Hiring An Architect

The Right Fit

To find the right Architect, do a little homework. Ask friends who have worked with Architects for referrals. Find out who designed the homes you like. Check with the American Institute Of Architects (AIA) for local member firms that specialize in your type of project. 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. Contact Architects you feel may fit your needs and ask them to describe the way they would approach your kind of project and what kind of experience they have with projects similar to yours. Select one or two Architects to interview and visit their offices. Discuss fees and schedules as well as their design philosophies.

The right chemistry is very important. Your and your Architect will work closely as a team, and you must feel comfortable with the relationship. Your final selection should be a professional whom you trust and feel right about and not necessarily the least expensive.

The design and construction of your building project will be challenging and complex. Hundreds of decisions will affect the final outcome. The right Architect, one who can help ease the process for you and show you the best options and available solutions at each step, can be your most important investment.