Finding a good architect that you can trust is the first step in ensuring your building project gets off the ground. We know it can be hard to know where to start so here are some steps to help you on your way to finding an architect that’s right for your project:
- Ask for referrals: One of the best ways to find a good architect is by word of mouth and personal suggestions. You could see if any friends, family members or colleagues have worked with an architect in the past. Ask them about their experience working with an architect and whether they would recommend them. You could even ask to see the project in the flesh to get an idea of the types of spaces they create.
- Check professional organisations: Look out for architects who are members of trusted institutions such as the ARB (Architects Registration Board) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). They will have strict professional standards that members must adhere to, giving a reassuring element of trust to their work.
- Look at online directories: You can search for architects online using helpful directories such as the Architects Registration Board (ARB) or the RIBA Find an Architect directory. These easily accessible lists allow you to search for architects by location, specialty and other useful criteria.
- Check credentials: Make sure that the architect you are considering is licensed and registered with the ARB, which is the regulatory body for architects in the UK. You can easily check an architect’s credentials on the ARB website.
- Review portfolios: Have a look at an architect’s past projects to help you get a sense of their architectural style and the quality of their work. This can also help you to ascertain whether they have experience working on projects similar in style and scope to your own.
- Interview multiple architects: Once you have a shortlist of potential architects that you would like to work with, it can be a good idea to set up a series of interviews so you can meet them in person and discuss your project. This will give you a chance to get any questions off your chest and gain a sense of how they like to work with clients.
By taking these simple steps, it can make the process of finding a good architect more seamless, helping to ensure they’re the best possible fit for you and your project.
