How to choose which architect?

veggie newbie

We have a big renovation to do on a period house and met with two really nice architects, cost difference is 1%. One is a sole trader, the other works in a successful company of over 10 employees. Both of their portfolios seem good and we had a good rapport with both. How do you choose which architect to go for? We're struggling to decide. I'm sure both would do a good job but just not sure what criteria to base the decision on. Would anyone have any advice on how to decide or what criteria we should base the decision on? Totally new to this. TIA.

Penn

veggie newbie wrote: »

We have a big renovation to do on a period house and met with two really nice architects, cost difference is 1%. One is a sole trader, the other works in a successful company of over 10 employees. Both of their portfolios seem good and we had a good rapport with both. How do you choose which architect to go for? We're struggling to decide. I'm sure both would do a good job but just not sure what criteria to base the decision on. Would anyone have any advice on how to decide or what criteria we should base the decision on? Totally new to this. TIA.

If it's that close a choice between them, maybe ask to see similar work they've previously done. I'd also ask them what builders they might recommend and then check out the builder's references yourself.

antiskeptic

veggie newbie wrote: »

We have a big renovation to do on a period house and met with two really nice architects, cost difference is 1%. One is a sole trader, the other works in a successful company of over 10 employees. Both of their portfolios seem good and we had a good rapport with both. How do you choose which architect to go for? We're struggling to decide. I'm sure both would do a good job but just not sure what criteria to base the decision on. Would anyone have any advice on how to decide or what criteria we should base the decision on? Totally new to this. TIA.

If there really is little to chose between them after doing due diligence on them start haggling on price.

stickybookmark

veggie newbie wrote: »

We have a big renovation to do on a period house and met with two really nice architects, cost difference is 1%. One is a sole trader, the other works in a successful company of over 10 employees. Both of their portfolios seem good and we had a good rapport with both. How do you choose which architect to go for? We're struggling to decide. I'm sure both would do a good job but just not sure what criteria to base the decision on. Would anyone have any advice on how to decide or what criteria we should base the decision on? Totally new to this. TIA.

For me as I'm only around at weekends (I work away) someone flexible was key. If I had gone for a guy that worked in an office it would never have worked. I went for a sole trader and he met me on Saturday evenings, Sunday mornings.....that turned out to be invaluable for me. I would find the office type would be billing you by the hour etc and you'd have to meet them during office hours meaning you have to take time off work. Now I may have gotten a particularly flexible guy! But if that's a consideration for you might be something to think about

JonathonS

I would go with the one for whom your job would be a top priority, and not a distraction from bigger jobs. Find out what work they have on, how busy they are, get a feel for which will give you most attention and go with them.

veggie newbie

Thanks for these tips, v helpful!

mrsWhippy

I'd follow up with their previous clients for references.