40 Questions To Ask An Architect

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?