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8 Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Architect
Here’s what to know to find the design professional right for you and your project
A good relationship between client and architect is vital to the success of a project. This goes deeper than skill or artistry — it’s also about that personal connection, how you’ll work together and whether your goals align with their processes.
How do you know whom to trust with your budget and your home? How can you determine if the architect is the right fit for your project? Our panel of experts weighs in on questions to ask yourself and potential architects before making your hiring decision.
How do you know whom to trust with your budget and your home? How can you determine if the architect is the right fit for your project? Our panel of experts weighs in on questions to ask yourself and potential architects before making your hiring decision.
2. What Are the Goals of My Project?
“Clients should begin by thinking carefully about their goals and what they want to achieve, whether it’s more space, improved light, better energy efficiency or a lifestyle change,” Rees says. “Once these priorities are clear, it’s helpful to gather references to support these ideas, such as projects or images that capture the desired feel.”
“Clients can consider the creation of a mood board of ideas using images that can be found on Houzz. This can be helpful to convey an idea or vision they have,” Woodford says.
“Houzz Pro helps us share visual material, such as mood boards and concept sketches, in a way that’s accessible and easy to follow,” de Linde says.
Don’t forget that you’ll need to have a good sense of your budget for the meeting to be productive. This also means understanding what’s realistic. “Budget research is helpful [for understanding] what the overall cost of the project is likely to be,” Woodford says.
You can also ask the architect to help you think through alternative projects. Ask “‘Do you think we are approaching the right type of project for our needs?’ Sometimes clients jump to a solution before clarifying whether an extension [addition], refurbishment or even moving house is the best route,” Rees says.
“Clients should begin by thinking carefully about their goals and what they want to achieve, whether it’s more space, improved light, better energy efficiency or a lifestyle change,” Rees says. “Once these priorities are clear, it’s helpful to gather references to support these ideas, such as projects or images that capture the desired feel.”
“Clients can consider the creation of a mood board of ideas using images that can be found on Houzz. This can be helpful to convey an idea or vision they have,” Woodford says.
“Houzz Pro helps us share visual material, such as mood boards and concept sketches, in a way that’s accessible and easy to follow,” de Linde says.
Don’t forget that you’ll need to have a good sense of your budget for the meeting to be productive. This also means understanding what’s realistic. “Budget research is helpful [for understanding] what the overall cost of the project is likely to be,” Woodford says.
You can also ask the architect to help you think through alternative projects. Ask “‘Do you think we are approaching the right type of project for our needs?’ Sometimes clients jump to a solution before clarifying whether an extension [addition], refurbishment or even moving house is the best route,” Rees says.
3. How Does the Firm Work?
“Asking how the practice approaches design and problem-solving is a good start,” de Linde says. “Clients might also ask about communication style, decision-making and how the architect manages the balance between creativity and practicality. These questions reveal whether expectations on both sides align.”
“Ask about design ethos and process: How do you approach balancing aesthetics, functionality and budget? What are the underlying principles that guide your work?” Rees says.
And of course, you need to be sure you’re clear about the services the firm offers. “Clients could ask their architect how far they can take them in the process,” Woodford says. For example, will they help select materials and furniture? Do they offer a turnkey service?
“Find out what services they offer beyond design, such as will they coordinate other professionals, manage subcontractors, handle permissions and lead the project overall?” Rees says.
Find out why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
“Asking how the practice approaches design and problem-solving is a good start,” de Linde says. “Clients might also ask about communication style, decision-making and how the architect manages the balance between creativity and practicality. These questions reveal whether expectations on both sides align.”
“Ask about design ethos and process: How do you approach balancing aesthetics, functionality and budget? What are the underlying principles that guide your work?” Rees says.
And of course, you need to be sure you’re clear about the services the firm offers. “Clients could ask their architect how far they can take them in the process,” Woodford says. For example, will they help select materials and furniture? Do they offer a turnkey service?
