Before you start looking for an architect, it's crucial to have a comprehensive design brief. This allows architects to estimate their work, and it enables you to compare the different proposals you receive. I explain how to prepare a brief in my blog post "How to Prepare a Design Brief for Your Home". It's always advisable to have multiple options to choose from, even though there might be an initial inclination to work with the first person you meet. You'll later appreciate the decision-making process after conducting thorough research and having valid reasons behind your choice.

While close proximity to the plot location isn't always necessary, it's essential to check for any potential obstacles, such as building regulations. We chose an architect for our house from a different city, although there were instances with other disciplines where we had to select local companies (not for the most honest reasons, though).

Here are the methods I used to search for an architect:

Search by location, building type specialization (e.g., Passive houses), or other keywords. You can also try adding keywords such as BIM or Revit, although these might not always be included in the architect's web pages due to low demand.

A great option if you're looking for local architects or someone nearby.

This platform allows different search options, including location. You can also see people working in those companies, their skills (e.g., Revit), their activity through posts, and other information that might help you make a decision.

If your friends or colleagues have built a house, ask for contacts and feedback.

The owners of new houses in the neighborhood where you're planning to build can also be a great source of information. Ask both for contacts and feedback.

Organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) local chapter might have directories of registered architects.

Create a list to maintain an overview and manage your next steps. This is how we structured ours:

Start by adding all the contact information you found using the previously described methods. Try to find as many architects as possible to have objective information and options to choose from later.

Prepare a list of questions to ask each architect. Here are the most common ones I use, but adjust them if necessary after the initial calls.

Contact each person and see if they are interested in learning more and providing an offer. If you received the contacts from a previous client, do mention that, as it often makes the conversation more open.

Fill in the table with the information you receive. I would typically color code the statuses for easier filtering. Additionally, add the date of your last action or a deadline (when the proposal is expected). In the comments section, write down your personal observations. While skills, price, and other factors are important, your feelings about the person and the ease of communication are also crucial. After all, you are trusting this person to design the house of your dreams.

In Part 2, I will share how to make the final decision when choosing the architect.