What To Ask An Architect About Your Custom Home Design

10 questions to help you make the right choice.

[TOPIC: What to ask an architect | Choosing the right architect | Design philosophy & process | Fees, services & scope | Timeline & budget management | Portfolio & references | Communication & project coordination | Code, permitting & project challenges]

Introduction

Choosing an architect for your custom home design is a significant decision. Most people only hire an architect once in their lifetime, and that firm must be capable of fulfilling your hopes for your future home. This guide provides essential questions to ask architects, helping ensure you select a firm that is the right fit for your project.

Key Questions to Ask an Architect

1. What’s in your portfolio?

• Reviewing a firm’s past projects shows their style, vision, and approach.
  

• Focus on how they design rather than just the style.
  

• Consider:
  
  

  • Did they translate the client’s vision into a building suited for the property and lifestyle?
    

  • Did they solve problems creatively?
    

  • Was the execution of the work effective?
    

• A skilled architect can adapt to any style, while a less capable one may lack versatility.
  
  

2. What will it cost?

• Typical design fees range from 8–15% of construction costs.
  

• Larger projects often have a smaller percentage for design work.
  

• Understanding fees upfront helps manage expectations and budget planning.
  
  

3. How much experience do you have?

• Architecture requires 8 years of training and licensing at minimum.
  

• Experienced architects deliver:
  
  

  • Higher quality designs.
    

  • Economical solutions.
    

  • Expertise in specialty areas (e.g., Passive House, prefab).
    
    

• Less experienced designers may unknowingly increase project costs.
  
  

4. Will I own my design?

• Architectural designs are intellectual property of the architect.
  

• Discuss concerns about the reuse of design elements with the architect.
  

• Each project is custom; your home is yours to live in and personalize once built.
  
  

5. What is the estimated timeline?

• Firms usually operate on a first-come, first-served schedule.
  

• Design timelines depend on feasibility studies and zoning considerations.
  

• Example: Artisans Group’s design process takes 6–12 months, with permitting and construction extending the total timeline to 2–3 years.
  
  

6. Have you worked in my region?

• Prior experience in a geographic region is less critical than experience with complex permitting environments.
  

• Expertise in navigating difficult permitting processes is a better indicator of qualification.
  
  

7. How do you manage the project budget?

• Architects balance client desires with budget constraints to find creative solutions.
  

• Responsibilities include:
  
  

  • Updating clients on probable costs.
    

  • Helping prioritize spending.
    

  • Scaling features to optimize value.
    
    

• Effective budget management ensures client control and design feasibility.
  
  

8. Do you stay involved during construction?

• Some architects disengage after design completion.
  

• Ongoing involvement ensures quality control and smoother collaboration with contractors.
  

• Example: Construction administration continues until project completion.
  
  

9. Do you give out recommendations?

• Architects often have trusted contractors, teams, and specialists for different scales.
  

• Recommendations are typically reserved for clients.
  

• Personalized referrals help ensure project quality and fit.
  
  

10. What makes you a great fit for us?

• Ask why the architect believes they are the best choice for your project.
  

• Look for:
  
  

  • Accessibility and responsiveness.
    

  • High-touch client support.
    

  • Specialized expertise (e.g., Passive House, prefab).
    

  • Personality and rapport.
    
    

• Alignment with your values and priorities ensures a successful collaboration.

Conclusion

Choosing an architect can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process and asking these 10 questions ensures a better match. A well-informed choice helps you select a firm that can deliver your vision, manage budget and timeline effectively, and support you throughout the custom home design process.

© Artisans Group Architecture + Planning — Sustainable Architecture, Passive House, and Passive Building Design Experts