[Rtrorkt]

Any of you actually an architect? Any of you worked with a client who "knew exactly what they wanted, just draw it?" Any of you actually know how long it takes to make a set of plans that respect the client's needs and meet the local codes?

Based on what I have read, you guys think an architect just dreams stuff up that has nothing to do with the client's needs/wants and charges a boat load of cash for artsy fartsy crap.

If you want a basic structure, go to a contractor, who by the way is now not bound by any plans or specs and can charge what he likes.

Do any of you actually know how a structure gets put together so it works, passes code, does not fall down and all of the systems work?

The last client I had that actually "knew what he wanted" cost me 500 hours in changes, because either they didn't know what they wanted or watched tv shows that had them thinking differently or they just changed their minds. Frankly most architects just want to please their clients and give them what they want. Trouble is, most folks have no idea what they want and have no clue to the value of having a full set of coordinated plans that a builder can bid from. Change orders don't occur because the architect has changed his mind, they happen because the client would just like to make one teensy weensy change.

You get the value you pay form