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Whats Questions to ask Potential Architect

  • 17-08-2009 3:37pm
    #1
    Repolho
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 381 ✭✭


    Hi,

    I'mlooking for an Architect to design a 1 off house. What kind of questions should I be asking them.

    Aprt from discussing design ideas, are there any questions I should be asking them?

    I have met 1 so far and the kinda things I have been asking are:

    How long has the firm being in existence?
    How many staff & breakdown (ie architects, engineers, QS etc)?
    How many clients currently ?
    Have they done any work in my local area?
    Whats their track record like with my local Co Co?
    Whats is their fee's & what does this include.

    Any other suggestions?


Comments

  • #2
    sinnerboy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,433 ✭✭✭sinnerboy


    Ask to speak to 3 happy clients from last 2 years


  • #3
    DOCARCH
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 18,446 Mod ✭✭✭✭DOCARCH


    sinnerboy wrote: »
    Ask to speak to 3 happy clients from last 2 years

    + 1

    The less staff the better I would sometimes suggest. The bigger the practice, the more likely a one off house is likely to be handed to a junior. I have seen some god awful extensions to houses carried out by some of the bigger, well respected practices!

    In addition, no. of clients is probably irrelevant.


  • #4
    Carlow52
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,389 ✭✭✭Carlow52


    I'm looking for an Architect to design a 1 off house. What kind of questions should I be asking them.

    Aprt from discussing design ideas, are there any questions I should be asking them?

    IMO you got it right when u said Architect, once u move to them = firm= less persoanl service = ??

    You also need to be very clear as to what you mean by design.
    Do u include planning, detailed construction drawings, project supervision, stage payment signatures, snag list, house warming party :) etc etc.

    U do need to nail this down real good as if there is a gap in expectations then it can get messy.

    Finally, can you work with the person who will take the brief on a 1 to 1 basis: the interpersonal chemistry is essential.

    The size of the firm and the staff breakdown is not of much value unless u have some criteria by which to use the information. This applies to all questions.

    With no disrespect, the more 'silly' questions you ask, the less respect he/she may have for you.

    Happy hunting


  • #5
    Builderfromhell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,570 ✭✭✭Builderfromhell


    I would ask to see there most recent house designs and contact numbers from their most recent clients.
    Asking to contact 3 or more clients may mean they only give details of happy clients.


  • #6
    Repolho
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 381 ✭✭Repolho


    DOCARCH wrote: »
    + 1



    In addition, no. of clients is probably irrelevant.

    My thinking here was the client to staff ratio. Obviously if they have a lot of clients, less time can be assigned to each project!


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  • #7
    sinnerboy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,433 ✭✭✭sinnerboy


    You are unlikely to find too many architects with this problem now . Concentrate on seeking happy end users . You will find him/her this way best .


  • #8
    pseudo-tech
    Closed Accounts Posts: 379 ✭✭pseudo-tech


    sinnerboy wrote: »
    You are unlikely to find too many architects with this problem now . Concentrate on seeking happy end users . You will find him/her this way best .
    +1

    You can ask for the name and experience of the person in the office who will be directly working on the project. Look for a commitment here so that it is not given to a junior!


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