How Do You Select an Architect?

An architect can be awarded a commission a number of ways. Institutional, commercial, corporate, and government clients generally award a commission following a competitive procurement process commonly referred to as a Request for Proposal (RFP). Architects and their teams submit a proposal which is then ranked against other proposals submitted. The successful proponent is notified and the commission is awarded.

A process of Direct Award is much more common in the world of residential architecture. Private clients have no obligation to initiate a competitive procurement process and will often select a firm based on portfolio, fees, and “fit”.

In residential architecture, “Fit” is paramount. Just about any architecture firm will be technically qualified to design and deliver your project, but clients should be dedicating time and effort in order to make an informed and confident decision in the selection of their architect. How do we recommend you go about making this very important decision?

  • Review their portfolio

  • Speak with their leadership (i.e. owners, principals, or partners)

  • Ask about their design process

  • Try to get a sense of their ethics and see whether they align with yours

When discussing a working relationship with your prospective architect, no one should be made to feel as though they need to make a decision in the moment. This is a red flag. Custom residential architecture is a significant capital investment, intellectual investment, and emotional investment. Select an architect only when you’re confident about the fit. If the feeling is not “Heck Yes!”, then it is likely a “No”. On the other hand, don’t be surprised or offended if the architect respectfully declines your project. Finding the right fit is also very important to them.

How Much Does an Architect Cost?

It depends. A number of factors need to be considered for an architect to determine appropriate fees for a project. To over-simplify, these include size, scope, required services, timelines, complexity, etc. Fees for architectural services are commonly determined by three methods, used singly or in combination. These are:

  • Percentage-based fee

  • Fixed Fee

  • Hourly Fee


Every project is unique and fees for architectural services are best determined on a project-by-project basis. For the general information of readers, consider the architectural fee range of 5% - 15% of the total value of construction, assuming full architectural services. Regardless of the number, the architect should be able and willing to clearly articulate how the fee was calculated, the professional services it includes, and how it breaks down over the phases of your project.

Be wary of rock-bottom fees. In professional services, like many other things in life, you get what you pay for and while we understand the allure of “shopping around” for the lowest fee, it is important to remember that the most expensive thing you could purchase is cheap advice.

For everyone’s benefit, the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada has published A Guide to Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect. This is a great resource for anyone looking to retain the services of an architect.

Still have questions? Let us know!