How to Select an Architect

In addition to having the right technical expertise, each architect has his or her own style, approach to design, and methods of work. It is important to find an architect who has the experience that you require and with whom you feel comfortable.

1. Prepare!

Think carefully about your building needs and goals and assemble as much information as a guide to make your time with the architect the most efficient. Clear communication is absolutely essential to the success of a project.

• What are your primary requirements? In other words, what are the non-negotiable items that are needed to make this project successful?
• How much can you spend on the project? You must be honest and be prepared to answer this question. The architect will use this information to make design suggestions that will be affordable to you.
• What is your timeframe? Determine if you are in fact ready to start before saying “as soon as possible”. If the firm is busy, they may decline based on this parameter. In that case, determine if that firm will be eliminated or if you’re willing to wait.
• What are the “nice to haves”? What things would you love to include but could be eliminated if they prove too expensive or are determined to be infeasible?
• How will you finance the project? Be sure to include the cost of financing in your budget.
• Will you bid on the project or do you have a contractor already? There is time involved in assisting you with the selection of a contractor and the qualification of bids. Be prepared to include this in your budget as well.
• The architect can help you define your goals so if they ask you something you have not anticipated, don’t worry.
• Start a file of project images that you like from publications. A picture is a great way to communicate your tastes and desires.

2. Select Potential Architects

Each architect brings a unique style, approach, and expertise, so it’s important to find one that aligns with your needs. Start by identifying a few firms that may be right for your project. The AIA Wisconsin Firm Directory is a great resource, allowing you to search for firms by location and specialty. Membership in the AIA means that the architect subscribes to a professional code of ethics and has access to a variety of professional and technical resources.

Visit firm websites to learn about their work, and reach out to describe your project and timeline. If they are interested, request information on their qualifications and experience and ask for an interview. If they are unavailable, they may be able to recommend another firm. Aim to compile a shortlist of two or three firms to interview.

• LINK: AIA Wisconsin Firm Directory

3. Schedule Interviews

Having the interview at your home or office will help the architect glean additional insight into how you live and work. Ask for the person who will be assigned to your project to attend the interview as well as the principal architect or marketing team. It is important that you know and trust the person who will actually be doing the work. If the chemistry isn’t right, trust your instinct. A good working relationship is absolutely essential to a successful project.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Design and construction can seem like a foreign language. Make sure that you understand what they are saying and ask for clarification if necessary. Ask for references as a follow-up and seek out reviews of the firm. Review the materials the firm has provided carefully and weigh their experience and design capability against your project needs.

If in 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 they may not be right for you.

4. Making a Decision

Ultimately, you should choose the architect you trust and demonstrates the competency for your project. It is a little bit of a leap of faith because you can’t see what the outcome will be. This is why the trust aspect is so important. Also, realize that YOU as the client are the most important member of the team, and you will need to be involved throughout the process. The architect is the interpreter of your wishes and the clearer you are in your direction, the more successful the project will be.

5. Understanding Fees

There is no set fee for a particular type of project. Fees are established in different ways, depending on how defined the scope is, the project size and complexity, the speed at which the services must be delivered, and the types of services that are required of the architect on the project.

Some examples of fee structures are hourly rates with or without a maximum fee, a fixed fee or lump sum, or a percentage of construction costs. There are many variations and this should be discussed sometime between the interview and the beginning of the project. This is a negotiation that is unique to your project to protect you and the architect from unexpected problems.

6. Require a Written Contract

When you have selected the architect, you can establish the terms of your agreement including the scope of work, services, schedule, construction budget, and architect’s compensation. This written agreement can be prepared by you or the architect. The AIA has contract forms to address different project requirements that are considered standard in the design and construction industry. You can request that this form of contract be used.

Public Owners

AIA Wisconsin has developed a process for Qualifications-Based Selection for public projects and has materials and additional information available for those project types including architect selection guides. Download the QBS Manual here.