Virtual Architect Off Upwork

[Derek Lester]

Have you ever used a virtual architect like on upwork to save money on drawings when investing in a property? I'm curious if I can cut cost from using a local architect. 

[Nicholas Leone]

I love Upwork - but have not used for an Architect - just logos and admin work.

I'm speaking as an Architect here - someone whose work is somewhat threatened by the Upwork model. You'll most likely get a good deal by hiring a "designer" from across the country/world. The person you hire will likely not be familiar with your local municipality so expect a number of revisions. You'll want to write your RFP accordingly. If you need to submit plans to your building department, you'll need probably need the plans stamped by a professional licensed in your state. This will be harder to accomplish via Upwork. You will also not find a local architect/engineer who will be willing to stamp plans produced by someone on the other side of the world. Sorry to be a downer but it's reality. In essence, you're going to get what you pay for.

If you're making simple revisions to a rehab you may be able to avoid hiring an architect by sitting down with your contractor and a pad a graph paper and sketching the revisions that you want to make. Many Architects complain about contractors stealing their work by offering these types of design consultations. This may be offered for free with the understanding that you hire that Contractor to do the work. An architect plays an important but not always necessary role. If your project is smaller, you are probably better off working with a local contractor who is familiar with local requirements rather than an Upwork consultant.