Go Beyond the Basics When Interviewing Architects

Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling a current one, there are many aspects to consider: the expense and the multitudes of decisions (some with costly consequences) that you’ll have to live with for years, for starters. It can seem like you need to suddenly become an expert in construction and home design. An architect can guide you through this process, establishing the design and function of the home and controlling the emotional toll and financial costs associated with its construction.

The question shouldn’t be, “Why should I bother with an architect?” but “How can I find the right architect for my design, budget and personality?”

There is no simple, surefire way to hire the right architect, but asking the right questions during the interview process is a step in the right direction.

We all know the basic questions to ask:
Have you done any other homes like mine?Are you licensed?May I see your portfolio?How much do you charge?Who will be working on my project?These questions are important. But don’t you really want to get to know the person you’re about to invest your life savings with?


If we really want to get to know someone — if we really care to know them — we need to ask better questions and carefully listen to their answers. If you don’t want canned one-line answers, don’t ask throwaway questions.

Only you can decide the correct answers to these questions. The only thing that matters is what’s important to you.







To really get to know your architect, include the following questions:

• When did you know you wanted to be an architect, and what do you love most about it?
• What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
• What was your worst experience on a project?
• What about me and my project interests you the most?
• How important is a project like mine to your office, and who will be managing it? Can we meet that person?

Asking such questions may make you feel uncomfortable, but better that than investing your time, money and personal life with some stranger you’re not at ease with or not interested in getting to know.


Plan to interview at least a couple of architects. Ask them all the same questions and have them show you their portfolios. Quality interviews set the foundation for not only hiring the right architect, but also finding a person you like, respect and can trust throughout one of the most complex processes you’ll ever go through.




I have some friends who just bought a home for their new family. It was built in the 1960s by an architect who still lives in the area. They’ve recently been introduced to each other and have become friends. The architect is in his 80s now but stops by to say hi and have coffee once in a while.

The other night I went over to see the home, which still functions great after 50 years. While checking out the nursery, I made a comment about how cool the mobile over the crib was. “Yeah, we love it too,” they said. “It was a gift from the architect.”

It’s my hope that after a 50-plus-year career, architects don’t just look back on a portfolio of projects, but at all the great clients they’ve gotten to know, relationships they’ve built and homes they’ve helped create, where families grew and miracles happened.

Being able to build your own home is a gift. Make sure you enjoy it.

Tell us: What’s your advice for interviewing and working with an architect?

More: How to Hire the Right Architect

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