Questions to Ask

AIA Guide: 20 Things To Ask When Interviewing Architects

Once your architect has answered these questions you will be more informed about the process, and have a better grasp of how to work together to achieve your project goals and needs.

Questions Copyright © 1992 The American Institute of Architects

  1. What does the architect see as important issues or considerations in your project? What are challenges of the project?
  2. How will the architect approach your project?
  3. How will the architect gather information about your needs, goals, etc?
  4. How will the architect establish priorities and make decisions?
  5. Who from the architecture firm will you be dealing with directly? Is that the same person who is designing the project? Who will be designing your project?
  6. How important is the architect in this project?
  7. How busy is the architect?
  8. What sets this architect apart from the rest?
  9. How does the architect establish fees?
  10. What does the architect expect the fee to be for this project?
  11. What are the steps in the design process?
  12. How does the architect organize the process?
  13. What does the architect expect you to provide?
  14. What is the architect's design philosophy?
  15. What is the architect's experience / track record with establishing basic budgets?
  16. What will the architect show you along the way to explain the project? Will you see sketches?
  17. If the scope of the project changes later in the project, will there be additional fees? How will fees be justified?
  18. What services does the architect provide during construction?
  19. How disruptive will construction be? How long does the architect expect it to take to complete project?
  20. Do you have a list of past clients that the firm has worked with?