Architectural and Design Company for Your Construction – How to Choose

The right choice of partners at the design stage determines 70–80% of the success of construction: from budget and deadlines to energy efficiency and safety. Below is a practical guide that will help you choose a reliable architectural and design company and avoid unnecessary costs.

What does an architectural and design company do?

A full-service design contractor is responsible for the entire scope of work — from concept to working documentation and author supervision. Key competencies include:

• Architectural solutions: layouts, facades, 3D visualizations.
• Structural design: calculations, foundations, frames, slabs.
• Engineering networks (MEP): HVAC, water supply and sewage, electrical systems, fire safety.
• Cost estimates and specifications (BOQ).
• Approvals and support during expert reviews.
• Author supervision during construction and installation works.

More details about project documentation development can be found on the BIK-UA services page.

Key criteria for selecting a contractor

1. Experience in your type of buildings. Residential, commercial, or industrial facilities have different requirements. Request relevant case studies from the past 2–3 years.
2. Technologies and tools. Prefer teams that work with BIM (Revit/ArchiCAD), coordinate all sections in a single model, and provide clash detection reports.
3. Complete project package. Clarify if the package includes architecture, structure, all engineering sections, cost estimates, explanatory notes, and expert review support.
4. Transparent cost estimate. Request itemized pricing (by sections/stages), specialist hours, deadlines, and change conditions.
5. Author supervision availability. This minimizes risks of deviations and rework on site.
6. Reviews and recommendations. Verify contractors via real contacts, review photos/videos of completed projects.

Selection algorithm: from brief to contract

Step 1 — Create a brief

Describe the purpose of the building, area, engineering requirements, energy efficiency, budget, and timeline. A clear brief reduces changes during the process.

Step 2 — Compare 3–5 companies

Send the same brief and request structured proposals: stages, deadlines, team, software, collaboration format, sample documents.

Step 3 — Portfolio review

• Similar project types: apartment buildings, offices, warehouses, medical/educational facilities.
• Availability of working drawings, not just visualizations.
• Compliance with national standards and local regulations in real cases.

Step 4 — Agree on project scope

Confirm the list of deliverables: architecture, structure, engineering systems, cost estimates, explanatory notes, project documentation for expert review, and author supervision.

Step 5 — Contract: what to consider

• Stages and project schedule.
• Procedure for making changes and number of revisions per stage.
• Responsibilities of parties and KPIs (timelines, completeness of packages).
• Author supervision and interaction with the general contractor.
• Intellectual property rights for the documentation.

Why the BIM approach is critical

BIM (Building Information Modeling) combines architecture, structure, and engineering into a single information model. This allows:

• early detection of clashes between systems (fewer reworks on site);
• more accurate quantity takeoffs and BOQs;
• quick updates to all linked drawings when changes occur;
• better communication with contractors and investors via 3D/IFC exchange.

As a result — shorter approval timelines and lower overall project costs.

Common client mistakes and how to avoid them

• Choosing the lowest price. Low cost at the start often means expensive corrections later.
• No clear technical brief. Uncertainty leads to endless revisions and budget overruns.
• Ignoring engineering. Attractive facades cannot compensate for errors in HVAC, electrical, or plumbing.
• No author supervision. On-site decisions are made daily — proper control is essential.
• No contingency budget. Always include 5–10% for unforeseen costs and changes.

How much does design cost and what affects the price?

The cost of architectural and construction design depends on:

• type and size of the facility;
• complexity of engineering systems (HVAC, fire safety, automation);
• regulatory requirements and need for expert review;
• level of detail (conceptual/working project, BIM);
• timelines (accelerated schedules increase costs).

Ask your contractor for a step-by-step breakdown: architecture, structure, MEP, cost estimate, author supervision — this makes budgeting easier.

FAQ

Is it necessary to order a full project documentation package?

It is recommended, since fragmented sections from different contractors often lead to conflicts and rework. A full package from one provider ensures consistency and single responsibility.

What does author supervision include?

Periodic site visits/online coordination, compliance checks, approval of material/equipment substitutions, participation in resolving technical issues.

When is expert review required?

For most medium and large projects, expert review is mandatory. A reliable contractor prepares the full set of documents and handles the review process.

Ready to move forward?

Choose a partner with a clear process, modern tools, and transparent communication. On the BIK-UA services page — project documentation development — you’ll find details of the approach, stages, and case studies. Request an initial consultation to receive a preliminary plan and cost estimate for your project.

BIK-UA — LLC “Construction Industry Kantriinvestbud”. Comprehensive architectural and construction design, engineering systems, cost estimates, and author supervision. We work throughout Ukraine.