When it comes to designing and building your dream home, you’ve likely been drawn to an architect’s portfolio for their stunning visuals and innovative concepts. After all, it’s important to hire a design professional whose design vision aligns with your own ideas and preferences for the look and feel of your future home.  

However, the first interview with an architect is your opportunity to dig a little deeper – to understand not only the creative vision but also the process, personality, and systems behind the work. To help you navigate this critical conversation, here’s a checklist of questions that I believe are essential when interviewing an architect for your new home design. 

Your Interview Checklist 

1. How Flexible Are You in Exploring Different Areas of Design? 

   A great architect isn’t just someone with design vision; they should be adaptable and curious. It’s important to ask about their approach when it comes to incorporating diverse cultural or contextual elements into a design. For example, if your project involves specific cultural nuances or historical context, you want to ensure that the architect has the experience and willingness to conduct the necessary research and integrate those aspects seamlessly.  

   
   

   Equally, their ability to shift gears if you decide to explore alternative design directions is a sign of a professional who can evolve with your vision rather than sticking to a one-size-fits-all approach. 

   
   

2. Who Will Be Working on My Project? 

   Understanding the team behind your project is crucial for setting realistic expectations. You should inquire whether you will be working directly with the principal architect or if your project will be handed off to junior staff. In boutique practices, a smaller team often means more personalized attention.  

   
   

   Alongside this, it’s important to gauge whether the architect appears genuinely enthusiastic about your project. Their level of engagement can be as important as their credentials, ensuring that the expertise and passion you expect will be present every step of the way.

   
   

3. Is the Chemistry There? 

   I’ve always said that a design project is like a short-term marriage – there will inevitably be ups and downs throughout the process. For that reason, it’s important to get a sense of how well you will be able to work with the architect you’re interviewing.  

   
   

   It’s essential, for example, that you feel comfortable discussing ideas openly. An architect who is too rigid – perhaps insisting on presenting only one design option – might not be the best match for your creative needs. Ultimately, a sense of trust and ease in communication forms the foundation for a productive and enjoyable collaboration. 

   
   

4. What Systems and Protocols Do You Have in Place? 

   A well-organized process is just as important as creative talent. It’s wise to discuss how the architect ensures quality control from the beginning of the project through to completion.  

   
   

   For instance, understanding how often the architect will visit the job site during construction can provide insight into how hands-on they plan to be. Delving into the systems they have in place – whether for tracking progress, managing changes, or maintaining consistent quality – can help you assess whether their approach to project management aligns with your expectations for oversight and involvement. 

   
   

5. How Will You Interact with the General Contractor? 

   Since your architect often plays a key role in bridging the gap between you and the general contractor, it’s important to understand how they manage this relationship. You should ask about their role in addressing questions or issues that the contractor might raise and how they handle any potential disagreements on the construction site.  

   
   

   A clear understanding of their communication and coordination style will help ensure that the transition from design to construction proceeds smoothly, minimizing any risk of miscommunication that could derail your project. 

   
   

6. How Can You Assist Me in Setting Up and Maintaining a Reasonable Budget? 

   Balancing a design vision with financial reality is a crucial aspect of any home project. Your architect should be adept at integrating your design preferences with budgetary constraints, offering creative solutions that honor both your aesthetic goals and your financial limits. 

   
   

   It’s important to discuss how they plan to manage and track costs throughout the project, as well as any experience they have with value engineering – finding cost-effective ways to achieve the desired functionality without compromising on quality. This conversation will help you feel confident that your architect is as committed to fiscal responsibility as they are to creative excellence. 

Building a Successful Partnership 

Selecting an architect goes far beyond picking a portfolio you admire – it’s about forging a collaborative relationship that transforms your vision into reality. By asking these six essential questions, you’re laying the groundwork for a transparent, communicative, and effective partnership.  

The interview process is your chance to ensure that your architect’s expertise, approach, and personality align with your aspirations. With the right questions, you can build a foundation that not only supports your new home but also makes the entire journey enjoyable and fulfilling.  

Selecting an architect that fits your needs is the first step in a design process that unfolds across several phases. While architects understand each of these phases well, the full design and construction journey may be brand new to many homeowners. If you’ve ever wondered how an architect gets from an initial vision to a newly constructed home, stay tuned for our next topic in the apt+candid series – an overview of the full design process, and what homeowners should be prepared to do in each phase.