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	GETTING STARTED The needs of every new, remodeling or other project involving construction vary a great deal and as a result require care in communication of goals and expectations. FIND SOMEONE TO WORK WITH Selection of an Architect can involve a number of considerations; sometimes the scope of the work to be done points clearly to one design discipline or another. A specialty design may also point to one firm over another; however, a lot of firms that don't specialize may have the background, broad range or depth of experience to provide the innovation that you may desire rather that the same old approach used down the street. The size of the firm does not mean a project can or can not be done. Large firms may throw the project into the back room for a draftsman to do. A small firm can always put a team together to accomplish most any project. Select someone you are comfortable with, someone you can talk to with ease. A word about Designers vs. Architects or Engineers. A designer probably isn't a licensed professional or they would call themselves one. A designer is not bound by the State to carry forward the safety or interests of the public. If the results are not what you think they should be you would find it difficult to hold them to any accepted standard. A person or entity can not call themselves an "Architect" in the State of Washington, unless they are Licensed by the State of Washington.

BASIC INFORMATION FOR THE ARCHITECT

¨ Location of project (physical address)
¨ Property description: this can be more difficult, but will require the "Legal Description" for the parcel of ground. This can be obtained from Real estate documents, from property tax records or from title insurance.
¨ If the site is in unincorporated County areas the Building Department will probably ask for a copy of your water/sewer utility bill. This will show them if a septic system is involved, which will require a review by the Health Department. Most A/E firms do not design septic systems that require a separate license. If a septic system has to be provided, altered, or moved a Master Installer and/or Licensed Designer will be required.
¨ If the site is near water or on a steep slope, it may be designated an environmentally sensitive area, this will require a review by another department.
¨ If a survey exists, let the Architect know ; if not, some way will have to be found to establish property lines. The code review will be looking at "set-backs" from the property lines. There are also height limitations and area of site coverage limitations to be considered.
¨ If the site is in a real-estate development there are probably some covenants and review requirements to be adhered to. Check for an Owners Organization.
¨ Do any design documents exist from the original construction or previous remodel work. For remodel work or tenant improvements it will be necessary to generate "as-built" documents of what is existing. This is an added expense that you may be able to avoid if there are existing documents / drawings.
Go to the site with the Architect and discuss your plans. Talk about the feasibility of what you want to do, what are the negatives and positives.


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