“Find out what services they offer beyond design, such as will they coordinate other professionals, manage subcontractors, handle permissions and lead the project overall?” Rees says.
Find out why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
4. How Will the Firm Approach This Project?
Beyond getting a sense of how the firm works, it’s best to let the specifics of your project guide the first conversation with an architect. “In my opinion, it’s best to start discussing your project with your potential future designer rather than just talking to them about their previous projects or philosophy,” Schienke says.
This means you can focus on the elements that are important to your specific project and gauge how the architect responds to your project and concerns. “If you start sharing your thoughts and worries and budget and expectations [openly], you will see how the other person responds,” Schienke says.
“If you get a genuine feeling that this person is at least trying to understand your situation and is helping you to make it work, then you have a potential winner,” he says. “If they say straightaway that they need double the budget, or simply suggest your scope isn’t big enough for them, then you know straightaway that … they’re not the right person” for the job.
Beyond getting a sense of how the firm works, it’s best to let the specifics of your project guide the first conversation with an architect. “In my opinion, it’s best to start discussing your project with your potential future designer rather than just talking to them about their previous projects or philosophy,” Schienke says.
This means you can focus on the elements that are important to your specific project and gauge how the architect responds to your project and concerns. “If you start sharing your thoughts and worries and budget and expectations [openly], you will see how the other person responds,” Schienke says.
“If you get a genuine feeling that this person is at least trying to understand your situation and is helping you to make it work, then you have a potential winner,” he says. “If they say straightaway that they need double the budget, or simply suggest your scope isn’t big enough for them, then you know straightaway that … they’re not the right person” for the job.
5. What Is Included in the Fees and Cost Estimate?
“Clients should ask for a clear explanation of fees, what’s included and what may incur additional costs,” de Linde says. “It’s also helpful to ask how the architect will support cost control during the project, for example, by coordinating with quantity surveyors or contractors.”
Rees suggests some specific questions to ask. “What costs are typically overlooked at the outset? What assumptions are built into your cost estimate? What allowances should we make for unknowns or changes? How are your fees structured?” he says. “Understanding whether fees are fixed, percentage-based or staged can prevent surprises later.”
Be clear about what you mean by your own budget expectations too. “Give your preferred budget, but be honest about how much it could potentially stretch. Please also share whether you understand that the fees might be included within that number, or whether in your mind this budget is only for the building works,” Schienke says.
“When the client … tells [me] their budget, this always needs to include basically every cost connected to the project, starting from fees and construction costs, allowances for any permissions and consent costs, [through to] kitchen, bathrooms, timber floors and so on.”
Ideally, you’ll work together to fine-tune your budget. “Budget is a complex subject, especially for home renovations and extensions [additions], because there are numerous unknowns associated with the brief and existing building. There’s no simple one-size-fits-all rate,” Rees says.
“In addition, clients have different needs, with the three main drivers being speed, quality and cost,” he says. “Talking through these with an architect, project manager or quantity surveyor will help you establish a budget.”
“Clients should ask for a clear explanation of fees, what’s included and what may incur additional costs,” de Linde says. “It’s also helpful to ask how the architect will support cost control during the project, for example, by coordinating with quantity surveyors or contractors.”
Rees suggests some specific questions to ask. “What costs are typically overlooked at the outset? What assumptions are built into your cost estimate? What allowances should we make for unknowns or changes? How are your fees structured?” he says. “Understanding whether fees are fixed, percentage-based or staged can prevent surprises later.”
Be clear about what you mean by your own budget expectations too. “Give your preferred budget, but be honest about how much it could potentially stretch. Please also share whether you understand that the fees might be included within that number, or whether in your mind this budget is only for the building works,” Schienke says.
“When the client … tells [me] their budget, this always needs to include basically every cost connected to the project, starting from fees and construction costs, allowances for any permissions and consent costs, [through to] kitchen, bathrooms, timber floors and so on.”
Ideally, you’ll work together to fine-tune your budget. “Budget is a complex subject, especially for home renovations and extensions [additions], because there are numerous unknowns associated with the brief and existing building. There’s no simple one-size-fits-all rate,” Rees says.
