Deciding on an architect is very similar to any recruitment or interview process. The first step is to decide who and what you would prefer, and much like a job advertisement, you will need to draw up a ‘job description’, including a list of criteria, requirements and/or qualifications that you would like your architect to satisfy. This ‘job description’ will make your search substantially more straightforward.

To aid in your pursuit of the perfect, professional architect, we have compiled a list of essential questions and considerations for you and your architect.

Your preferences

When it comes to your preferences, you need to think about more than just colour and location.

You will need to consider:

• Interior and exterior materials – there is an overwhelming amount of variety, so instead of pouring over hundreds of pages of variations, it might be more helpful for you to simply pay attention to the different architectural environments that you find yourself in from day-to-day.
• Pay attention to your local shopping centre, how does their use of material make you feel? Consider the materials used at a friend’s house, or at your local religious facility. You should make notes (on your cell phone if you don’t have pen and paper at the ready) about both your likes and dislikes.
• A good idea would be to photographically document your experiences. You don’t need to create an extensive portfolio, but creating albums on your cell phone – one for likes, and one for dislikes – will benefit your quest. Remember to save these for later on so that you can be more specific when briefing your architect.
• And for even more options, have a look at ArchDaily’s housing projects.

While exploring your surroundings, as well as any housing/architectural websites, brochures or magazines, you should also ask yourself the following questions:

• Would you prefer an open-plan design, or does the lack walls make you feel uncomfortable?
• How high would you like your ceilings to be?
• Would you prefer a modern or a more traditional style?
• How do you feel about exposed structures? For example: exposed wood/ steel/ concrete/ brick walls?
• Would you like to future-proof your house?
• Would you like your home to be environmentally friendly or to have a renewable energy source?
• How do you feel about smart homes and/or home automation?

Research your candidates

When you feel like you are ready to start the interviewing process, the first step should be to check the architect’s credentials. Many of us receive word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, but everyone will have a different experience.

Checking if your potential architects are registered with a professional board is the easiest way to start sorting the cream from the crop.

You can search for the architect’s credentials through the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) website. If you are verifying a company or supplier, you should also check if they are affiliated with the Built Environment Professions Export Council (BEPEC) and/or the South African Institute of Architects.

And now you’re ready to start interviewing. Be sure to confirm whether or not the architect or firm is going to charge you for the first consultation (this varies).

10 Questions for the interview

1. Ask about their experience on similar projects. They may have a portfolio to show you, but you may also be able to view and experience their projects and workmanship in real life.
2. Ask who your primary point of contact will be. This person will be your “building partner” until your project is completed, so you definitely need to meet them.
3. Ask about the architect or firm’s creative/design philosophy, beliefs and principles.
4. Money, money, money. This will likely have a large impact your final decision. You should discuss the fees and budget structure. You may not get a quote there and then, but some architects may be able to provide you with a very rough estimate.
5. Ask about their design process: How many steps are there? Is it an iterative process? Is there a restriction on the number of changes you can make?
6. What is the estimated time frame for your project? How strictly are their deadlines adhered to? Can they see any obvious challenges?
7. Some architects and firms may differentiate between ‘basic services’ and ‘additional services’. Be sure to ask about these.
8. What South African laws, processes, rules and/or regulations do they adhere to?
9. Ask for references – as with any job interview, these are essential.
10. And of course, as with most job interviews, ask the architect why they think they are the best for your particular project.

Delta BEC Architecture & Visualisation would be happy to answer all of these questions!

Contact us for more information.