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How to choose an architect ?

The interview is crucial because it gives you a chance to meet the people who will design your project and to see if the chemistry is right. Remember, you will be working with the architect for a long time. You want someone with whom you feel comfortable.

Start by finding architects (choose an architect)  that you'd like to interview. Ask friends, family, or business associates for recommendations. Use the internet or phone book to aid in your search.

Personal recommendations are another good road to go down if you’re looking for an architect.

Ask your friends or colleagues if they have hired anyone particularly good.

- Before you hire an architect or an architectural firm it’s standard practice to interview your shortlist of possible candidates.

During this interview there are a few things you should definitely make sure you get the answers to.

Contact architects. See if you can set up a brief phone interview. Remember that architects are highly paid professionals - make sure that you have a list of questions ready. Any architect that you would consider hiring should take the time to answer your questions about their experience, design principles, etc. but don't expect them to give away their knowledge for free.

When you meet with the architect, the following questions are important and should be asked:

1. What is your experience in building (insert project type)? You want an architect who has had experience in your type of project.

2. What do your services include? Ideally, you want an architect who offers a full range of services including schematic design, design development, construction documents, bid assistance, and construction administration.

3. What are your design principles? These should fit with what you are looking for, but ideally, you'll find an architect whose goal it is to take your vision and put it on paper. An architect should say that they are willing to spend as much time as necessary with you, the client, in order to learn about your needs and wants. They'll use that information to design the best possible building for you.

4. What is your fee structure? Some architects charge an hourly rate while others charge a percentage of total construction costs. If your architect charges an hourly rate, be sure to find out if there is a maximum guaranteed cost.

5. What other services are included in your fee? Your architect will likely consult with structural engineers, electrical engineers, and other professionals throughout your design. Find out if any of those costs are covered in your fee or if you'll be billed for those separately.

6. Do you have professional liability insurance? You'll want to make sure that your architect does.

7. Do you have experience in environmentally friendly design and building? As this becomes more important and more popular, you may want to find an architect that has experience in this field. They may be able to assist you with getting a LEED or other green built rating on your home or building.

8. Do you have rendering capabilities? Technology has allowed many architects to offer clients photo realistic renderings so they can see what their building will look like before it's even started. Some architects can even offer virtual tour renderings. If you are a visual person, this may be very important to you!

During the interview, ask questions. How busy is the firm? Does it have the capacity to take on your work? Who will handle the job? Insist on meeting the person who will actually design your project. What is the firm's design philosophy? How does the architect intend to approach your project? How interested is the firm in your job? Talk about your budget and find out the range of fees that the architect would anticipate for your project. Before making a final selection, have the architect take you to one completed project. It is proper to ask your architect for references from past clients. These references are invaluable.

Does the architect know your budget and respect it?

Ask them about what your money will be paying for and check whether they are really listening to your budget restrictions

Once you've interviewed all the architects that you are considering, take your time and really compare them. Make sure that you are choosing someone who you connected with as you'll be working with this person for a good amount of time.

What are the communication lines like?

You want to make certain that if you hire an architect they will keep you informed of what is going on with the project at all times. For this reason ask them during the interview who your point of contact will be and how often they will actively update you on the progress of the project.

If, during the course of the discussion, there is something you don't understand, ask the architect for clarification. If you feel intimidated or if the architect doesn't explain things in a way that you can understand, then he or she may not be right for you.

After you've made your selection, make sure that you get a contract and that you understand all of it. Take the time to have an attorney look it over. Specifically, make sure that you understand payment terms, what happens if you have to put your project on hold or cancel your project. Don't sign it until you understand and are comfortable with all terms of the contract.