How to choose an architect: five key questions to consider
We all have dreams for our homes. Some might be for a simple kitchen extension to carve out even a few more square metres of useable space. Others might entail a structural overhaul to a sensitive listed building, and surely everyone thinks from time to time about the holy grail of dream homes: a brand new, one-off, self-designed house? Whatever your ambitions, choosing a sympathetic architect who you can constructively collaborate with will make enacting your vision a great deal easier. Here, we share our top tips on how to choose an architect.
Of course, your first port of call should be our Directory, intended as the ultimate resource for anyone looking to design, build or furnish their space. Included are over 200 of the best practices currently working in the UK and beyond, across a wide range of specialisms.
Understand the value an architect brings
First and foremost, it’s worth reminding yourself why hiring an architect is worthwhile. The list of contributions they’ll make to a build is endless but includes things like negotiating often complicated planning procedures and building regulations on your behalf; conjuring a site-specific design that maximises natural light, space and storage; researching materials, fixtures and finishes or even designing bespoke furniture and joinery.
The point is, architects will increase value across numerous aspects of your life. Not only is it likely that your investment will have a positive effect on what is probably your greatest financial asset – your house – but the design they deliver is likely to add value to your quality of life, sense of wellbeing and emotional attachment to your home. Understanding an architect’s ability to achieve all this will put you in good stead for fostering a positive, productive relationship.
Look, then look again
Every practice will have a natural style – your first question should be, ‘Do I like it?’ There’s little point hiring an architect who is going to spend the entire design phase trying to persuade you to choose marble if you’ve already decided on concrete for your worktops.
To get a sense of whether you like the sort of work an architecture studio puts out, simply look at their current portfolio. Take some time to look through our Directory and stop on things that catch your eye: a certain use of material, a perfectly framed view, or an exterior profile.
It might seem like a superficial place to start but allowing yourself to be instinctively and aesthetically drawn to an architect’s work is probably a solid foundation for whittling down a long list of potential options. After all, you’re going to have to live with the end result.
One thing to bear in mind, however, is that when looking at images completed work, try to see past things like furniture and art as they are most likely out of architects’ control.
What do you want to do?
Richard Rogers probably isn’t going to build your extension, so considering the scale and type of your project is an essential process in determining how to chose an architect that’s right for you.
All of the architects on our Directory are asked to select up to five specialisms, making it possible for you to search and filter them according to what you need an architect for. Want to build a Passivhaus? Select the filter and only practices with experience delivering them will appear. The same goes for prefab and modular homes, new builds, restorations and more.
Of course, taking a punt on an ambitious new practice without a huge portfolio can lead to creative and fulfilling results, so, if you’re open to trying something new, or have a smaller project in mind, other considerations like finding an architect on your wavelength will be more important than their experience.
Ask friends and family
Felt serious house envy after walking into a friend’s recently-completed basement refurb? It probably means the way their architecture configured the space resonates with you, so get the practice’s details.
And, if you’re serious about approaching the architect based on a recommendation, ask the person it’s coming from how they found working with the architect. Did they felt listened to? Was their brief met? What value did they bring? Their answers should always be taken with a pinch of salt, but it would be remiss not to at least ask.
Visit completed works
Many architects work across private and public commissions, so if you’re drawn to a particular practice, see if you can visit one of their publicly-accessible buildings. Do you like the choice of materials, the spatial layout or the fixtures and fittings? Of course, some of these decisions will be client-led, but experiencing a completed project will give a sense of their work.
And, in September every year, Open House London provides access to over 800 buildings, walks, talks and tours in the capital. Many private homes by the country’s best practices open their doors to the public, like Charlie Barda’s Holland Park home by Architecture for London, and architects Michael Johnson and Deborah Nagan’s converted Victorian warehouse, which both took part in 2018. What better way to get a feel for an architects’ work or perhaps even talk to a client with hands-on experience than stopping by a completed project?
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