1.     Size of  Firm & Location:

The architectural firm should be large enough and have the depth of experience to carry out the architectural needs of the client. Complex buildings will require specialized architects and consultants. The architectural company should be located where a pool of knowledgeable professionals is available to join the design team. The architect should be familiar with the location of the building and the city where the project is being built. This can be achieved, if working in another city, by forming a joint venture with a local architectural firm.

2.     Qualifications:

The architect should have the necessary professional accreditation and liability insurance to carry out a project. Certificates of both can be requested from the architect by the client. In addition, the architectural company must be up to date with ever changing zoning, building and other legislation. Other qualifications, such as LEED certification, may also be required to successfully complete the architectural design.

3.      Previous Experience:

Make sure the architect and his companies have experience in your kind of project. Inquire whether you will be working with the qualified architect. There should be numerous other architects and consultants with similar experience for more complex buildings.

4.     Personality:

As important as the architect’s design aesthetic and experience, is the architect’s ability to communicate with the client fully and effectively. The architect must ‘hear’ the client’s wishes and translate them into drawings in a clear and precise manner. A common sense of humor can go a long way to ensuring the success of a project.

5.      Reliability:

The architect should be responsive to the client at all times. This includes producing the drawings on time, prompt returning of phone calls, e-mails and faxes, effective and succinct meetings and good rapport with building trades on site.

6.     Appropriate Fee:

There are industry averages for fees for the type of building and scope of work that the architect will be undertaking. Ensure that the architect is paid a fair fee and that possible additions to the fee are clearly identified before the project commences. Some typical fee structures are: fixed fees, hourly fees and fees based on a percentage of the construction cost.

7.      Trust:

It is essential to have a relationship with the architect that is based on mutual trust and respect. This will allow the architect to accept constructive criticism and remain open to changes that advance the building design. Many people are involved in architectural projects. These include: engineers, contractors, city officials etc. The architect is advocating for you, the client, while working with these and other parties. Only with trust can this unique position be realized by the architect.

8.      Value Added:

When choosing an architect, look for value added services or experience that they can provide. This can be in the form of: 3D computer modeling, specialized knowledge in a specific design type, diverse staff (engineers, interior designers, landscape architects etc.), real estate and development experience and a unique working relationship with City Hall.

9.     Construction Services:

Almost as important as the design phase of a project, is the ability of an architect to manage the diverse demands of the construction and post construction phases of a building. This requires a thorough knowledge of construction and commissioning.  The commissioning process is when the building’s various systems (such as heating) are checked and started.

10.   Competitions

An effective way of ascertaining the design ability of an architect is to hold a limited design competition for larger projects. After drawing up the terms of reference, a number of architects can be invited to compete. Usually they will all receive a fee to cover some costs. This method has higher up-front costs that are usually recovered by having a variety of designs to choose from and starting the working relationship with the architect prior to commencing the project.

Clive Levitt  B.Arch OAA, Sales Representative