8 Tips For Choosing Reliable Naval Architecture Firms

By Lila Barry


There are numerous naval architecture firms. However, because of the nature of the industry, you will not find these companies in every town. Therefore, when you are in need of such a contractor who can design or maintain a marine vehicle, you need to apply some criteria. Below are some guidelines you can use.

Start by asking for recommendations in your area. Find out who designed some projects you find to be excellent. Talk to State Historic Preservation Officer and those who carry out offshore activities such as oil companies. If you have worked with some marine contractors in the past, you can also ask them if they would know an architect that can handle the project.

It is imperative to keep qualification at the top of your list. The best way of determining whether one is adequately qualified in by checking if he or she has a Masters in engineering in Naval Architecture. At least the top engineers of the firm you are contracting should meet this minimum requirement.

Visit the American Institute of Architects in your region. This is the body responsible for monitoring how architectural works are preserved. Therefore, they are best placed to provide information regarding the companies they work with as well as the ones they find to be exemplary. This will ascertain that you are getting well-trained engineers.

Request the local AIA Chapter to provide you with Contractors Qualifications Statement. Alternatively, you can ask for the Architects Qualifications Statement. Any of these qualification documents will give you an easy way of evaluating the competence of the firm you would like to hire.

Developing a list of prospective architects is just the first step. The next step is contacting those you have highlighted. Call them and provide the details regarding your project and the timeline you would be comfortable with. Ensure that they have relevant certificates and licenses. They should tell you if they are in a position to take the project. If not, ask about the companies they would recommend.

Always carry out a one-on-one interview before you hire a firm. Interviewing give you an opportunity to real individuals who will handle the designing process. You should ask beforehand if you would be charged for such a meeting as some firms may do. Ensure that you are very comfortable with the representative you are talking to, as you may have to work with the firm for a long time.

If you have a big project, then you may as well consider holding design charettes. These are short challenges that allow different companies to showcase their abilities. You can then pick the top three contenders and evaluate them on other aspects discussed above. You can also ask for quotations from all of them, so that you choose the best and the most affordable.

It is not easy to choose naval architecture firms. This is because of the complicated nature of the projects they handle. However, with these guidelines, you should be able to make an informed decision.




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