How to Appoint the Right Architect - and Avoid the Wrong One

If you’ve ever worked with an architect who didn’t deliver what you hoped for — you’re not alone.

And if you’re hiring one for the first time, you might be asking:

• What should I look for?

• What questions should I ask?

• And how do I avoid getting stuck with someone who’s just going to draw what I say?

  
  

In this blog, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to appoint the right architect for your project — and just as importantly, how to avoid the wrong one.

Where Most Clients Go Wrong

Let’s start with a hard truth:

Most clients pick an architect based on price and personality.

But what they should be judging is:

• Process

• Competence

• Professional alignment

  
  

Here’s what often happens:

• They meet someone at a networking event

• Get wowed by some visuals on Instagram

• Appoint them without clarity on scope, deliverables, or decision-making structure

  
  

And six months later, they’re asking:

“Why is this taking so long?”

“Who’s actually in charge?”

“Why is everything still changing?”

The Three Hats of a Good Architect

To appoint the right person, you need to understand what a great architect really does. It’s not just about drawings.

🧠 1. Strategic Thinker

• Understands your brief better than you do

• Helps define priorities, trade-offs, risks, and constraints

• Leads feasibility and early-stage decision-making

  
  

📐 2. Creative Designer

• Translates your brief into form, function, and spatial quality

• Coordinates aesthetics, performance, compliance, and user experience

• Designs beyond what you thought possible — but still within your goals

  
  

🏗️ 3. Technical & Delivery Leader

• Oversees consultant coordination

• Manages contract documentation

• Acts as Lead Consultant and Contract Administrator when needed

• Protects your brief during delivery

  
  

A good architect wears all three hats.

A poor one? Just draws what you ask for.

How to interview an Architect

When you meet a potential architect, don’t just ask about their style.

Ask questions like:

✅ “Tell me about a time you challenged a client’s brief — and why.”

Reveals whether they think critically or just follow instructions.

✅ “How do you typically run a design process?”

Are they proactive or reactive?

✅ “How do you coordinate with consultants — and manage risk?”

This separates the design stylists from the serious professionals.

✅ “How do you manage expectations around budget, programme, and design ambition?”

Look for honesty, not salesmanship.

✅ “What does your service include once we’re on site?”

Crucial. Many architects disappear after tender if their appointment ends too early.

Red Flags & Green Flags

🔴 Red Flags:

• Says yes to everything with no challenge

• Can't explain their process clearly

• Low fee with no breakdown or clarity

• No experience in your project type

• Design-first mindset with no interest in buildability

  
  

🟢 Green Flags:

• Asks you challenging questions

• Explains how they manage risk and decisions

• Provides realistic advice about programme and planning

• Willing to say “no” when appropriate

• Has solid references and relevant experience

  
  

So to sum up...

Don't Gamble on your Architect.