10 crucial questions to ask an Architect before employing them
Hiring an architecture firm is a big step and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
No matter how big or small is your project, the architect will be the brains behind it, making it happen for you. So it is important that you’re both aligned and that they understand and listen to you.
From our own experience, here are the 10 essential questions to use as a starting point and help you get the architect that’s right for you and your project:
1. Who will design my project?
If you’re hiring an architecture firm you need to meet the lead architect for your job and get to know them. Sometimes the person you meet initially isn’t the one who’ll design the work, so is a good idea to ask this question.
You’ll be interacting with the architect a lot and you need to understand if you both fit together and if you like their ideas.
2. Do you have a signature style?
Some architects have an overriding design sensibility that they bring to every project and might specialise in a certain area like reinterpretation of historic houses or sleek modernism.
Others might have a high degree of adaptability, which makes them tailor their style to fit each project and client.
By asking this question upfront, you can understand their unique style and decide if they fit what you’re looking for.
Architects usually charge a % of the total construction cost, depending on the services provided. Asking what that % will be for your project and how the payments will be due (and when) is a key question to ask.
4. May I see a portfolio of similar projects?
Architects are very proud of the work they create so they’ll be very happy to show you their architecture portfolio, especially projects that are very similar to your own.
This will show you their signature style, their experience in a type of similar project and also if you like the work they’ve produced.
5. How do you communicate your ideas?
There are different ways your architect can communicate their ideas to you: hand sketches, CAD drawings, 3D visuals or physical models. This is a good question to ask since you'll know in advance how you're going to visualise it and get an accurate feel for how the design will look like in the real world.
6. Will you recommend contractors?
Architects usually work with and/or can recommend a few reliable contractors in the area and help you evaluate portfolios and bids.
That’s a bonus for the client and saves them time by not having to go trough another search to find a contractor.
7. What sets your firm apart from other architects with similar experience?
This is a key question to ask, especially when you liked 2 or 3 firms and are ensure about which one to choose.
Their reply to this question will not only tell you what makes them different from their architecture competitors, but also if they really fit into what you’re looking for.
8. How will the design process be like?
You’ll need to understand how the work process will take place and what are theirs and your expectations, if you’ll have regular meetings, how much you’ll be involved and when.
9. Can you provide references?
Architecture is an industry that relies heavily on word-of-mouth and references. Most architects have recommendations/testimonials from former or current clients and will gladly provide them to you.
10. Ask yourself: did you like what you see?
The last question is a question you should ask yourself: did you like what you see, did the answers the architect gave you fit your requirements? Did you leave the meeting feeling excited and positive about them?
Ultimately your own answer will provide you the response you need to go ahead and hiring them.
For more detailed information about these questions, please refer to the RIBA Plan of Work.
