5 Important Questions You Should Ask Before You Hire Your Architect.

by SweisKloss
Nov 14, 2019

Having practiced for over 23 years in the Los Angeles area, I have been asked tons of really good questions about my design + construct process. For those of you who are considering a home renovation or a new home, allow me to share 5 of those really good questions to ask your design professional:

What about my project is inspiring, interesting, or challenging? This question gives the designer the opportunity to express their vision of your project and that their vision aligns with yours. Is he or she as excited as you are? If so, that is a good sign that this will be a good partnership!

How do you come up with the design options, and how many options do you provide? There are architects who will draw what you ask for, and there are those who will inspire you with possibilities. Although we only present the best alternatives to the client, I find that I can come up with endless options even when it seems like there’s only one at the onset of a project. This is the most important part of the design process, the “what’s possible.”

What experience do you have working in my city? How knowledgeable are you of the local codes and the permitting process? This question is extremely important. You want a designer who is familiar with local codes and regulations. Without proper permitting and planning, missteps can be costly and waste valuable time.

What is your involvement during the bidding and construction process? It’s important to understand the difference between the types of design firms. Is it a design only firm? If so, the design professional’s obligation ends before bidding and construction. Or does the firm also offer construction administration services? Will they also build your project? A design + construct firm such as SweisKloss takes projects from inception through project completion.

What is and isn’t included in your fees? Different architects offer different levels of service. Make sure you understand what level you are getting. What will be the deliverables? How about kitchen and bath design? Are interior elevations included? What about lighting design? Materials specifications? Site design? Or is it just a simple builder set?

BONUS QUESTION: What is your commitment to sustainability and resilience? Will you guide us to design and build green to reduce our environmental impact? California building codes require designers to comply with stringent environmental regulations. There are many ways to go above and beyond code requirements to be more sustainable. Make sure to ask these questions early on in the process.