thought I would put together some pointers for clients as to how to find an Architect. While I’m based in Cork these tips should help you no matter where in the world you are based.
About 50% of my work comes from past Client referrals. So a good starting point is to ask around: has a member of your family or a neighbour recently completed a build and if you liked it, ask them who was their Architect. If you are avid user of social media it might be worth your while to ask your networks if they can recommend anyone.
Is there a particular building that you admire? I think most people would be flattered if someone knocked on their door to ask who their architect was.
If you don’t know of someone , my next port of call, for those based in Ireland, would be the RIAI website which allows you to search location specifically for architects in your area. Both practices and sole traders are listed. I plan to cover why you should be using an RIAI registered architect in a future blogpost.
“GOOGLE IT!”
As with most things in life, you will probably do an internet search. Searches to consider, apart from the obvious “Architect in Cork” could include addresses of building projects that you have seen and liked, specific architectural certifications (like my passive house certification) or specific requirements of your project such as “home extension architect”.
From this search compile a list of Architects you thought were interesting, whose finished projects matched your aesthetic or vision.
Next step, give them a call. Now, they will hopefully have time to discuss your project for 10 minutes, but we are busy too, so if they can’t talk arrange for a call back at a time that suits you both. The pertinent information to have ready for your telephone discussion is an outline of the nature and extent of the build and a ball-park budget.
Tell your architect if the site is muddy. We like our shoes, us architects
From your chat on the phone, if you found them professional, helpful and knowledgeable, arrange to meet. Ideally, on–site, so that they can assess the existing building if renovating and extending, or, if a one-off house, to assess the site. Please let them know if is a muddy field, Architects tend to like their shoes!
In this initial meeting, you want to establish if they have experience relevant to your project and that you could work together.
Ask them to bring along some images of past work.
Are they listening to you?
Are they able to communicate their ideas to you?
The RIAI has a comprehensive list of 20 questions to ask your architect which is well worth a review.
AND, NOW, THE MONEY
Next, probably comes the money. Request a fee proposal. I use the RIAI Client/ Architect agreement in conjunction with fee proposal as it gives a clear list of the stages of a project and what should be delivered at the end of each stage.
Remember to compare like with like if getting multiple quotes. A proper (RIAI) architect has insurance costs, membership fees and lots of other things that mean they run a professional business. An unregistered ‘architect’ working out of their spare room with no insurance will undoubtedly be cheaper. In this case the old adage of “pay peanuts, get monkeys” can end up in a very expensive, unsafe and unhappy mess.
If you are happy with the architect following on from the initial meeting and the fee proposal, ask for some past and current Client contact details so that you can check their references. Also ask to arrange to visit some completed projects. Visit their work and talk to their Clients.
So now that you have done your homework on hiring an Architect why not get in touch to discuss your project today?
Or maybe you found your architect some other way? Leave a comment below if you have any tips for would be clients.
