Architect free consultation

grumpyfarmer

How all. My wife and I are hoping to build a home pretty soon and have rang a few architects to meet with and talk too... we have our first meeting with one tomorrow on our proposed site and we are just curious to know what to expect or what's important to ask/ look for as this is completely new to us.. thanks in advance..

DOCARCH

20 Questions to Ask An Architect
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1. What does the architect see as important issues or considerations in your project? What are the 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 it the same person who will be designing the project? Who will be designing your project?
6. How interested is the architect in this project?
7. How busy is the architect?
8. What are the steps in the design process?
9. How does the architect organize the process?
10. What does the architect expect you to provide?
11. What is the architect's design philosophy?
12. What is the architect's experience/track record with cost estimating?
13. What will the architect show you along the way to explain the project? Will you see drawings or sketches?
14. What services does the architect provide during construction?
15. How disruptive will construction be? How long does the architect expect it to take to complete your project?
16. What sets this architect apart from the rest?
17. How does the architect establish fees?
18. What would the architect expect the fee to be for this project?
19. If the scope of the project changes, how will additional fees be determined?
20. Do you have a list of past clients that the architect has worked with?

Calahonda52

As above plus, if its a rural setting, how experienced is he with such projects.
Also remember that the client/architect is very different from say a patient/doctor relationship.

You are in the driving seat.

As you say this is all new to you

I may suggest some reading material for this project: I have attached the list of contents so its not just all tech detail, I wish you well with the project.

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The first link is for details, second for Irish pricing
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Construction-Technology-Designing-Sustainable-Homes/dp/0717148343/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463079029&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=construction+technology-+trevor+hockey

https://schoolbooks365.ie/index.php?_route_=construction_technology_hickey

BryanF

'Cork rural housing guidelines'

This essential reading for anyone building a rural house on Ireland.

Gimme Stitches

I would ask to see some of their work. After speaking they should have an idea as to what you would like. Once you get inside a house they designed you should know. Looking at pictures is all well and good, but seeing them in the flesh and getting inside will tell a lot.
I went through this process last year, I was slightly favouring one architect over another as their worked looked nicer from the pictures. But once I inside my mind was made up as to who I wanted to design my house. So far so good. Have got a great design and looking forward to starting the project soon.