How do you know if your architect is the right one?

It can be really difficult to navigate the professional world of architecture and design. As a homeowner, it can be hard to come into the architecture industry and really differentiate between the various professionals out there that can produce a design for an addition, or kitchen remodeling plans. How do you know whether or not they’re the right fit for you? How do you choose the best architect for your remodeling project? What types of questions should you ask?

Here are a few great questions that you must ask an architect before hiring them. The answers you receive will help you choose the professional that best aligns with your priorities:

1. What is your understanding of why I’m doing this project?

Clear communication is the cornerstone of any design and construction project. In order for you to achieve a design that you truly love, and to feel like the investment you’re putting towards this project has gone to good use, the design has to fit what you’re looking for. If the architect doesn’t understand your goals in the project, they’re not going to produce a design that fits what you’re looking for or that will make you happy in the end. Even if you have verbally told the architect why you’re doing it, asking them to tell you why they believe you are in their own words may help uncover any misconceptions they may have about your motivations or priorities.

2. What is your understanding of the budget I want this project to be within?

It is a common problem that an architect has an excellent handle on what you want to create, but a not so excellent understanding of what it will cost to construct, or your expectations for what you want to pay in construction. The clearer you can be about your intended budget range, the more likely you will get a result that you want at the end of the design process. Money can be difficult for some people to be comfortable talking about- our advice is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable! Have this chat up front. Set clear expectations.

3. How will you communicate the design to me along the way?

Different companies and individuals present their ideas in different ways. Are you looking for that HGTV photo-realistic rendering? Or would you prefer a softer hand-rendered sketch? Make sure you know what your architect specializes in. You can even ask for samples- most professionals are happy to show examples of their work. It will help you get a better feel for their process, and what tools they use to help you visualize the changes they’re proposing to your spaces.

4. What aspects of my project do you think are particularly challenging?

Asking this question may give you more insight to issues you may not have already been tracking, like city approvals, zoning, variances, or design challenges that wouldn’t have occurred to you.
Make sure your architect has done similar projects before. Every project has ups and downs, but it’s knowing how to solve the problems and knowing what’s worked in the past and what hasn’t that will aid a smoother project.

5. What sets you/your company apart from other architects and remodeling companies with similar experience?

Some architects have a very clearly defined “brand” that presents itself in a particular aesthetic style. Other architects really tailor their projects to match the aesthetic of whoever they’re working with.

Some architects handle only the design process, and focus entirely on “architecture”. Some architects (like us!) are part of a design-build structure, combining the architecture practice with the construction side of the business. The delivery method is different in this type of a practice.

Find out more about design-build here!

Make sure that the type of professional you’re working with aligns with your personal goals and priorities for your project.

6. How much will this cost, and what type of payment structure do you have?

Reputable professionals will be transparent from the very beginning- if someone is being cagey about cost, they’re not someone you want to be working with.

Also, be open about what your true budget is, because cost limitations are very critical to the design.

You can also ask if there are costs “in addition to” what is outlined in their fee structure, as there may be things that aren’t spelled out. We recommend asking the company’s references whether or not the company completed projects within the budget that was estimated.

Our company is a design-build company, and cost is an integral part of how we create our designs. We create budgets that are more or less a fixed cost prior to construction, and it’s a cornerstone of our business model. Not all architecture practices function this way, however. Sometimes a design looks great on paper, but then by the time construction is over it costs twice as much.

7. What role do you have during construction?

Different practices handle construction in different ways. Some architects hand off the design to the client, and go their separate ways completely. Others offer Project Management services, where they will make sure the project is on track with your chosen General Contractor. Another model is an architect who has a great relationship with a GC that they consistently recommend.

A different option would be the design-build method, where design and construction are handled by the same company. Typically, the homeowner would have a very limited role in construction. With our company, we wish to be the only point of contact for the client. We don’t want them managing any part of the construction process.

Thinking about hiring an architect? Give us a call at 617-708-0676, or shoot us an e-mail at kara@nedesignbuild.com: we’re happy to provide feedback about your upcoming remodeling project. Contact us now!