Interviewing your Future Architect
Before you appoint any professional Architect, consider interviewing them first. Not only will this give you an opportunity to discuss items such as the services they offer and the project budget, but it will also give you a chance to see if the chemistry is right. A building project is often a big commitment and it is important to choose an architect you feel comfortable working with.
Upon receiving an initial enquiry, if we think we are able to help you with your project we will offer a free initial consultation. We will arrange to meet you at your property/ project site or virtually to discuss the aspirations for your project, time-frames and budget, to spot any obvious concerns/show-stoppers and to answer any questions you may have.
As you discuss your project and walk around, you may want to consider asking the following questions:
Architects Experience
Are you ARB and RIBA registered?
What sets your firm apart from other architects with similar experience?
Do you have experience with the building type and size of the project?
Who from the architecture firm will I be dealing with on a regular basis?
Can you provide a list of client references/reviews?
Project Brief and Challenges
What is your estimated timetable for my project?
What means will you use to collect information about my aspirations, design preferences etc goals, etc.?
What challenges/important issues/considerations do you foresee for my project?
Design Philosophy and Process
What are the steps in the design process?
What criteria will be used to establish priorities and make design decisions?
How can the environmental impact of my project be minimised?
What do you expect me to do?
How often will I receive drawings/ project updates?
Do I need to involve other professionals?
Project Budget
What do you expect my project to cost/ how is the project budget calculated?
How do you manage the project budget?
Fees
How do you calculate your fees?
In anticipation of a formal proposal with costs, what would you expect your fee to be for this project?
What is included in your basic services and what services would incur additional fees?
If the scope of the project changes later in the project, will there be additional fees? How will these fees be justified?
At what stages do you invoice?
Availability and Timescales
What is your estimated timetable for my project?
What is your current availability/ lead in time?
Appointment and Moving Forward
Is there any further information you need from me?
What are the next steps?
Good architects will be constructive with their feedback and generally helpful in their suggestions.
Following the interview, the architects should have a good idea of what is involved and should then provide a specific fee proposal schedule with itemised services based on the complexity of the project and the level of client involvement.
Refer to the FAQ section of our website for answers to commonly asked questions.
