Why Choose a Full-Service Church Architect vs. Design-Builder?

Once you are ready to build your new church building, knowing which next step to take can feel confusing — especially if this is your first church build. There are so many elements involved — land acquisition, Architecture, construction, interior design, and everything in between — where do you even begin? 

The good news is, your next step can be a clear one. In fact, it is your next step that establishes your new “building team” and will really get the ball rolling!

There are different routes you can take when beginning your church-building process. Unfortunately, many need clarification in understanding the options from full-service Architects to design-builders and the spectrum in between.

So What’s the Difference?

A Design-Builder

A design-builder is a construction firm that "packages” design services with construction services under one contract. The designers may or may not have experience designing a church specifically or a knowledge of how a church ministry functions and flows. The designers may either be a part of the construction company or a separate entity, simply retained by the construction company to offer a “design-build” service.

Although in general, this may sound like a positive arrangement, the main downside is that there is less accountability in the performance of the design services. Even if the designer is experienced and well-qualified to design church projects, his “boss” is the contractor – not the church.

A Full-Service Church Architect

In being retained directly by the church, a full-service church Architect will endeavor to understand the unique aspects of that client’s specific program fully and offer detailed designs, drawings, and renderings to ensure all details of the building — inside and out — are thought of, planned for, and budgeted for accordingly.

As the client’s advocate, the Architect will also facilitate selecting the right builder for the project. This detail intentionally separates the design and construction services from each other so that the “fox is not in the chicken house.”  

Benefits of Choosing a Full-Service Architect Over Design-Builder

Communication

A full-service church Architect will lead in communication and coordination between you and your entire building team (including the contractor) to complete a harmonious, successful, and uncomplicated church project. Your vision, needs, budget, and timeframe are constantly relayed and verified. 

Expertise

Because a full-service church Architect understands and specializes in the inner workings of the Church, they have the expertise to create a fine-tuned, safe, and comfortable space for people to flow in and out of. A church building is unlike other buildings because it has different logistics and goals. A full-service Architect knows that and will be able to creatively solve your current needs by creating a church, not just a building, that will serve your worship family for many years to come.

Experience

Another benefit of a full-service church Architect is utilizing their experience. They understand the need to fully program your project first and then create a functional plan that addresses every current and future need. They will then produce very detailed plans that aid in gaining the correct building permits, staying on budget, and reducing confusion or mistakes in the construction process.

Budget

An experienced full-service church Architect knows and understands the importance of staying within budget. Beginning with the initial conceptual plans, they can advise the church on whether their program meets their budget and can make recommendations for phasing if necessary. Their detailed drawings and plans will play a key role and contribute significantly to the accuracy of the construction bidding process so that unexpected financial issues are minimized.

Time

The timeframe for your finished church project is crucial. Not only are you eager to open your new church home, but there are often other issues driving the schedule including termination of existing lease space, cost of money (loans, etc.), and similar time-sensitive factors. A full-service Architect prioritizes and schedules each of these elements from the start so that the timeframe stays on track.

Common Misconceptions of a Full-Service Architect

One misconception about hiring a full-service Architect is that if you do so, you will be solely responsible for all communication and coordination between every “team member.” Luckily, this isn’t the case. A full-service church Architect communicates your vision, needs, and plan of action to every company on your “team,” ensuring everyone is on the same page. They will also perform consistent on-site visits verifying that each party stays on point—both financially and within the timeframe. The right full-service Architect will manage the entire project for you, enabling you to focus on what you were called to do — ministry.

Another misconception is that the plans and drawings of church Architects and that of design-builders are the same. They are not. The plans and drawings of a full-service church Architect are more thorough and detailed and developed from the experience and expertise of many successful church building projects. They also contain the specifications and details which are most beneficial to the project, not to the contractor.

Why You Should Choose a Full-Service Church Architect Versus a Design-Builder

A design-builder might be a good option for some projects. However, this isn’t the best option for building a church.

A full-service church Architect understands the inner workings of a church ministry — from the importance of a welcoming outside appearance, an easily flowing front lobby, and safe and fun Children’s areas — to understanding diverse issues such as land acquisition & property entitlement, how to obtain the needed permits and knowing what soil samples to take. They are very aware of all the layers and elements — seen and unseen — that are vital to making your church building project successful.

A full-service Architect focuses on beautiful Architecture as well as seeing the big picture. They are well-versed in all the little tasks and steps to achieve a beautiful, functional, and safe space for your church family.

Choosing a full-service church Architect will be a vital decision to the success of your church building process. They will be your greatest teammate advocating for you from the beginning and keeping a clear line of communication open to ensure all parties stay on task regarding accuracy, schedule, and budget.