40 Questions to Ask an Architect: Your Complete Guide

How to Choose the Right Architect

Choosing the right architect is one of the most important decisions for your project. The right architect doesn’t just design a beautiful space, they help you navigate complex planning requirements, manage budgets, and ensure the construction process runs smoothly. Asking the right questions up front can help you understand an architect’s experience, approach, and how they’ll work with you to bring your vision to life. Use the questions below as a guide when interviewing potential architects so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Experience & Portfolio

• Have you worked on any projects like this before?
• Have you had any experience with this size of project?
• What point of difference does your 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?

Understanding Your 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 Approach

• 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 & Approvals

• 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 Process

• 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?

Timeline & Scheduling

• 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 & Scope of Services

• 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 Considerations

• 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 approved budget?
• What other costs should I allow for in addition to the Architect’s fees?
• How much should I budget for the specialist consultants’ fees?
• Should I allow for a contingency, if so how much?

Final Thoughts

Finding the right architect is about more than style or credentials, it’s about trust, communication, and shared understanding of your project goals. Use these questions to guide your conversations, clarify expectations, and feel confident in your choice. The more informed you are, the smoother your project will run, from the initial design stage through to construction and completion.

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