How to Choose an Architect
Looking to design your home from scratch, or an addition to your current home? Senior Writer for Houzz Australia, Georgia Madden, speaks to three industry experts to reveal how to choose an architect that can turn your dream home into a reality, below.
Loving an architect’s work is not the only consideration when choosing a professional for your renovation or home-building project. There are other equally important factors to consider too, including qualifications, experience, working style and whether you can picture yourself working comfortably together during the construction period. Here, three industry insiders reveal where to look for a great architect, what to ask, and how to go about choosing the right one for your project.
What Are The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Selecting An Architect?
“Not choosing an architect who is compatible with their needs,” says Dominic Bagnato, director at Bagnato Architects. “You shouldn’t, for example, choose an architect who is passionate about contemporary architecture if you’re after a French provincial home,” he says.
Another common mistake, he says, is to automatically opt for the cheapest fee or commission when choosing an architect. “You need to compare apples with apples,” he says. “Obtain quotes from a few different architects and assess whether they are actually producing the same service.”
“Clients often misunderstand or underestimate the incredible amount of work involved in the contract documentation stage,” says architect Alison Dodds, principal at Alison Dodds Architect. “To get an idea of the level of detail required, ask your architect to show you a previous client’s set of working drawings and specifications.”
Another frequent blunder clients make is to believe they can save money on an architect’s fees by carrying out the contract administration and managing the on-site part of the job themselves, adds Dodds. “The reality is that it’s essential for the architect to work with the builder on almost a daily basis.”
It’s also important to check out how important sustainable design is to architects, as this will impact the energy efficiency of your home and its longevity.
How Can You Avoid These & Other Blunders?
Bagnato says:
Select an architect because you love the work they’ve done
Don’t choose the architect who tells you they can build to your construction budget when every other architect and industry professional has given you contrary advice
Make sure your chosen architect has proven experience not only in the design process, but also administering the project during construction. This means they will act as your agent during the build – answering the builder’s queries, issuing instructions, and making sure you get the build that was designed
Don’t choose an architect to simply draft your ideas. A great architect should expand on your brief and show you design possibilities you hadn’t even considered
Dodds says:
When agreeing on a budget with an architect, ask them to clearly state the boundaries of their expertise and what is and isn’t included in their fees. Your budget should include an allowance for additional expenses such as permit fees and other consultants’ fees
Who Should You Ask For Recommendations?
“Any family, friends or work colleagues who have previously engaged an architect,” says Dodds.
It would be unwise to take every referral at face value though, says Peter Georgiev, architect and director of Archicentre Australia. “What is good for one client does not necessarily hold for another. Ultimately, you have to make up your own mind and know what is right for you.”
Where Should You Look?
“Houzz is a great place to start – it’s a great resource for viewing architects’ work,” says Bagnato. “Architects may also have reviews on their Houzz profile, which can be very helpful.” Reviews on Houzz are written by clients who have worked with the firm or professional previously.
From there, visit the websites of those architects whose work you like and browse through their residential portfolio.
Also, when you’re out and about, keep your eyes peeled for spectacular designs. “If you drive past a house that you love, knock on the door and ask for a contact,” says Bagnato. “Or contact the local council and see if they can give you the architect’s name through their building and town planning approvals register.”
Dodds also suggests looking on the Australian Institute of Architects’ (AIA) website.
What Should You Be Looking For On An Architect’s Website?
Dodds says:
Read through the description of services they offer
In addition to their website, look at their work on other platforms, such as images of their Projects on Houzz, to get a feel for their working and aesthetic style
Bagnato says:
If you have a particular style in mind, see if the architect’s work aligns with your vision
Make sure the architect is capable of delivering what you want. For example, if you want a brand new home, don’t choose an architect who specialises in alterations and additions
Read testimonials and references online
See if you can ascertain whether their work is built to budget, or if there is a common theme running through their portfolio, where the final design is too expensive to build
What Qualifications Should They Have?
According to Dodds:
It is mandatory for architects in Australia to be registered with the architectural registration board in their state. For example, in Victoria, this is the Architects Registration Board of Victoria. As well as professional skills, board membership also guarantees that an architect has professional indemnity insurance cover
Although membership with the Australian Institute of Architects is not mandatory, it is a good indication of an architect’s level of commitment and expertise
How Important Are References?
“Very. You should always ask to see a prospective architect’s references,” says Bagnato. “Also see if you can walk through any of their completed homes. You may find it feels completely different to the photos on the website. And, if possible, speak to some of the architect’s previous clients to see how the design and building process was for them.”
Is It Crucial To Meet Face To Face?
“A face-to-face meeting will make it instantly clear whether you and your architect are right for each other,” says Bagnato. “But if this feels intimidating, start with a phone call or email and then work towards having a meeting.”
Video meetings between architects and their potential clients have also become common practice, and will give you a good idea of whether you will have a natural rapport.
“It is also a good idea to meet some or all of the team at the initial meeting to see how they work together,” says Dodds.
Do I Need To ‘Click’ With My Architect?
“The client-architect relationship is usually long and can be stressful and overwhelming in terms of decision making. So it is very important to be able to communicate with your architect, trust them and feel supported,” says Dodds.
What Are The Main Things To Ask At Your First Meeting?
Dodds says:
Establish a timeline for full services
Set a lead time for the architect to accommodate the project into their schedule
Ask about the design process and what each stage involves
Request a fee structure
Establish what other consultants’ fees and expenses are anticipated
“A good architect will also know about emerging building styles, construction techniques, regulatory frameworks and the like,” adds Georgiev.
And finally, be sure to inquire about and look into architects’ approach to sustainability before you hire them.
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For more tips and tricks from the Houzz experts visit Houzz.com.au