Questions to ask an architect (PDF)

Hiring an architect can feel hard if you do not know the process, the terms, or what is normal to ask. This free PDF gives you a simple list of questions you can bring to a call, meeting, or email conversation with a licensed architect.

The goal is not to test anyone or make the meeting uncomfortable. The goal is to help you compare architects in a fair way, understand how they work, and make sure you know what is included before you move forward.

Studio Northing is not an architecture firm, and we do not provide architectural, engineering, or legal advice. We share general educational information and help you find and compare licensed architects for your project.

Many project problems start with unclear expectations. A homeowner may think permit drawings are included, while the architect may be talking only about early design. A business owner may assume engineering is part of the fee, but it may be a separate consultant cost. Good questions help uncover these details early.

They also help you understand fit. One architect may be a strong match for a custom home on a steep site. Another may be better for an addition, renovation, ADU, tenant improvement, or small commercial project. The best choice is not always the cheapest or the fastest. It is often the architect who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and has relevant experience.

Rules and permit requirements vary by state and city. That is why it is smart to ask how the architect approaches local zoning, code review, consultants, and permit coordination in your area. You should also verify that the architect holds an active state license where your project will be built.

The PDF covers the main topics most clients should discuss before hiring. That includes experience with projects like yours, whether the architect is licensed in your state, how the design process works, what deliverables are included, and how communication will happen.

It also includes questions about schedule, fees, consultants, and permits. For example, you can ask whether structural, civil, or MEP work is included. MEP means mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. You can ask what happens if the city asks for revisions, and whether construction phase help is part of the agreement or a separate service.

The checklist also explains a few common terms in plain English. Schematic design means early concept drawings that explore layout and big ideas. Setbacks are the required distances between a building and property lines. FAR means floor area ratio, a local rule that can limit how much building area is allowed on a site.

You do not need to ask every question at once. Start with the basics: license, relevant experience, scope, fee structure, and timeline. Then ask the follow-up questions that matter most for your project, budget, and property.

Bring notes, plans, photos, a survey if you have one, and a short list of goals. If you are speaking in a second language, it can help to send your questions in advance by email. That gives the architect time to answer clearly, and it gives you a written record you can review later.

After each meeting, compare answers side by side. Look for clarity, not sales language. If an answer feels vague, ask for examples of what is included and what is not. A good client-architect relationship usually starts with clear communication, realistic expectations, and a written agreement that matches what was discussed.

If you want, we can help you find licensed architects to speak with. Studio Northing is a free matching service for homeowners and businesses across the US. We help connect you with architects for custom homes, additions, renovations, ADUs, commercial design, and permit-ready drawing sets.

You can start with get matched if you want help finding architects for your project. If you are still learning how the process works, our guides and services pages explain common project types, typical steps, and what to ask before you hire.

There is no cost to use our service. Participating licensed architects pay a flat fee to be matched with projects, and that does not change your cost or our educational guidance.