Through our initial architect interviews, I quickly learned that there are SO many different kinds of architects you can hire for your project:
An individual architect vs small firm vs large firm. Ones who specialize in your style vs those who do a range of styles. Ones that do plans for people as a side hustle. Ones that specialize in modifying stock plans vs developing from scratch. Ones local to your area vs those across the country (or abroad!).
The sky is the limit in picking who suits your project and budget.
We selected our architect based on a range of key factors:
Style he specialized in
Architect's price
Price of the houses he typically designs
References
Skill/portfolio
There was one lacking item - the timeliness of responses. While Kody and I recognized that we'd maybe have to compromise, where the architect we select may not check all our boxes, we went in eyes wide open this gentleman may take a day or two longer to get back to us. That was the only negative we could see upon signing the contract. However, while we've hired this architect we are starting to now question the rate in which he actually progresses the project. While his references were outstanding, I refuse to put all my marbles in one basket.
Therefore, Kody and I have decided that while we did hire this architect, we are going to continue architect interviews. We've had further discussions with an architect in Europe, a local individual architect, and a local firm.
We've told each of them the situation that we are indeed under contract with someone else, to make sure there's full transparency. The last thing we want is to get started on a wrong foot.
I was nervous at first because I felt like I was "cheating" on my selected architect. However, this is business and we have to protect ourselves and our project in case it doesn't work out with him.
As I've talked to colleagues at work about this situation, I learned of someone who was already on their fourth architect. I recognize this isn't as rare as I may think that we'd need to hire someone else, which made me feel better. In fact, architects are so outstandingly busy right now with more and more people building, so in my eyes: may the best man (or woman) win!!
*Tip: Don't be afraid to continue interviewing to make sure if your current architect deal ends, you have a backup!
Stay tuned :)
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