How to Choose an Architect

Most of us don’t work with architects every day. Many of us, I would venture, don’t even know an architect, much less how they obtain their skills. Until we need to know, that is, once we decide to build a custom home or some other type of complex structure.

Indeed, to build any edifice intended for human habitation in the State of Florida mandates the services of a licensed architect in order to obtain the necessary construction permits. To earn that license, the architect must first be certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB), which requires a degree in architecture (from an accredited program), completing the qualifying experience program, and passing the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®).

A multi-divisional exam, the Architectural Registration Examination tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills regarding the practice of architecture. It does so by concentrating on areas that affect the integrity, soundness, and health impacts of a building, as well as an architect’s responsibilities within a firm—such as managing projects and coordinating the work of other building and design professionals.

In the end, a capable, well-trained architect will help you squeeze the most out of your construction budget in several different ways. Their specialized knowledge of various construction techniques and building materials can reduce building costs, decrease your home’s energy demands, and increase its future resale value with a design that stands the test of time.

To choose the right architect for your project, you needn’t know all the ins and outs of architecture any more than you need an in-depth knowledge of medicine to choose the right physician. You just need to know how to conduct a successful search.

Why do I need an Architect?

Most of us don’t work with architects every day. Many of us, I would venture, don’t even know an architect, much less how they obtain their skills. Until we need to know, that is, once we decide to build a custom home or some other type of complex structure.

Indeed, to build any edifice intended for human habitation in the State of Florida mandates the services of a licensed architect in order to obtain the necessary construction permits. To earn that license, the architect must first be certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB), which requires a degree in architecture (from an accredited program), completing the qualifying experience program, and passing the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®).

A multi-divisional exam, the Architectural Registration Examination tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills regarding the practice of architecture. It does so by concentrating on areas that affect the integrity, soundness, and health impacts of a building, as well as an architect’s responsibilities within a firm—such as managing projects and coordinating the work of other building and design professionals.

In the end, a capable, well-trained architect will help you squeeze the most out of your construction budget in several different ways. Their specialized knowledge of various construction techniques and building materials can reduce building costs, decrease your home’s energy demands, and increase its future resale value with a design that stands the test of time.

To choose the right architect for your project, you needn’t know all the ins and outs of architecture any more than you need an in-depth knowledge of medicine to choose the right physician. You just need to know how to conduct a successful search.

How do I find an Architect?

Each architect has their own particular style, approach to design, and way of doing business. But it’s important to find an architect who is also in sync with your style, building goals and needs. Here are a few tips for making the right choice:

Start by assembling a list of potential candidates. If you are unfamiliar with the architects in your region, Google is always a good place to start. Simply type in “Best architects” followed by the town or city of interest. And off you go.

At the same time, ask people whose opinions you value for their best recommendations.

Investigate who designed the homes and other building projects in your community that you admire most and might like your design to draw inspiration from. For this you may need to consult various property, tax and/or construction and permitting records which are often available online. If you are working with a Realtor® whose business is grounded in your community, he or she can be an amazing resource for information about the properties you are interested in. They can also be a valuable sounding board about the architects on your list if you have one.

Many of today’s most talented architects are aligned with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the largest and most influential professional organization for architects in the United States. The Florida Gulf Coast chapter of AIA is headquartered in Sarasota and its member directory can be another valuable tool in your research.

Once you have assembled a final list of candidates, you should next prepare a fact sheet containing all the basic parameters of what you would like the architect’s team to accomplish. This puts each interviewee on something of an equal footing and helps you make an “apples to apples” comparison when it comes time to make your final decision. It is always a good idea to include your budget and timing requirements right up front, as this will save everyone a lot of time by weeding out any candidate from the onset who cannot meet one or both of these basic goals.

Take time to visit the website and social media feeds of each potential candidate. Here you will likely learn a lot about the architect’s design philosophy and favored styles as well as the culture of the firm he or she works for. Many architects will include a photo gallery of past, present, and future projects in addition to their biographical information. Beware of any individual architect or firm in today’s business and information age that doesn’t have an informative, well-crafted website and social media presence.

Allow plenty of time for each interview, so that neither of you feel rushed. If possible, conduct the meeting at the architect’s place of business. This will allow you the opportunity to see where the work will be done and meet other members of the team. Alternatively, you may want to conduct the interview at the site where the project will take shape.

Don’t be afraid to ask each candidate for a list of recent references. It’s a job interview, after all. Then contact at least one for each finalist.

Lastly, you will likely be working with your chosen candidate for an extended period of time. So how well you “click” during the interview will likely be indicative of the rapport you enjoy throughout the entire project. It is probably not a good idea to choose someone you clash or don’t click with, even if their resume is stellar.