Questions to ask an architect
A home improvement project is a big investment. Make sure yours goes to plan with our key questions to ask an architect.
If you’re planning a project to improve your home and want to recruit an architect to help, it’s important that you both clearly understand what you want at an early stage. Here we outline the 12 key questions to ask an architect when you first meet to get the best professional for the job.
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12 Questions to Ask an Architect
1. Is there a fee for our first meeting?
Most architects will agree to a short, one-off meeting free of charge to discuss the project, your budget and their ability to undertake it. But check the initial meeting is free when you make the appointment. You should expect to pay for subsequent meetings, a first set of drawings and more detailed advice.
2. What do you think of our plans?
When meeting an architect for the first time, he or she will want to talk to you about your building project so they understand what you are looking for. Explain as clearly as you can what you want to achieve. Show them images of the sorts of projects you like so they can fully understand your design goals. Now is a good time to ask an architect questions you have about your design brief and get an experts opinion.
The architect should be able to give some design advice right away that will add value to what you have in mind. Make a note of these suggestions.
And if they suggest something that you are not comfortable with, say so now. There’s no point the architect going away to draw up designs to, for example, move the staircase to the other side of the house or add a Juliette Balcony, when it’s not something you actually want. This is no time to be polite – you need to be precise about what you like and don’t like. If you both clearly understand what you want at this early stage, you will avoid wasting time and problems emerging as the project progresses.
Remember: it’s your project, and the architect will want to make sure that you are satisfied with the end result.
3. What do you charge?
When it comes to questions to ask an architect before hiring them, the amount they charge is likely to be a major consideration. So don’t be shy. While the fee will depend on a number of factors like the extent of your plans and location, the architect should be able to provide an idea of the different packages they offer. For example, they should have a standard price for a comprehensive package which would cover you from initial consultation, planning permission and building regulations approval. There might be a more expensive package that involves them managing your build as well.
Architect fees vary for several reasons but in 2023 you can expect to pay an architect anything between 3% to 15% of your total construction costs. And as much as 20% if they manage the whole project. Ask how payments are broken down and when fees will be due.
And ask what other fees you will need to budget for – for example structural engineer fees.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want an architect who can keep to that and who is willing to prioritise costs over aesthetics. So ask the architect about their track record and ask them to explain any past issues. Hopefully, they’ll be able to talk you through recent successes.
4. What are your qualifications and experience?
Whether you’re having a loft conversion, an extension or building your own home, you’ll be spending a significant amount of money. So do ask about your architect’s experience and qualifications.
If the architect is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) they will be expected to meet certain standards. All RIBA Chartered Practices:
- employ a required number of individual RIBA Chartered Architects
- have appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance
- have an effective Quality Management system
- have comprehensive Health and Safety and Environmental policies in place
- are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with a Code of Practice in a manner appropriate to their status.
While larger projects would usually be done by a Registered Architect, smaller home improvements can be done by Architectural Technicians or Surveyors; there are no hard and fast rules.
Find Architects near you, discuss your project and get quotes.
But if you’re paying for a qualified architect, you should check they are who they say they are. In the UK, if someone calls themselves an architect they must be professionally trained and registered. Membership of the Architects Registration Board is compulsory – you can check if they’re registered here.
5. Can I see a portfolio of your work?
You’ll probably have looked at the architect’s work online when drawing up your shortlist or following up on recommendations from friends. But when you meet for the first time, ask the architect to share with you their portfolio of work.
Also ask for a list of previous clients, references and/or testimonials. If they do, double-check their work with previous clients. Ask referees specifically about the architect’s responsiveness, problem-solving ability, communication and whether they delivered their services to time and within budget. A quick WhatsApp message and request for photos should help re-assure you, though ideally the previous client would be open to you visiting to seeing the quality of the architect’s work in person.
6. Do you have a signature style?
It’s vital to ensure an architect’s vision is in tune with yours. You’ll be able to see how an architect handles a certain style by looking at their portfolio. Although when you do this, it’s important to ask how much input into the design came from the client.
7. What’s your track record of successful planning applications in the area?
This is a critical question to ask an architect. Most people worry about getting planning permission because it can substantially delay – or put an end to – your project. So ask the architect what their success rate is in getting plans approved in your area. Opting for a local architect might be the best option if you foresee problems ahead as they may be better acquainted with your local authority’s planning policy. They may have useful contacts too. So find out the lay of the land to help you decide who you’re going to instruct.
8. How busy are you? Can you fit this into your schedule?
It’s important to know from the outset how quickly the architect will be able to start work. If you can be flexible with your timeframe, you may be prepared to wait to get your first choice. But if time is of the essence this may be a key deciding factor. So when you are thinking about what to ask an architect, ask this early to avoid wasting your – and their – time.
9. What sets you apart from other architects?
Ask them to set out what makes them different and why you should choose them. This may be a particularly useful question if you’re finding it hard to choose between a number of different architects.
