Large,
Here are some tips on the architect hiring process:
A. Select a short list of architects:
Contact other theatre owners who have undertaken renovations, additions and inquire about the architects they retained and if possible, visit the cinemas they designed. If no local architects are available with strong cinema design experience, you should solicit bids from experienced cinema design architects located out of state. Ask the architects to include fees from structural mechanical, electrical and acoustical engineers.
B. Assemble information package, including:
- Construction drawings of the original building if possible, and all subsequent modifications, additions, renovations, etc. (structural, mechanical and electrical drawings if available)
- Your program; what you want, number of seats, number of auditoriums, anything else
- Proposed schedule. Construction start, opening date.
- Extent of restoration work involved.
C. Site visit:
Arrange site visits for the architects. This will allow them to photograph the building for their own use in preparing the fee proposal.
D. Interview and evaluate the architects:
In our opinion most important criteria is cinema design experience and design ability followed by construction experience, fees, size of office and capacity to complete work competently and on time.
We hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please let us know.
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