9 Questions to Ask an Architect Before You Start Any Project

If you’re planning to build a new home or remodel your existing home, you’ll likely need to hire an architect to plan and oversee the project. Knowing which questions to ask architects in the hiring process can help tell you what you’ll need to know about working with them. Use these nine questions to find an architect who’s the right match for you and your project.

1. What Is Your Design Process?

Every architect has a unique design process, and there may be variations from architect to architect about how much involvement you, as the owner, will have, how feedback is handled, and at what point a builder will be brought in. Finding out more about the design process can help you select an architect whose work style aligns with your goals for the project. Most architects follow a five-stage design process, which may vary depending on your chosen professional.

• Schematic design

• Design development

• Construction documents

• Bidding

• Construction administration

2. Can I See Your Portfolio and Talk With Previous Clients?

Before interviewing architects, you probably know what you’d like your home to look like post-reno or after the build is complete. So, you’ll want to look for a local architect who has worked on a project of a similar scale and size. An architect’s portfolio highlights the best of their creations and will help you see if they can make your vision come to life.

Ask the architect if they have experience working in your area because local governments’ zoning and permit processes vary widely. If they're already familiar with any red tape (especially if any design review committee or historic preservation groups are involved), they could shorten or keep the overall project's timeline steady. 

Architects With Signature Styles 

Some architects bring a particular aesthetic to the homes they design. If you love the mid-century modern look, review examples in their portfolio to see if they align with your vision. 

Talk to Previous Clients

Conversations with previous clients can help you get a feel of the architect's communication style and personality. You should also ask how the architect handled bumps in the road, including unexpected budget busters.

3. What Is Your Project Management Style?

Photo: Ekaterina Goncharova / Moment / Getty Images

There’s a chance the architect’s management style changes from project to project, depending on their schedule, different projects they’re working on, and many other factors, so make sure you clarify your expectations on how you’d like to work with an architect.

Some types of architects manage every step, from drawing the initial plans to hiring contractors, adjusting the design as construction goes on, reviewing and paying contractor invoices, and gathering permits. Others simply draw the plans and offer consultation when needed as the project progresses.

If the architect is hands-on but not solely managing the project, it's important to know exactly who handles the everyday details (likely a general contractor) and who you can contact if you have questions. Your architect probably clicks with and enjoys working with some general contractors. They can share their information so you can follow up with interviews and estimates. Or you can start a fresh search for a nearby general contractor. You may also want to know if the architect or a draftsperson will draw your final plans and if the architect or a contractor employs the draftsperson.

4. Do You Foresee Major Challenges With the Project?

Asking for your architect’s honest opinion about the potential problems you could run into gives you insight into how they'll merge your ideas with theirs. And, while talking, you’ll get an idea if your personalities click. Before you hire an architect, talk to them about:

• Potential unexpected expenses

• Recommended fixes for a remodel

• Features you do and don’t like

Proposed Vision and Budget

An experienced and reliable architect will likely want to discuss any limitations they foresee with your overall vision, budget, and timeline, so everyone has the exact expectations. A candid conversation ultimately helps the architect plan the house you’ve dreamed about on budget and on time.

5. How Do You Charge for Your Services?

For your peace of mind and the sake of your budget, it's important to establish upfront how you’ll make payments. A deposit to start a project is standard and typically priced as a set fee or a percentage of the work (e.g., 10%) and will vary depending on how the architect prefers payment. Also, don’t forget to ask if any additional fees, like the price of extra renderings, are included in your payment schedule so that you’ll know what the architect costs without any surprises down the road..

6. How Do You Stay on Budget?

With so many home building and general remodeling variables, unplanned costs can quickly take over your budget. A seasoned architect can offer estimates, including materials and labor, and help you make tough budget choices, especially if unexpected expenses arise. And don't worry, if you work together to manage the budget throughout the project, you might not have to give up the heated floors in your new bathroom.

7. What Is the Estimated Timeline for This Project?

Having a realistic idea of how long your project will take to complete is essential, and an experienced architect will be able to give you an estimated timeline that accounts for delays in the process. Your architect will likely be aware of supply chain challenges and contractor delays and will be able to let you know if your ideal timeline is realistic or not. It’s also a good idea to ask how challenges with the timeline will be communicated to you and how much various factors may delay the project.

8. Do You Have a Preferred Builder That You Work With?

Finding a builder can be as daunting as finding an architect, but many architects work with specific builders and have a relationship that can benefit you as the homeowner. If an architect has repeatedly worked with builders in the past, that’s often a good indication that the builder’s work quality is up to the architect’s standards and that they’ve been good to work with.

If your architect can recommend a builder or even a few to choose from, it can save you from having to spend time trying to find a builder that meets your needs. If they have several recommendations, ensure you know what questions to ask the builders to ensure they’re a good fit.

9. Do You Provide Architectural Models and 3D Drawings?

Most homeowners aren’t experienced at reading blueprints, and it can be challenging to understand what your home will look like from a two-dimensional set of plans. Many architects provide models or 3D drawings so you can have an accurate idea of what your home will look like in a format that’s easy to understand. Be sure to find out if these plans are included in the architect's cost or if there’ll be an additional fee.