How to Select an Architect

Finding an architect may seem intimidating, but there are many qualified architects in the Pacific Northwest to consider. If you select an architect that is licensed, an AIA member, and has glowing references, you should be in good hands.

Determining factors can be how close the architect’s designs are to what you like and how comfortable you feel communicating with them. You will be spending a lot of time together, and it helps if we trust, respect, and enjoy each other’s company.

Here’s a list to help you find the right architect:

1. Search for architects online, including through your local American Institute of Architects (AIA) website, dwell magazine’s ProIndex, or internet searches for residential architects in your location.

The advantage of searching through the AIA website is that you’ll find licensed architects affiliated with a professional organization.

2. Visit the websites of firms that focus on the project type you are looking for, in this case residential design and remodels.

If the firm’s design approach is similar to what you like, contact them about your project.

3. Set up a time to talk with several architects by phone.

If you find your list is longer than five, go back and look more carefully at the architects’ websites; you should be able to narrow your list so that you can be respectful of their time and yours.

4. During the initial phone call, be clear with the architect about your project scope, budget, and timeline.

This will give the architects crucial information about your project so that they can determine if they should take the next step and meet with you at your home.

5. Meet with your shortlist of 2 or 3 architects in person to see if the chemistry is right.

Remember, you will be working with your architect for at least a year, if not longer. You want someone with whom you feel comfortable and can problem solve.

6. Ask how the architect’s fee structures work.

Architects fees are usually either a percentage of construction cost, hourly, or a combination. The percentage amount can vary between architects and according to project type and size. For example, if you build a new $1.5 million house, a 12% fee would be $180,000. If you were remodeling a kitchen with an $80,000 construction cost, the percentage fee might be higher, for example 15%, because smaller jobs often require more work per square foot, especially kitchens and bathroom remodels.

Some architects charge hourly, but the total fee is often in the same range as the percentage fee. It can be mind-boggling for clients to understand how many hours it takes to design, draw, and coordinate a project, but this is part of what it takes to fully detail a plan for permitting and construction.

My firm uses both hourly and percentage fee structures (and sometimes a combination) depending on the project and client.

7. It can be challenging to compare an architect’s basic services on an apples-to-apples basis.

Typically, basic services are organized into the following phases:

• Schematic Design: Establish the conceptual design, scale, and relationship among spaces.
• Design Development: Refine the design and prepare plans, elevations, building sections, and typical details.
• Contract Documents: Prepare detailed working drawings and specific conditions for construction.
• Permitting: Submitting drawings and forms to the building department and responding to correction notices.
• Contractor Selection: Interview contractors and help negotiate the contract for construction.
• Contract Administration: Observe construction to ensure the project is built according to the drawings and specifications.

It’s important to ask what is not included in the architects’ basic services. Part of my firms’ basic services is to help clients select everything that is attached to the house (including lighting, plumbing fixtures, finishes, even the paint), but some architects expect clients to hire an interior designer to provide this information.

8. Ask about contractor selection.

Most architects have a shortlist of established contractors that they recommend because of the quality of their work, their experience, and their communication skills. Typically, the price range of contractors on this list is fairly consistent since they often charge similar percentages for overhead and profit, and they are probably working with the same sub-contractors. In a market where construction is booming, selecting a contractor can often come down to finding room on the schedule of a recommended contractor.

You may have a contractor in mind, too, and you can ask if the architect would consider that company. They will need to be vetted, and here is a link to my article on selecting a contractor.

It’s best if the contractor is part of the team early on in a project. This way, the contractor can give information on pricing, advise on construction details, and you can secure a place on their schedule. 

9. What is your role with the contractor?

During construction, I’ll act as your adviser and agent, setting up regular meetings with all of us on site, periodically visiting the site, reviewing contractor’s progress payments, and interpreting the drawings to ensure that the contractor understands the design intent.

10. Is sustainable design a priority for you? I hope it is!

The good news is that Washington State has more stringent energy codes than most states, and the permit process reviews drawings to see if they comply. (These are minimum standards, and you can always exceed them.) I’m a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified architect and can offer advice and insight on sustainable goals and solutions.

Planning a project and not sure where to start?

Download my free guide How to Prepare for Your Design Project: Process, Costs and Timelines to get you project started on a solid foundation.