Before You Get Started

• What does the architect see as important issues or considerations in your project?  What are the project’s challenges?
• How will the architect approach your project and gather information about your needs, goals, etc?
• How will the architect establish priorities and make decisions?
• Who from the architecture firm will you deal with directly?  Is he/she the same person who will design the project?  If not, who will design your project?
• How interested is the architect in this project?  How busy is the architect?
• What sets this architect apart from the rest?
• How does the architect establish fees?  What would the architect expect the fee to be for this project?
• What are the steps in the design process?  How does the architect organize the process?  What does the architect expect you to provide?
• What is the architect’s design philosophy?  Will the architect show you models, drawings, or sketches to explain the project?
• What is the architect’s track record with cost estimating?  If the scope of the project changes, will there be additional fees?  How will these fees be justified?
• What services does the architect provide during construction?
• How long does the architect expect it to take to complete your project?
• Does the architect have a list of past clients that his/her firm has worked with?