Every month, we receive numerous enquiries from individuals eager to delve into design and construction, offering invaluable insights into current industry trends. Homeowners focus on enhancing their home's performance or aesthetic, while professionals seek networking opportunities. The frequent requests for ‘small’ design projects, quick concepts, and free technical advice highlight a key challenge: balancing guidance with maintaining a business. This also underscores the industry's need to evolve professional standards to better serve clients and advance our field.

However, one of the most compelling trends we've noticed is an increasing number of people who want to build but don't know where to begin. Do they hire an architect, and if so, how do they ensure that their priorities are not compromised? Do they hire a builder, and how do they know they’ll get value for money? These concerns are entirely justified; building is one of the most important financial decisions a person can make. The need for assurance that they are making a wise investment, as well as guidance through this complex journey, is critical.

It is easy to browse an architecture or building firm's website and compare it to the look you desire. But how do you go beyond the pretty pictures to evaluate project performance? Magazine images are fantastic, but they may appear that good because the budget was not the top priority, whereas others appear so because the architect or builder has more skill and tricks on his drawing board than most.

First and foremost, the best projects are almost always born out of trusting your architect's process and believing you share a vision. But how do you get there? The best way, in my opinion, is to conduct an interview in three ways: phone, email, and in person, as these are the ways you will most likely communicate with the architect over the course of several years.

Architects must be able to understand a wide range of topics and translate complex concepts into actionable plans, communication is critical. Not every architect will be suitable for every client, and vice versa. Each firm will have its own design approach, and the interview is a critical step in determining whether the architect's strategies and the client's vision are compatible. But what questions should you ask to ensure you're making the correct decision?

Engaging with the right architect entails finding someone who can make your dreams a reality while respecting your priorities. To help you navigate this, here is a list of questions to think about that you may not have considered.

1. Can you describe your design process and how you involve clients and consultants throughout the project?

2. How do you translate clients' needs into a design, and what is your typical project workflow?

3. How do you ensure your designs promote healthy indoor/outdoor environments and address technical challenges like thermal bridging and energy needs?

4. What is your approach to sustainability and high-performance building design?

5. When do you involve consultants, and which design phase do you consider most important?

6. Who are your preferred contractors, and can you provide their contact information for reference?

7. Are you familiar with high-performance building certifications like Leeds and Passive House?

8. Do all your projects incorporate resilient systems like solar, rainwater collection, & batteries?

9. What are your preferred wall and roof assemblies for reducing energy use in a building?

10. How do you ensure there is adequate space for all equipment and services in a home?

11. How do you handle budgeting and cost control throughout the project?

Hopefully these questions provide a solid foundation for meaningful conversations. 

Good luck.