“In addition, clients have different needs, with the three main drivers being speed, quality and cost,” he says. “Talking through these with an architect, project manager or quantity surveyor will help you establish a budget.”
6. What Are the Timelines and Milestones?
“I’d suggest the client asks the designer how long each of the stages is supposed to take, and what that depends on, because this also gives the opportunity for a designer to explain their way of working. So when they do eventually send a fee proposal, it tallies up with this explanation,” Schienke says.
“It’s useful to ask what key milestones will look like, how long each stage of design and approvals might take, and who will be working on the project day to day,” de Linde says. ”Clients should also ask about factors outside the architect’s control, such as planning approvals, that may affect the program.”
“Design can heavily affect the time scale,” Rees adds. “Complex designs take longer on the drawing board, may face extended planning processes and can result in longer construction times.”
He recommends asking:
Make sure you’re also clear on when your project will begin. Ask them when they can start and if they have the capacity to take on your project. “This helps align expectations from the outset,” de Linde says.
“I’d suggest the client asks the designer how long each of the stages is supposed to take, and what that depends on, because this also gives the opportunity for a designer to explain their way of working. So when they do eventually send a fee proposal, it tallies up with this explanation,” Schienke says.
“It’s useful to ask what key milestones will look like, how long each stage of design and approvals might take, and who will be working on the project day to day,” de Linde says. ”Clients should also ask about factors outside the architect’s control, such as planning approvals, that may affect the program.”
“Design can heavily affect the time scale,” Rees adds. “Complex designs take longer on the drawing board, may face extended planning processes and can result in longer construction times.”
He recommends asking:
- How long will the design and planning stages take?
- When should we engage with contractors?
- What is the critical path, and how will it be tracked? Who will be responsible for monitoring progress, and how will coordination between the team, consultants and contractors be managed?
- Who from your team will be working on our project at each stage?
Make sure you’re also clear on when your project will begin. Ask them when they can start and if they have the capacity to take on your project. “This helps align expectations from the outset,” de Linde says.
7. Who Else Will be Involved and Who Will be Responsible for Coordinating Them?
Your architect will have to coordinate with the builder right from the beginning. “What happens after planning is approved? Some people think that you can get on a build straightaway,” Woodford says. “We advise that you need a detailed package of drawings and set of schedules to be provided to the builder for them to accurately cost [the project] in order to confirm if it’s within their budget. This package of information then serves to allow the builder to steer the project more smoothly without ‘on the hoof’ decisions that would occur without this information.”
Make sure you know which parts of the design or build will be subcontracted, and to whom. “Who will design your bathroom or kitchen, will this be carried out in-house or outsourced?” Schienke says. “A lot of architects and interior designers will have their tried-and-tested trades and contractors. It’s worth the client asking this, and also finding out straightaway whether this is an exclusive club or they are able to suggest other suppliers and contractors.”
“[Also ask] what consultants might be required as the project progresses. Consultants may be required to satisfy planning requirements or to assist with the design proposals,” Woodford says. “There’s often a consultant team that’s required for many building projects, from ecologists to drainage design to landscape design and arboriculturists, for instance. It’s worth noting that, depending on which local authority a project is in, they may have different requirements.”
Woodford cautions that it’s important to be clear about lines of communication. “Who is the principal contact during the build and construction process? Often clients liaise directly with the contractor without liaising with the architect and wider design team, and this can cause issues, with knock-on matters such as costs and design implications not considered,” he says.
This is where Houzz Pro tools can help. “[Houzz Pro] can be useful for tracking decisions and keeping records of discussions, which supports transparency throughout the project,” de Linde says. “Clients should ask how the architect intends to manage communication, whether through Houzz Pro [or an alternative system], so they know what to expect.”
