Choosing the right architect is a crucial step in your home-building process. The architect not only designs your home but also helps in making your vision a reality whilst also ensuring that the design adheres to building regulations and suits your lifestyle and budget. Here are some steps and considerations to help you choose the right architect:
- Define Your Needs and Preferences: Before starting your search, have a clear idea of what you want in your home. Consider style, size, budget, and any specific requirements you have. This will help you find an architect whose expertise aligns with your vision.
We often ask that clients complete a ‘New Client Questionnaire’ which prompts them to think about elements that may not have been on their radar. After this it can be beneficial to complete a ‘big piece of paper experiment’ where all your thoughts and ideas are jotted down as and when they arrive in your head. Completing these tasks separately and then again with your partner or family can help prioritise and allocate design decisions appropriately from the outset. This can help you realise the important aspects of your home that you would like support on from your architect.
Additional visual aids, such as mood boards, Pinterest boards or magazine cuttings can help you to gather and focus in on your ‘drivers’ ahead of choosing your architect. These can be critical tools in aligning with your future design team.
- Research and Gather Referrals: Start by researching architects online, looking at their portfolios, and reading reviews. Ask for referrals from friends, family, or professionals like estate agents or contractors. Local home builders' associations can also be a good resource.
You can never do enough research when embarking on a journey like building your own home. Regardless of the synergy we may have, we don’t take on clients unless they have spoken with other architectural practices in advance. The relationship may last months or, in some cases, years so it is important that you build the right team around you.
- Review Portfolios: Look at the architects' previous work to understand their style and the type of projects they handle. Pay attention to their design approach, use of materials, and whether their past projects align with your taste and needs.
Although websites and social media are an excellent resource for early research, you may find that not all a practice’s projects have made it on there. Don’t be put off contacting a company because they don’t show a project similar to yours. It may be that they have the perfect experience to support you but, due to confidentiality, stage of the project and/or resource allocation, they have not presented it online. Give them a call if you think they are otherwise ‘saying the right thing’ and see how they respond!
Deliverables vary based on practice, project and approach. Ask to see previous work and for the architectural practice to explain the client journey so you know exactly what you are, or are not, receiving if you choose to bring them on your journey.
- Check Credentials and Experience: Ensure the architects you're considering are appropriately set-up and have the relevant experience. Check if they have experience in the type of project you're undertaking, especially if it involves unique elements or challenging sites.
There are many specialist architects for different types of projects. If you are working on a conservation scheme, an urban new-build or a barn conversion you may want a different team to support you than if you are developing a skyscraper or a houseboat. Don’t assume that a degree or a certificate is sufficient to offer you the best result, it is the experience in and around the particular niche that can often be more important.
- Conduct Interviews: Once you've shortlisted a few architects, set up meetings to discuss your project. This is a chance to assess their communication skills, willingness to collaborate, and understanding of your vision. Ask about their design process, how they handle challenges, and their experience with budget and time management.
To get the most out of any calls, video interviews or face-to-face meetings it is important that you know the right questions to ask. Thorough research ahead of your interaction can avoid time being wasted on easily accessible answers regarding the general process so that the discussion can be centred around you - the focus of the journey..
- Discuss Budget and Fees: Be upfront about your budget. Ask about their fee structure – whether it's a fixed fee, a percentage of the construction cost, or an hourly rate. Understanding how they charge will help in comparing different architects.
Not all architectural practices complete the same package of works, so a clear proposal helps you to compare ‘apples for apples’. Cost is of course important, but ensure you ask what ‘value’ the practice can bring to the table. In addition to this, they should be able to explain how they arrived at the costs presented.
The role of an architect should extend past delivering exciting visuals. They should be able to guide you through the process, clearly communicate the key considerations and suitably support you as and when needed. If it doesn’t feel right - it probably isn’t!
- Ask for References: Request references from past clients. Speaking to them can provide insights into the architect's working style, reliability, and ability to stay on budget and schedule.
We are fortunate to have previous clients who are willing to have video calls with prospective clients ahead of engagement. This allows an honest ‘warts and all’ discussion to explain how problems were dealt with, what hurdles were needed to be overcome and what areas the clients felt they were let down on - not just the story of what went well!
- Consider Compatibility: Since you'll be working closely with the architect, it's important that you feel comfortable with them. Good chemistry, trust, and clear communication are essential for a successful project.
We cannot stress the importance of compatibility enough and this isn't limited to just their personality. It may be related to their opening times, their delivery protocols, their office location, the languages they speak. Being honest about your personality, the support you need to feel comfortable and the communication channels you prefer can enable the architectural team to operate in a way that suits both parties.
All working relationships will sometimes involve one party questioning the other's viewpoint or wishes. A good working relationship is one that can handle these challenges without compromising on the desired outcome. Be prepared to be both the challenger and the challenged!
- Understand Their Role in Construction: Ask how involved they will be during the construction phase. Some architects offer full project management services, while others may only provide the design and then hand over the project.
Often this stage is left too late to discuss. Even if you don’t know whether you will keep the architectural team on for the build, it is important to check if they could, should you decide to do so. You are able to engage with a secondary architectural practice to support you from after planning or after tender, but it is often beneficial to have design consistency throughout the design and build process if you have the option.
Although there is no singular approach to this, make sure you know where they could support you throughout the journey if the fit is a good one!
- Review Contracts Carefully: Once you decide on an architect, make sure you understand the contract. It should clearly outline the scope of work, timelines, payment schedules, and any other important details.
We all appreciate that circumstances may change along the way. You may look to adjust the design, the planning process may become more protracted, or the financial position may alter. Ask your architect early on what this may mean to their contract and fees. They cannot predict the future but they can be clear and fair about what their reaction may be to these types of changes.
Remember, the right architect for someone else might not be the right one for you. It’s about finding a balance between their professional expertise, your personal style preferences, and the practicalities of your project.
