When you’re in the market for an Architect, it’s tempting to move quickly. Who can blame you? As you consider your dream project, save all of the most inspiring images you can find, and look for different architects in your area, part of you seems to scream: “let’s get the show on the road already!”

But what if that’s rushing it?

The simple fact is, there are a few things you need to know before you hire an architect. Not only do you want to be sure that you’re working with a Fully Licensed, accredited expert—but you want to know that you’re hiring someone that will work hard to give you the dream project you’ve been thinking about for weeks, months, and even years.

But we know that it’s difficult to do when you’re excited to get the project started. That’s why we’ve gathered the information you need before you kick it off—and before you make a final decision as to who your final architect will be. Here’s what you need to know:

Know their Credentials and Experience First

At the very start, you have to be sure that you’re working with an architect with the basic credentials. You wouldn’t go to a doctor without knowing that they had everything they need to be a fully licensed medical professional—so why trust a building to someone with anything less than full licensing and accreditation?

The trouble is, few people outside the world of architects know what kinds of requirements architects face in order to remain in good official standing. That’s why it’s important to know the following:

• Check out their school. The NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) lists over 100 schools in the U.S. that have accredited architecture programs. An architectural degree from Nowhere Tech doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re working with a skilled architect.
• AIA Membership.You’ll often see “R.A.,” or “registered architect” after an architect’s name, but look for AIA—American Institute of Architects—as well. This is the national professional association of architects, and membership tends to include ongoing educational requirements.
• To find more, make sure to check out Study.com’s requirements for being an architect. And don’t be afraid to ask any prospective architect you’re working with for a full resume/list of accreditations before getting started. Anyone in good standing should be happy to provide them—and if they seem miffed, it might be because they don’t like you asking the questions, and that’s a good sign that they’re not for you.

Reputation Is Key

The world runs on reputation. When you buy a product online, you probably look to the customer reviews to ensure that you’re getting a good deal. When you look for a new restaurant in the area, you likely ask around.

Reputation is just as important in the world of architecture. After all, good reputations are earned over long periods of time—periods of time where results have been consistent. That’s why it’s so important to shop around for a good reputation before you make any final decision.

You can start your search online by Googling architects in your area and seeing what reviews you can see. But you can also make some calls, ask people about their experiences with certain architects, and check out to see if any friends have recommendations as well. If an architect doesn’t have a good reputation, there’s usually a good reason for it—and you need to know that reason before you get started.

Understanding the Scope of Your Project

Finally, one of the most important aspects of hiring the right architect is to make sure that they understand your project inside and out.

There are some architects who might promise the world—but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they can be counted upon to deliver it. You have to work with someone that’s not only understanding of your dreams, but will have the real practical knowledge to tell you if there are any limits. An architect who promises everything can rarely deliver it.

Try to find an architect who definitely has a firm grasp on what your project needs, but isn’t willing to sell you the moon. They should be grounded in reality—after all, architects have to deal with very real problems on every single project. Sometimes, they’re up against the laws of physics. An architect who understands your dreams and the physical limitations of your space is usually a realist.

What to do next?

Now that you know what to do before you hire your architect, it’s important to put it to action. Create a list of potential architects, move through this article again, and try to check off each and every point you see. And if you want more information, please call us at 323-384-6316