When you want to hire an architectural firm, it is easy to find a long list of possible candidates that can do the job for you. Irrespective of where you get the recommendations from, you are likely to find that each one of these architectural firms has its own pros and cons, not to mentions its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of them may do better with the commercial design while others may excel at residential design.

The challenge at this point is to find the best architects in Charlotte NC to suit your needs. Here are a few tips to find the best architectural firm for commercial design:

• One of the first things you must do is take a look at the finished work of other clients. It will give you an idea about the architecture firm’s capabilities. If the design resonates with you and suits your needs, you can proceed to the next step. Spending some time to review their past work can help you eliminate a lot of firms that are not right for you.
• Most Charlotte NC architects encourage face to face consultations before moving forward. You can use this opportunity to know how the firm works, the professionals working at the company and  other important considerations. It is advisable to choose a company that has skilled employees and has a vast amount of experience in creating commercial architectural designs.
• The next step is to discuss the cost of their design services for your project. It can be tempting to jump on the price quote that closely matches your budget, but the wiser thing to do is to get quotes from a few different firms to make your decision. This way, you might chance upon a better quote.
• It can be interesting how many architectural firms offer add-on services such as interior design in addition to the services you sought originally. This can be a great opportunity to save money and get a complete design solution from one provider instead of seeking out different firms for your project.

To arrange a meeting with Bartlett Hartley & Mulkey, one of Charlotte’s leading and most experienced commercial architecture firms, use the contact information on this page.

Developers with big plans for property can run into major roadblocks when they walk into local government zoning and building offices. Without the proper paperwork, conceptual designs and even detailed specifications of what authorities can expect to be built on the site, a project can be nixed before the first shovel of earth even turns.

This is where Bartlett Hartley & Mulkey Architects in Charlotte, N.C., can prove to be exceptionally valuable partners. When our Charlotte architects consult in the planning stage, they may be able to help cut through some of the governmental red tape as well.

While BHM Architects cannot guarantee government approvals, they can make the process flow more smoothly and make sure all requirements are met in a timely manner. When our architects are brought in before government approval for a concept is even sought, these professionals can often assist by:

• Coordinating rezoning – Charlotte architecture firms can help coordinate everything required for a rezoning from the paperwork to providing the backup materials to explain how nearby properties may be buffered from the project.
• Representing or accompanying builders at government meetings – It’s not at all uncommon for architecture firms in Charlotte, N.C., and elsewhere to represent developers at rezoning hearings. They may also take positions in other government planning sessions if they have been retained to serve as consultants or lead designers on a project.
• Ensuring necessary accommodations are made – Charlotte’s BHM Architects will also generally go above and beyond to make sure requested plan changes and additions are made. If, for example, zoning hinges on providing a noise buffer for a nearby neighborhood, our architectural firm can help make sure government demands are met or assist in making the case against unreasonable requests.

Bartlett, Hartley & Mulkey Architects in Charlotte, N.C., do more than create blueprints. When projects call for rezoning or permitting is becoming troublesome, our professionals are often uniquely suited to assist. While we cannot guarantee outcomes, we can serve as valuable partners in representing a developer’s ideas and interests to local planning, zoning and building departments. Contact us today to learn more.

Shopping center and retail design is constantly changing, and several members of the BHM Architects team attended the 2016 annual ICSC (International Council on Shopping Center) CenterBuild Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, to stay on the leading edge of this market.

The conference was attended by the most people ever, signaling the strong vitality of the economy, especially the retail sector. Three themes emerged as changes facing the retail/mixed use industry:

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