Top 5 Questions to Ask When Interviewing an Architect

In your search for
an architect to remodel your home, you need to be sure you’ve got
the right person for the job. This person will be responsible for designing
your remodel plan and coordinating the team that will make your dreams a
reality. But if this is your first time working with an architect it might be
hard knowing what questions to ask. Start by doing some research and finding some
architects you think are right for the job. Then set up an interview. Have your
questions ready beforehand and these are the top ones you should be asking.

1. Why do you want to work on this project?

Every architect has their own design preferences and style.
You’ll want one that closely matches your vision and if they’re in an interview
then obviously you like their style. But their heart has to be in it as well.
Just because they’ve accepted the invitation for an interview doesn’t mean they
want the job. Hopefully, they do but if they don’t share the same passion as
you for the project then they might not be the right choice.

2. How much of a time commitment will you need from me?

Beyond the obvious question of how long they think the
project will take, you’ll want to know how much time they’ll need from you.
Working with an architect isn’t as simple as sitting through a few meetings to
draw up the blueprints. They’ll need time from you now and then to work through
problems, concerns or new ideas. Everything works much better and faster when
the client is as dedicated to the project as the architect is. Make it clear
how you will communicate – in person or on the phone – and how often. Sometimes
it may not be possible to meet during business hours. If so then you’ll need to
make sure both of you can meet on the weekends, early mornings or late
evenings.

3. How can I be helpful through the process?

Just as every architect has their own design style, each one
also has their own working style. If you’re not sure how involved you should be,
then simply ask! Most architects love a client that gets involved in a project.
But if you get too much in the way it will hamper the project. Make sure you
understand the organizational process so then you know how you can be the most
helpful. Timelines will need to be established and documents drafted and sent
for review if the project is to move forward. Having this kind of conversation
early on sets the scene for the project and allows the architect to plan the
road ahead.

4. What are the biggest issues and considerations in the project?

On explaining your vision for the project the architect’s
brain will already be anticipating the biggest challenges. In your dreaming and
planning for the project, you may have overlooked certain things like building
regulations and design challenges that the architect is already foreseeing. On
hearing their answer, ask if they’ve encountered similar problems before and
how they were handled. This will also tell you about the experience level of
the architect and how good they are at problem-solving.

5. Can you tell me about the team you will have on the project?

Architecture firms work as a team and you’ll want to know who’s on that team. Ask for introductions and get to know them as well. Knowing who you’ll be working within the coming months and how often will be vitally important. There might be a project manager you get on great with but a designer that you feel is underqualified or you don’t gel with. Ask about which people you’ll be spending the most time with. If you’ll be spending a lot of time with that designer you don’t gel with then this is a recipe for disaster.

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