When should you hire an architect?

From a legal standpoint, any renovation or construction project in a commercial building which involves changes to structure, mechanical or electrical system requires a commercial building permit, which in turn requires involvement of a licensed architect.

From a practical standpoint, it is recommended you involve an architect as soon as possible. There is a common misconception that one should not engage an architect until they have figured out what they want in order to alleviate unnecessary cost. However, by not involving an architect early in a project, your organization may invest a great deal of time and effort planning a solution that isn't feasible or necessarily the optimal solution. Involving an architect early in the process can alleviate this pain.