How do you find the right architect, an architect who is a good match for you and your project?
Finding the right architect is essential for a successful project.
All registered architects have:
However, not all architects will be the right fit for your personally, nor suit your type residential project.
For a residential renovation or a new home, find a registered architect with residential experience, a good track record and a personal approach that you feel comfortable with.
An architect who does commercial or industrial or retail work, for example, will not have the experience to deliver a residential project, which is subject to a different set of statutory and regulatory codes relating to residential building and building contracts.
Residential work is rated as the most complex type of work by the Australian Institute of Architects, and often requires more detailed involvement in a project to guide typical residential clients and work with an existing dwelling.
Residential design, local planning, construction, services, regulations and building contracts are specific and specialised fields on knowledge.
So, there are four steps to finding your architect – a good match:
1 RESEARCH
Some resources for finding architects in your local area are:
2 INITIAL SUITABILITY
Before you talk to an architect, consider the following criteria to establish their suitability:
3 SELECTION CRITERIA – questions to ask
Gather basic information about any prospective architect at a face to face meeting, so you can cover your bases and compare apples with apples when considering your best fit.
Its surprising how many prospective clients I meet who do not ask me any questions about my practice or experience or myself personally, when I meet them for an initial consultation.
Consider your first meting like a job interview, and ask these questions to see how well your architect communicates with you and provides you with information and guidance on the questions below.
4 MAKING THE FINAL CHOICE
If the architects you have met meet the above criteria and answers the above questions in a way that gives you confidence, then go with your instinct by considering these final simple but revealing questions.
Remember, you will be working with your architect for about two years, so its important to engage someone you like and trust. You will be dealing with large amounts of money, and there will be problems along the way to resolve together. So…
There in lies your answer.
One final piece of advice.
Q: How to find the right architect?
A: Its not by asking about the fees first.
Read on…
4 Process: Vision, Strategy and Detail: how it all works
Client Advice