Choosing an Architect: What Owners Judge and What They Should

Selection is usually based on portfolio images. The criteria that predict a good outcome are less visible and more useful.

Architects are selected from images of finished buildings, which reveal the result and nothing about the process that produced it. The criteria that actually predict a good experience concern how the practice works, and they are straightforward to assess.

Why these keep happening

These mistakes all involve judging the product rather than the process. A portfolio shows what a practice has done; it does not show whether the projects finished on budget, on time, or with a client who would repeat the experience.

1. Selecting on portfolio images alone

Images are immediate, comparable and emotionally persuasive.

• Avoid it by: Ask to see a full drawing set from a completed project alongside the images.
• Proof it is closed: A drawing set reviewed, not only photographs.

What it costs you: You learn nothing about how the practice communicates, whether projects are delivered within budget, or what the documentation quality is.

2. Not speaking to previous clients

It feels intrusive, and the practice is unlikely to offer difficult references.

• Avoid it by: Ask for two or three previous clients and speak to them about process, not just satisfaction.
• Proof it is closed: Notes from conversations with previous clients.

What it costs you: The most useful information about working with a practice comes from people who have done it.

3. Assuming the person you meet will do the work

The principal presents at the first meeting, which creates a reasonable expectation.

• Avoid it by: Ask who specifically will work on the project, how often the principal will be involved, and meet the team.
• Proof it is closed: Named team members with their roles, recorded in the appointment.

What it costs you: The project may be delivered by a junior team with limited principal involvement.

4. Ignoring construction stage capability

Selection focuses on design, which is what the portfolio shows.

• Avoid it by: Ask how the practice works during construction and whether they offer supervision.
• Proof it is closed: Construction stage services defined in the appointment.

What it costs you: Design quality that is not supported during construction is frequently diluted by site decisions.

5. Not discussing budget seriously at selection

Budget feels like a negotiating matter to be addressed after choosing.

• Avoid it by: State the budget at the first meeting and ask directly whether they have delivered at that level.
• Proof it is closed: A completed project at a comparable budget, verified.

What it costs you: A practice accustomed to different budget levels may design something you cannot build.

6. Appointing without a written scope

The relationship begins positively and paperwork feels unnecessary.

• Avoid it by: Require a written appointment listing deliverables, stages, revisions and fees.
• Proof it is closed: A signed appointment with a deliverables schedule.

What it costs you: Disagreement later about what was included, how many revisions, and what constitutes additional service.

A short check before you sign

• Have you seen a full drawing set, not only images?
• Have you spoken to previous clients about process?
• Do you know who specifically will do the work?
• Is construction stage involvement defined?
• Has the practice delivered at your budget level?

If it has already happened

If a practice is already appointed and the working relationship is difficult, address it directly and early with specific examples rather than general dissatisfaction. Most difficulties concern communication frequency and decision turnaround, both of which can be restructured. Changing architect mid-project is possible but costly, particularly regarding drawing ownership.

If you are starting a design, Domira can help you write the brief, review the drawings and keep the design aligned with the budget before it reaches a contractor.