Your architect will have to coordinate with the builder right from the beginning. “What happens after planning is approved? Some people think that you can get on a build straightaway,” Woodford says. “We advise that you need a detailed package of drawings and set of schedules to be provided to the builder for them to accurately cost [the project] in order to confirm if it’s within their budget. This package of information then serves to allow the builder to steer the project more smoothly without ‘on the hoof’ decisions that would occur without this information.”
Make sure you know which parts of the design or build will be subcontracted, and to whom. “Who will design your bathroom or kitchen, will this be carried out in-house or outsourced?” Schienke says. “A lot of architects and interior designers will have their tried-and-tested trades and contractors. It’s worth the client asking this, and also finding out straightaway whether this is an exclusive club or they are able to suggest other suppliers and contractors.”
“[Also ask] what consultants might be required as the project progresses. Consultants may be required to satisfy planning requirements or to assist with the design proposals,” Woodford says. “There’s often a consultant team that’s required for many building projects, from ecologists to drainage design to landscape design and arboriculturists, for instance. It’s worth noting that, depending on which local authority a project is in, they may have different requirements.”
Woodford cautions that it’s important to be clear about lines of communication. “Who is the principal contact during the build and construction process? Often clients liaise directly with the contractor without liaising with the architect and wider design team, and this can cause issues, with knock-on matters such as costs and design implications not considered,” he says.
This is where Houzz Pro tools can help. “[Houzz Pro] can be useful for tracking decisions and keeping records of discussions, which supports transparency throughout the project,” de Linde says. “Clients should ask how the architect intends to manage communication, whether through Houzz Pro [or an alternative system], so they know what to expect.”
8. What Happens Next?
Don’t fret if there’s something you forget to ask at this initial stage. “The first meeting is best used to understand whether the working relationship will be a good fit. More detailed questions can follow once design discussions begin. Different stages of the process naturally bring up different questions,” de Linde says.
“Early on, focus on ethos, process and budget ballparks. Later, you can get into detail about timeline, communication and specific design decisions,” Rees says.
“There should be enough discussion in an initial meeting to enable the architect to create a preliminary brief of [your] requirements,” Woodford says. “Once appointed and over the duration of a project, we work together with our clients to refine those initial conversations into a set of drawings and schedules that comprise our client’s requirements and are tailored to meet their particular needs and budget.”
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Don’t fret if there’s something you forget to ask at this initial stage. “The first meeting is best used to understand whether the working relationship will be a good fit. More detailed questions can follow once design discussions begin. Different stages of the process naturally bring up different questions,” de Linde says.
“Early on, focus on ethos, process and budget ballparks. Later, you can get into detail about timeline, communication and specific design decisions,” Rees says.
“There should be enough discussion in an initial meeting to enable the architect to create a preliminary brief of [your] requirements,” Woodford says. “Once appointed and over the duration of a project, we work together with our clients to refine those initial conversations into a set of drawings and schedules that comprise our client’s requirements and are tailored to meet their particular needs and budget.”
More on Houzz
Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
Find a home professional
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“It’s important that everyone who contacts an architect, or any other service provider, spends some time online to get to know and shortlist people they’d feel comfortable [contacting]. I think it’s important that clients do their own due diligence,” says Michael Schienke of Vorbild Architecture.
When doing this, consider each professional’s scope. “What’s the extent of the service the architect provides? Do they offer a full interior design service, including space planning, furniture and joinery [cabinetry] designs, lighting design and selection of finishes, furniture and fittings?” says Gavin Woodford of Woodford Architecture and Interiors.
Then check out their previous projects on Houzz and on their firm’s website. “It helps if clients review an architect’s previous projects, paying particular attention to the scale and type of work,” says Tara de Linde of Atelier de Linde.
“Looking at previous projects of a similar scale and style is another way to gauge if their aesthetic aligns with yours,” says Daniel Rees of Rees Architects.
Be sure to look at the architect’s reviews, as well. “Looking at reviews and testimonials also gives insight into how the architect works with clients,” de Linde says.
“Responses to potentially not so good reviews … can tell [you] a lot about that service provider,” Schienke adds.
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