My company is doing a lot more design work lately, and I think I need to hire an architec. There's a guy whose work I like but he wants to be a partner not an employee. I know he's a good architect, but I dont know if he knows anything about running a construction co. We do custom homes and remodeling. Any ideas?

I've been an architect for close to six years now and previous to that I was a carpenter for eleven years. The lack of understanding from both ends of the spectrum has always fascinated me.

You comment that your not sure if this architect knows how to run a construction company, however you are hiring him to design, not run the company. Being a partner is a melding of talents and if you have an architect on board I wouldn't expect him to run the company, partner or not--that's your job. Let him design and use the fact that you have an architect on board to market your company.

Also, sit down with the guy and see exactly what partner means to him. But, again, you run the day to day construction concerns, he would run the design end.

In my experience architects are one of the most educated and poorly paid professionals there are. While many display real talent their skills tend to be in low demand because of the wide availability of published house/structure plans and drawings. The few that I have worked with here in South Texas have been some of the most manipulative and secretive people I have ever known. Trust can be a real issue when working with architects. Because their products are based more upon asthetic and artistic motivation getting them to produce a product that is creative while being economical, functional and sustainable is nearly impossible. Most architects do not subscribe to the concept of sustainable building. Personally, I would never go into business with an architect.

A very good lawyer once told me, never take in a partner, because if you suscceede you will feel like you suscceeded in spite of your partner. If you fail it will be because of your partner. The only time you want a partner is when you partner is providing all the money. Which it sounds like what you will be doing for the Architect. You might try a joint venture on a coupil of houses. That is a nice compromise.

Maybe the designer is just trying to protect their work. Designs are used with out the designers permission all the time. Put yourself in his shoes. Would you like to design the home and not own the design????? If I had to guess I would say the designer wants to partner to have some kind of ownership of the plans.

I am an architect, facility manager, and I also have my general contractors license and my real estate license. Architects in general work for very little money and mostly follow their profession because they love it, not because they are well paid. Most architects would make great partners if they watch their dollars like I do.

That said, I have had many offers to run construction companies and I know working in the residential remodeling business is not for very many people. It is long hours, many mistakes and many arguments between couples who cannot make up their minds. I know a few people who are making a lot of money doing this, but their lives are chaos, they don't see their children and they are forever running around looking for the no-show workmen.

Being a contractor or a construction business owner is a thankless job and carries HUGE financial liability. I would never consider going into business by myself, because it would be just too dangerous.

Anyhow, best wishes to you!

Thanks for the comments, everyone. I'm still thinking about the best way to go. You all made good points.