| A great log home (or any custom home for that | | | | public, and colleagues of an AIA-member architect's |
| matter) starts with quality professional design. Hiring a | | | | dedication to the highest standards in professional |
| licensed architect is your best bet and will ensure a | | | | practice. |
| better design and a successful building project. | | | | In addition, the AIA has developed a comprehensive |
| Many people fancy themselves to be good designers | | | | set of construction contract documents developed |
| and undoubtedly, some are. Anyone can call | | | | over more than 100 years of building experience. |
| themselves a "residential designer" with or without | | | | Using AIA prepared contract documents with your |
| any education or experience in the field and most | | | | general contractor and subcontractors is a path that |
| jurisdictions will accept plans prepared by non-certified | | | | has proven successful over many years of |
| designers. The danger is that a non-licensed designer | | | | experience. |
| may have fragmented knowledge about the building | | | | Licensed architects are members of a community of |
| process without fully addressing all areas of | | | | professionals. Most stand behind their work and are |
| responsibility. | | | | typically insured to protect themselves and their |
| Only architects licensed through examination have | | | | clients against financial loss during construction. Many |
| dedicated themselves to years of rigorous study, | | | | states require licensed architects to have insurance |
| education and requirements. A licensed architect has | | | | against errors and omissions. A non-licensed designer |
| a comprehensive knowledge that brings together | | | | will most likely not have this insurance protection |
| artistic design with safety, environmental and energy | | | | resulting in a financial loss for clients. |
| concerns and sound building practices. In addition, | | | | A licensed architect may charge anywhere from 5% |
| licensed architects are required to complete | | | | to 10% of the cost of the home depending upon the |
| continuing education every year keeping them up to | | | | services provided. This might be slightly higher than a |
| date with the latest design and building practices. | | | | non-licensed designer but, the higher level of service |
| Most licensed architects are members of the | | | | and protection provided by a licensed architect is well |
| American Institute of Architects (AIA). | | | | worth the added cost. |
| The AIA is a professional organization that supports | | | | Get more custom log home design information by |
| architects. Members adhere to a code of ethics and | | | | visiting PrecisionCraft Log Homes or learn more about |
| professional conduct that assures the client, the | | | | the log home industry at The Log Home Blog. |