How to Hire the Right Architect

Hiring an architect isn’t about finding the best architect. It’s about finding the right fit for your project, your budget, and your working style.

Start with the work

Portfolios tell you more than marketing copy. Look for:

• Projects similar in type (ADU vs. new build vs. remodel)
• Similar constraints (tight lot, slope, historic area, mountain climate)
• A consistent point of view you actually like

Fit matters as much as style

A great fit usually means alignment on:

• Scope: new build vs. remodel vs. addition
• Budget range: the firm regularly works in your neighborhood of spend
• Timeline: when they can start and how quickly you need to move
• Process: how decisions get made, how many options are explored, how detailed documentation is
• Communication: fast-paced and frequent vs. structured milestones

Questions to ask (copy/paste for your first call)

• What project types do you do most often?
• How do you structure the process (SD/DD/CD/CA)?
• Who will I work with day-to-day?
• How do you handle budgets and cost feedback during design?
• Do you help select a builder and pricing approach?
• What does construction support look like?
• What’s your typical timeline from kickoff to permit?

What to watch for

Not red flags, just mismatch signals:

• No clear explanation of deliverables by phase
• Unwillingness to talk about budget ranges at all
• A process that doesn’t match your decision style (too loose or too rigid)
• Too many projects like yours but none actually built (if you want built work)

The simplest way to start

If reaching out feels intimidating, don’t pitch your entire project. Start with one question:

• “Is my budget realistic for this scope?”
• “Do you take on projects like this?”
• “What’s the first step and what does it cost?”