Architect: Tips on choosing an architect

Building your dream home? The choice of architect, along with your choice of builder, could be the most important decision that you will make. The architect that you choose needs to be not only a qualified and experienced professional, but also someone that you can happily work together with through the design process, to ensure that your ideas are incorporated in the most practical way into a design that is easy to build, practical and a joy to live in.

Architect registration

Architects need to be professional and qualified in order to design your home. Each state in Australia has an Architects Registration Board, and you will need to check that you are only considering architects who are registered. It is illegal in Australia to practice as an architect without this registration.

Registered architects have completed formal qualifications in the field as well as two years work experience, so you can be assured of the highest standards of professionalism. The Registration Boards also investigate complaints against architects registered with them, which gives you some security.

Architects and your design

Before consulting an architect, ensure that you are very clear on what you want. Do the research; investigate display homes that interest you, friends' homes, and designs and plans on the internet, to gain a strong idea of the type of design that you want. This will put you in a strong position when you choose an architect, allowing you to gauge whether or not the person you are considering will be sympathetic to your ideas. You will need to decide what design elements are of vital importance to you and which things you are prepared to be flexible on. Architect will give you an idea of prices.

How to choose the right architect for you

When choosing the architect to design your home, consider the following things.

• A resource for finding architects all over Australia is www.architectsdirectory.com.au
• Only consider architects who are registered with your state's Architect's Registration Board
• When speaking to architects, ask for more than a quote. Have some questions ready so that you can cover some issues of importance to you as well as gauge how well you will be able to work with each architect
• Meet with the architect to look over your ideas before deciding to retain someone
• Check on the time frame; how soon will the architect be able to complete your plans?
• Set up a written client / architect agreement that you are happy with before commencement of work

It is worth putting time into choosing the right architect to design your new home, as the architect will be integral to the creation of your dream. Ensure that the person you choose is easy to work with, sympathetic to and interested in your ideas, professional and is registered with your state's Architect Registration Board and the first stage of turning your dream home into reality will be as easy and exciting as it should be.