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What questions should I ask before hiring an architect?
Home » Home Remodeling » Architects » What questions should I ask before hiring an architect?Once you’ve found a few candidates who look promising, it’s time to start interviewing architects. Set up meetings to discuss your project, look at pictures of the architect’s past projects, and try to determine whether this person has the experience and expertise to do the type of project you’re seeking.
Interviewing and choosing an architect is time consuming—but not nearly as time or money consuming as hiring the wrong person for the job! Make sure to spend plenty of time finding the right person, one who will listen to you and respect your wishes, get back to you in a timely manner, and communicate with you in a way you find comfortable.
Some other questions to ask to identify the right architect for you, as suggested by the AIA:
- Who from the architecture firm will you be working with? Will the person you’re interviewing be the main contact, or will someone else handle communications?
- How does the architect establish fees? How much, and when, will payments be due? Will payments be tied to milestones in the scope of the project?
- Does the architect have time for your project? And is he or she really interested in doing it?
- How will decisions be made? And how much will your wants and needs to be taken into consideration?
- What is the architect’s experience with cost estimating?
- What should you expect the design process to entail? How is the project organized?
- As the project progresses, how will fee changes be handled?
- What services does the architect provide?
- How long should the project take?
Don’t forget to check references. It’s important to talk with past clients, and to really drill them about their experiences. Ask them how well the architect stuck to what he or she promised. Did the person get the design he or she wanted, and is the person happy with the results? Also, ask for advice on working with that particular architect. The reference may be able to suggest communication tips or other details that will help you enjoy a better working relationship.
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