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40 Questions To Ask An Architect

August 2017

Experience

  • Have you worked on any projects like this before?
  • Have you had any experience with this size of project?
  • What point of difference does you practice have from other architects with similar experience?
  • Can I see your portfolio of similar projects?
  • Who from your practice would I be dealing with on a regular basis? Would this person be designing my project?

    • My Project

  • Are you interested enough in my project to make it a priority?
  • What challenges do you foresee for my project?
  • Do you see any challenges with my site?
  • Do you see any important issues or considerations with my project?

    • Design

  • Would you create a detailed project brief?
  • Can you explain the design process?
  • Do you use 3D design software?
  • What is your experience with sustainable design?

    • Town Planning

  • Would my project need Town Planning approval?
  • Does my project have any Town Planning overlays I should be aware of?
  • Have you worked with this council before?

    • Construction

  • Do you have builders you can recommend?
  • What potential delay could there be on site that I should be aware of?
  • What role do you play during the construction stage?
  • Can I stay in my home during the construction?

    • Time

  • How long would it take to get my project to site?
  • How long would my project take to get Town Planning approval?
  • Besides Town Planning what things can delay a project getting to site?
  • How long do you think the construction stage might take?

    • Fees

  • How do you charge?
  • In anticipation of a Client and Architect Agreement, what would you expect my project fees to be on this project?
  • Can you confirm the scope for your services?
  • If the scope changes later in the project, will there be additional fees? How will these be justified? How will you communicate this to me?
  • In what situations would you charge additional fees?
  • Do you charge disbursements?

    • Budget

  • Does our Cost of Works budget meet our brief?
  • What are your processes in controlling the project’s budgets?
  • Do you obtain estimates during the design and documentation stages?
  • Are your projects typically built within the client’s original budget?
  • What other costs should I allow for in addition to the Architect’s fees?
  • How much should I budget for the Consultant’s fees?
  • Should I allow for a contingency, if so how much?