How To Choose an Architect for Your Home Project

One of the first steps in designing and building a custom home is selecting your architect.

Working with an architect from the very beginning adds the greatest value to your project and sets your project up for success. An architect can guide you through the rest of the project, helping to create a design that meets your goals and objectives, and then acting as your advocate (your “eyes and ears” on the job site) during construction.

But It’s not about just finding any architect or designer, it’s about finding YOUR architect. Many people think that architects are all the same and so they shop around and select one based on cost. But…. We’re not all the same!

So, how do you find YOUR architect – the one best suited for you and your project?

Here are some tips and guidelines to analyze the qualifications, design strengths and weaknesses, and communication skills of different architects.

Your goal is not to find the ultimate architect, but to find the architect that is the right fit for you and your project goals so that together you can create the best possible project.

1. Do your research

Your home is important. And you’re making a big investment. How you spend your time, energy, and money has a significant impact on you and the life you want to lead. So finding trusted partners to support you in this once-in-a-lifetime journey takes time and effort.

So, when doing your research:

find qualified professionals
get to know them – meet in person, talk on the phone, or email them – whatever works best for you
ask for references & check them
review their previous projects for style congruency
review their career history, training, licensure (if that’s important to you or required in your area)

2. Narrow down your search based on project fit

And by this I mean: find someone who has similar design styles, core beliefs, or specializations that you’re looking for.

Many people choose an architect or designer for the wrong reason.

Wrong reason = They are the cheapest.

Cost is not a good indicator of quality, professionalism, experiences or talent.

At the same time, most designers (architects, designers, interior designers) have things they specialize in; whether it’s style, project types, unique custom design, performance criteria, codes, historical preservation, type of services, or whatever.

Don’t make the mistake of working with someone because they are a friend, they are the cheapest, or they call themselves the best. Choose someone based on the characteristics that are important to you and your project.

What does YR Architecture + Design specialize in?
We specialize in modern design and simple, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. We also have a knack for solving interesting design challenges, whether that involves complex or remote sites, working with existing structures, blending styles, or outside the box thinking.

You wouldn’t come to us if you prefer a traditional design style or if you only need plans drawn up in and documented. We’re the most efficient and provide the most value in areas where we specialize, and that goes for all other design professionals.

3. Trust your intuition

If you’re hiring a designer or architect, they’re going to be in your life for a while. You’ll be spending a lot of time communicating with them and familiarizing them with your life. You’ll be spending a lot of time talking about your goals and dreams, your financials, how you live your life, what you want in your home and what you like and dislike.

The better your architect knows you and how you live, the better they can help create a home that will support you in the life you want to lead.

So as you start to get to know potential designers, get a feel for whether you can get along with this person and connect with. Can you trust them? Can you connect with them? Do they listen to what you’re saying and not saying? Do they get you? Do they want to get to know you?

Our instincts and gut are good measures for this kind of thing, but also make sure you do your homework.

By doing your research, trusting your gut, and choosing someone who delivers on the criteria you’re seeking, you’ll be able to find a designer or architect that suits you and will help create the home you’ve always wanted.

If you’re having trouble deciding and are reluctant to fully commit, ask the architect if there is a low commitment offering to test out the waters. A Concept Design Package or even a smaller Feasibility Study is a great low-cost commitment that not only helps you gauge whether they are a good fit, but also provides valuable information to start your design project on the right foot. A Feasibility Study would show you what your site might be able to accommodate and answers key questions regarding ballpark costs, time frames, and constraints and opportunities, thus fully preparing you for the design phase. It’s a lot easier to commit to a small introductory service like a Feasibility Study than it is to commit to the entire project, especially if you’re on the fence about whether they are the right fit for you. By engaging in a smaller service offering at the beginning, you’ll learn their work ethics, how they communicate, and the quality of service they provide which is a good indicator of how they will work with you for the rest of the project.