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Expert Tips to Ensure a Successful Partnership with Your ARCHITECT!

Writer's picture: Arc Egbeiyon Leonard Arc Egbeiyon Leonard

Architects being forerunners in the design and construction industry play a major role in the actualization of the client’s dreams. To this end, they are taught the nitty–gritty of the ever changing world of human habitation needs and how to adapt designs that solves them. Hence, when a client decides to engage the services of an architect for a project (be it a new one, remodeling or renovation designs), the client should be aware that the services the architect provides in the long run translates into whatever vision drives the client. As such, the client can perceive the architect/designer as an enabling guide vast with the skills set to achieving their specific goals and dreams of an edifice they yearn for.   

Every architect has their own style, techniques and strengths, and whether your project is large or small, it's important to find one that's right for you.

In most cases, the clients, whose primary aim is to just get their building up in the air is often boxed to a corner with all the various ideas ranging from the right way to approach an architect to what questions to ask and how best to get their project intentions across to the architect. These questions, thoughts and technicalities often get to the stage where it overwhelms the client who has little or no background knowledge of what obtains in a design task.



Since there are no “cast-in-stone” procedures to approaching the designer or architect for the purpose of working on a project, I carried out an extensive research on the stages and strategies to better understand the common approaches as well as the most effective questions, methods and  procedures  which will make the clients  engagement of the architect a “hitch- free” process.

In my in-depth research, I discovered that if some of these common issues are not resolved early in the engagement process, the client is often plagued with the menace of “uncertainties” which in itself is time consuming and can be devastating to the man putting money on the table for the project.

The advised procedures, steps or actions to take before poaching the architect services include;


1).Have a clear Idea of what Your Project Is

 First things first you need to be sure what your needs are. In order to establish this, you need to ascertain the following;

What is the main aim of the project?

Are all the sponsors (family/business partner/etc.) for the project on the same page?

 Also decide how much of the work you will be doing, and to what extent do you need the architect’s involvement.

It can be helpful for you, and your prospective architect, if you clearly define the scope of your project. Making lists, prioritizing and pulling images of what you do and don't like will be incredibly helpful for you and the designer. Architects can walk you through how to transform your space into a magnificent piece, but will need guidance.

It is imperative that the client ensures that their ideas, philosophies and needs are well established for the architect to help you. Similar to a doctor who needs to know where it hurts, an architect will best serve you if you know what you’d like to change.


2). Determine Your Budget and Timeline

This factor is as important to you as the completion of the project itself, because the very essence of the project depends largely on the funds available; hence, it is very important that you outline how much you are willing to spend on the project. This might include the cost of the land, construction costs, architects and consultant fees, as well as permitting costs. Architects will sometimes have minimum budgets that they'll work with (depending on the size of the firm), and their fees will in some ways be based on the total cost of your project.

Furthermore, you should also decide when you'd like the project to be completed. The time for the completion of works on the project should be equally spelt out. If you are on a deadline or if time is on your side, the architect will want to be furnished with this vital information, as the architect may or may not be able to meet these requirements.


3). Seek Referrers/ Visit Your Local Nigerian Institute of Architects.

Your local Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) chapter is a great avenue to start finding qualified professionals. They have a list of all NIA affiliated architecture firms, so you can quickly browse their websites and narrow down a list. Even better would be to get referrals from friends, family and acquaintances. These can go a long way to finding an experienced and recommended designer. On the flip side, they can also steer you away from bad news.

Most service providers in the built environment either get jobs through links from previous jobs or mainly by referrers and this is because either the builder or the contractor                                                                                      will always want recommend those consultants they feel working with and the architect’s case is no different. If nobody around you can confidently refer an architect to you, the next best thing is to visit the association where you are sure of getting a legit contact. In Nigeria, the Dominant club for architects is the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), which is recognized by the monitoring agency ARCON.


4). Browse The Firm’s Website and Contact Them for Interview

Once a couple of names have surfaced, the next step would be to get to know these possible options and determine who best qualify for your project. To do this, you will need to either visit the firm’s website, or go over their brochures if provided. Most architectural firms will display on their website or brochures works that best represent them in such a way that at first glance, a potential client can tell what they do and possibly how well they do it.

In some other cases, getting in touch with the firms one after the other in a form of interview might prove to be the best option since this will offer you a close enough range to decide who to go with.


5). Ask Relevant Questions

While discussing with your prospective designer, it is imperative that you make them understand things from your point of view. In order to achieve this, there are basic questions that essential and that will effectively communicate your ideas to the architect, they include:

What is their design philosophy?

What is their design/school background, and what type of certifications do they hold? (Make sure that they, or someone else in the office, are licensed to effectively carry out the project in line with the required standards, governing laws and bye-laws)

Who will be managing the project?

How long would a project of this size and scope typically take?

How would they prioritize and balance your project with their other work load?

Do they have a standard group of consultants and contractors that they work with? Will they let you bring in your own?

Do they incorporate sustainable design, and if so, to what extent? Are they or anyone else in the office LEED accredited? (Important if LEED certification is desired).


6). Check Their Previous Jobs

This step in getting the right designer for your project is basically for re-assurance and your peace of mind. Either the architect is referred by a known person or through the local NIA, it is important that you request for samples of their completed projects. Also depending on your intended level of involvement of the architect or the scale of your project, you can also request that they take you to see the completed structure on site. Hence, the phrase, “by their works you shall know them” comes to play.


7). Find Out How Their Fees Are Established.

Before putting pen to paper or taking a final decision on your choice of architect, be sure to establish how the firm’s pricing mechanism works. Even though there is a standard scale of fee stipulated by law, you may want to be briefed on what it is; what stage you will be required to pay what; what methods will be applied or does it involve milestone or design stages. Also, ensure that they show you their standard form of contract as stipulated by the Institute (NIA), to better understand your roles, obligations and responsibilities.

These fundamental financial constituents when properly resolved can go a long way in helping you and your architect develop a long, collaborative and healthy working relationship.



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