What Architects Want You to Know About Hiring the Right One

Learn from the pros how to find an architect who makes the most sense for you and your project

Gwendolyn Purdom November 27, 2018

Lover of architecture, history, dogs, the Chicago Cubs, crowded bookshelves, and homes with a story. Former editor at Preservation mag and Culturess.com.

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Long before any blueprints are drafted or foundations are poured for a new house or a remodel, a different kind of groundwork needs to be laid to find the architect best suited to bringing your vision to life. But how can you know which architect is “the one” for you? We asked the experts — the architects themselves.

Spivey Architects, Inc.

Narrowing It Down

For starters, it’s important to understand what an architect actually does. Generally, an architect is a licensed pro trained in design and construction, among other areas, who creates a structure’s overall aesthetic and often oversees other vital project details such as technical coordination, regulations and drawings.

And there are a lot of architects out there. The downside to the modern treasure trove of online information is that when it comes to making an important decision such as whom to hire, the options can be overwhelming. Before you start worrying about narrowing down the list, it’s smart to keep an open mind and dig up more general intel to determine what you actually like and what different firms offer.

“Even if you have a clear sense of what you want, do some research on the various styles of design work at different firms,” says Annie Chu, founding principal at Los Angeles-based Chu + Gooding Architects. “If you are looking for an architect who specializes in modern work, for example, there are numerous versions of the modern approach.”

Find an architect near you

Chu–Gooding

You’ll want to find an architect who’s familiar with your budget and the scope of your project. Builders in your neighborhood are typically working in a similar price range for the work you may be planning, so they’re often a good starting point in cost research, Chu says.

Houzz can help you zero in on particular design elements you’re drawn to and connect you directly with the pros behind them.

“It’s not uncommon for us to have a potential client who comes to us and says, ‘Well, we’ve been on Houzz, putting images we liked into our ideabooks, and then when we looked we noticed that most of them were from Crisp Architects,’ ” New York-based architect Jimmy Crisp says. “That’s when we know there’s a real good chance that we’re on the same wavelength in terms of style and appreciation of architecture.”

Chu–Gooding

What to Look for Online

Once you’ve whittled down a list of pros you might want to talk to for your project, take a deeper dive into the work they’ve done and see what you can glean from their online presence.

“When you’re scrolling through an architect’s images, can you visualize yourself in the spaces he or she has created?” Chu suggests asking yourself. “If you can, and if you feel a level of comfort and belonging in those spaces, then it makes sense to have a conversation with the architect.”

Even if you’re not quite sure why you’re drawn to certain images or projects, Kansas-based architect Rebecca Riden of NSPJ Architects says, you should take note. “The more images you have, the architect can look through them and say, ‘Oh, this is what you’re looking for, this is what they all have in common,’ ” she says. “You may not know that, but I can look at it and say, ‘Oh, you picked this and this and this and that’s why.’ ”

Don’t be discouraged if an architect or firm you’re interested in hasn’t posted photos of the exact type of project you’re planning. Online portfolios aren’t always fully representative of what an architect can do or has done, says Minneapolis-based Hamid Kashani, principal at Habitat Architecture. “Sometimes clients call and say, ‘Wow, you guys do some really huge, nice work, but we just have this little kitchen remodel and is that something you guys can do?’ ”

The “About Us” section and other text on an architect’s website are other details to pay attention to, Kashani says, as they may give you some insight into an architect’s personality, professional priorities and overall design philosophy. For example, if someone seems to value awards and recognition but never mentions service or passion and those things are important to you, it might not be the best fit, Kashani says.

Murdock Solon Architects

All About Chemistry

Finding a professional with the right experience and style is essential. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll also potentially be working closely with this person or firm for months, so finding a person or a team you click with can be just as important. As helpful as emailed questions and phone consultations can be, an in-person meeting can make all the difference, architects say.

One trait that architects suggest homeowners keep an eye out for? Honesty and comfort when tackling sometimes uncomfortable topics, such as budget. If your wish list is unrealistic, a good architect will assertively and gracefully explain to you what needs to change in your plans to make your project work. If your project isn’t the right fit for them or the firm, many architects are happy to refer you to a trusted colleague who might make more sense for the work you’re looking to do.

Budget is an integral element to consider throughout the process, but as the architects you talk to quote different projected costs, try to take those numbers into account without letting them sway you entirely, Chu says. In the early stages, things are still fluid, and ensuring that the architect you hire will provide the most design value is key.

“You will inherently feel most comfortable with one candidate, likely one who showed genuine interest in your project,” Chu says. “So rather than analyzing and agonizing over the various proposals, sit down with your preferred architect to sharpen the definition of the scope of services and expectations.”

Habitat Architecture

Aligning Priorities

In your conversations with potential architects, be prepared to ask and answer plenty of questions to see if each contender is a good match for you and your project. Arm yourself with details such as the approximate size of your project, who will use the space, your budget range for construction and the overall project, the motivation behind the project and what you liked about each architect’s portfolio, Chu says. When it’s your turn to ask questions, talk through the architect’s rough vision for the entire process, in addition to specifics such as:

How long it might take
How change requests are dealt with throughout the process
Which member of the firm you’ll likely be working with
How you’ll select a builder

“They really want to understand the architect’s perspective as far as service and understand where the architect is coming from,” Kashani says. “They need to understand the architect’s process and what are the steps that it takes from a clean sheet of paper to a final construction plan.”

See more questions to ask an architect or building designer