Resource websites for clients

Finding an Architect
AIA - American Institute of Architects
AIA Architect Finder - finding an AIA Architecture Firm by ZIP code
NCARB - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
How Design Works - Find answers and guides on the process of working with an architect
WA St Dept of Licensing - Check status of a business or professional license

Local Architecture Resources - Events & Lectures
AIA Seattle - local chapter of the AIA
Arcade
Cascadia Region Green Building Council
Historic Seattle
The Seattle Architecture Foundation
Space.City
University of Washington School of Built Environments
Washington State University Department of Architecture Spokane

Books and Publications
How to Work with an Architect by Gerald Lee Morosco, AIA, http://www.glm-architects.com/book1.html
The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka
Peter Miller Books - Architectural, design, construction, urban planning, and landscape reference books.
How big is a square foot? - An architect describes his way of making a realistic estimate about the cost of a home, no matter how big. By Robert Knight, originally published in Fine Homebuilding Magazine.
20 Considerations that help a project run smoothly By John McLean, originally published in Fine Homebuilding Magazine.

Construction Costs
Cost vs. Value Report - Complete regional and city data on remodeling job costs and resale value.
Free Building Cost Tool from Building-Cost.net – An online preliminary construction cost calculator.
My Remodeling Project – Another online preliminary construction cost calculator.
How Much Will it Cost? - An architect's reality checklist helps you to project the true costs of a new home or remodel before it gets to the drawing board. By John McLean, originally published in Fine Homebuilding Magazine.
How Much Will My Kitchen Cost? - Use an architect's reality checklist to calculate approximate remodeling costs before any design work starts. By John McLean, originally published in Fine Homebuilding Magazine.

Hiring a Contractor
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries - Look up a contractor to be sure they’ve met all legal requirements for operating in Washington before hiring them.
Hiring a Contractor or Remodeler? What You Should Know – A pamphlet for homeowners considering hiring a general or specialty construction contractor. (276K PDF)
AGC - Associated General Contractors of Washington
MBA-KS - Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
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