect will present you with the project idea, and, with your feedback, tweek it up to end up with an architecture design tailored to your needs and wants.

Once you have approved the design, the architect will start on the construction plans. The building plans are, basically, the incredibly detailed and thorough instruction manual that will be used to build the project. 

When the plans are ready, the paperwork process begins: Your architect will get the permits at CFIA (the engineering and architectural Costa Rican official entity), coordinate the state permits, and sometimes, carry out some more paperwork for other entities.

Then, everything will be ready to build! Your architect will supervise the construction to make sure the process runs smoothly. 

Are you ready to schedule your meeting with your architect in Costa Rica?