10. Do you have a builder you would recommend?
Many architects have builders and other sub-contractors they prefer to use because they have a good relationship and are reliable. And there are benefits to be had by employing a team that has successfully worked together in the past. If this is the case, get a quote from the builders and ask about their availability. But make sure you get quotes from other builders too. The builders the architect prefers may be more expensive. If so, you’ll need to decide whether it’s worth paying a premium.
11. Who will be the point of contact?
Make sure you understand what the architect’s level of involvement will be from the outset. Knowing who is responsible for what from the start means you’ll both be on the same page. Ask whether the architect will be the only one involved or whether others from the firm will also be working on your project. And also ask how frequently you’ll be updated with progress. For more advice, see how do I work with an architect.
Also try to get an idea of how hands on they will be. If you are engaging the architect to oversee the project, you’ll not only want to arrange an initial visit to the house or plot but also understand whether they will conduct regular site visits as the project progresses. Asking the architect to visit the site three or so times a week or even every day isn’t unreasonable assuming they live locally enough to be able to do this. But don’t assume, check now!
12. What next?
You’ll want time to reflect on the meeting and meet with other architects before you make your decision. You should though ask how long, assuming you do appoint them, it will take the architect to get started. The first step is usually to take measurements of the existing property and for them to come back to you with an initial set of designs to review.
All RIBA architects have access to building contracts to use with residential clients. Whatever form the contract takes, you should at the very least make sure you have the following in writing:
- The contracting parties
- What work the architect will do
- What the fee will be, or how it will be worked out and stages of payment
- Who will be responsible for what on the project
- Any constraints or limitations on the responsibilities of the parties
- Any special provisions for cancelling the agreement
- Whether there are any special terms for settling disputes
- That the architect has adequate and appropriate insurance cover
- What you should do if you have a complaint about their service
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to tell an architect?
When you are briefing your architect you’ll want to provide lots of details about what’s important to you and how you want to use your new home. You’ll want to be clear about the existing plot or property and the main outcomes you want. Make sure you tell them about any specific features or requirements you have. And you’ll need to convey a budget, even a rough one, so they can make appropriate design recommendations.
What should architects ask a client?
As well as having questions to ask an architect before hiring them, you’ll find your architect will ask you lots of questions when you meet them. They may ask for any pictures or images you have that show what you’re hoping to achieve, whether there are any views that are especially important to you and whether you have any sustainability goals.
How do you talk to an architect?
Make it clear from the outset how you like to communicate best, whether that’s in person, by phone or by email. So when it comes to questions to ask an architect, make sure you’re on the same page regarding communication.
What if I don’t like my architect’s advice?
It’s important you both clearly understand what you want from the start and it may prevent problems occurring further down the line. That’s why the initial few meetings are so important.
Try to take their expert advice on board. But if they suggest something you’re not comfortable with, you should speak up.
However, if after this you feel they aren’t quite listening to what you talked about at your previous meeting, or you just can’t get along, then you may want to terminate the working relationship sooner rather than later. Be aware you are likely going to have to pay for the design work done to date.
What if I forget to ask important questions?
It’s a good idea to have a written note of all your questions. Or you could print out the Architects Registration Board’s Meeting With Your Architect form which lists the questions you may ask and has space to write your answers.
Can the architect increase their fees?
Yes. If the scope of the project changes or you ask for something additional in the design or as part of another service they are providing after the costs have been set out, then you can expect to pay additional fees. A good question to ask an architect at the outset and at regular stages of the project is “how will this change affect what you charge me?”.
How hands on will an architect be?
Make sure you understand what their level of involvement will be from the outset. Knowing who is responsible for what from the start means you’ll both be on the same page. You’ll also want to know if you can arrange an initial visit to the house or plot. And whether they will conduct regular site visits as the project progresses. Asking the architect to visit the site every day isn’t unreasonable so ensure they live locally enough to be able to do this.
What are the types of services architects offer?
You can get an architect involved as much or as little as you want on your project. Here are the different types of architectural services most firms offer:
1. Feasibility study: This is when an architect comes to look at your home or the site to work out if what you want to do is actually possible and to give some initial design input.
2. Conceptual drawings: Having gathered a brief of what you’re trying to achieve, the architect will work up conceptual designs for discussion and approval.
3. Planning application: An architect can draw up plans to help you through the planning permission process. It may be that full planning permission isn’t needed and a lawful development certificate is recommended because your project falls into permitted development rights. If not, then full planning permission will be required. The architect should manage this whole process for you and liaise with your local planning officials.
4. Building regulations: The architect will then use the planning drawings to gather more detailed technical drawings and submit them to get sign-off from your local authority Building Control team. This team checks your proposed plans meet building regulations. Your architect may need input from a structural engineer or party wall specialist at this stage (watch for additional costs here).
5. Tender and construction: Your architect may be able to help you go out to tender to find local builders for your project. Whether you or the architect do this, they should still pull together the drawings, specifications and work items list for your builders to use in providing a quote for the project and during construction.
6. Construction inspection and contract administration: This is when your architect makes sure your builders are building to the brief and the project stays on track. They can also check your contract with your builder to make sure progress and payments are correct.
7. Project management: When your architect oversees your whole building project. You should consider this if you have a particularly ambitious design as your architect can ensure their plans become reality.
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