Architectural services, architect

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. I would tell them to look carefully at the provider's website and see whether the architect's style is compatible with his/her own. When he/she meets the architects to ask himself/herself the question of whether this is someone with whom he/she would get along and respect during the design and construction process.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. I would want to know what it takes to put together a successful project. It takes a great set of plans based on many years of experience, both drawing plans as well as experience in the field actually building or seeing projects getting built.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Client should ask how long the firm has been in business.

Client should ask for the license number of the architect in charge and the license number of the firm.

Client should ask to see similar project plans, a website, and/or photos of similar projects.

Client should ask where the architects does most of his/her architectural work - what area?

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. If the buyer is considering the architect for a new building/residence, the only item required would be a survey by a professional land surveyor. If it is an addition and/or remodeling, the existing plans to the building/residence would be good to have, if they exist.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. The principal of the firm, Maria Luisa Castellanos, R.A., LEED AP, pays careful attention to detail and listens intensely to what the client says and what he/she is looking for. Our firm's work, unlike the work of other firms, has been featured on national television on HGTV.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love the creativity that is required in most projects and the analysis and study which most projects entail. In addition, I get to meet some of the most interesting people on the planet!

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Most customers start asking about the process. Many have no idea how we go about designing a project for them and they want to know what to expect. I carefully detail the steps entailed and what to expect in each part of the process.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. When I was a student in high school, I loved to go with my mother and sister to look at model homes. I also loved to draw and paint.

I took an interest test and it determined that I had a variety of interests in both science and art. Architecture was the one profession that mixed both science and art.

And, it is true. It mixes creativity with very rigid science. I find my work as an architect wonderfully fulfilling!

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I do take continuing education classes on a variety of topics, but moreover, I am an adjunct professor at Miami Dade College. Working with students keeps me on my toes. The best way to learn is to teach.

Every class I have to prepare, I learn something new. I have to continuously review textbooks in order to prepare. So I learn something new every day!

Q. What is your greatest strength?

A. I think that my ability to listen to the client and passionately work with him/her to achieve his/her vision is one of my greatest strength.

Also, I love to detail the work so that it is easy for the contractor to understand and build.

I think I am a great designer. My projects are well-proportioned and well-designed!

See my portfolio at www.UnitedArchitectsInc.com