Building with architects - experiences, tips?

He should show you references of what he has done in similar situations. That he draws something for you free of charge would then speak for a rather bad architect who needs it.

He should show you references of what he has done in similar situations. That he would draw something for you free of charge would then speak for a rather bad architect who needs it.

Yes, I wouldn’t expect that either. It also hasn’t been the case with any architect so far. We have already pre-selected the architects ourselves based on reference projects that we think we like. Of course, that is a bit of a dilemma when it finally comes to choosing one architect.

You already have an architect, and the fee schedule is the same for everyone. Does the current one give any indication that he would not be a good choice as site manager, or why are you still looking?

I hope not out of the hope that an architect casting would produce the Heureka design? - not even with Bohlen on the jury!

When we are looking for an architect. What can I expect from an architect before the first euro is spent?

Conversation, references, possibly a quick hand sketch

You already have an architect, and the fee schedule is the same for everyone. Does the current one give any indication that he would not be a good choice as construction manager, or why are you still looking?

I certainly hope not in the hope that an architect casting would produce the Heureka design? - not even with Bohlen on the jury!

No, we do not want to organize a casting. As you have correctly suspected, concerns have arisen regarding the construction management.

The following situation currently applies to us. Based on the references, we focused on two architects and have now met with both to get to know them. However, to be honest, we are not any wiser or sure about whom it should be, since we could well arrange ourselves with both from the conversation and their appearance.

1) The first architects have a significantly smaller office than number two. From the beginning, we felt very well taken care of here. In terms of costs and construction management, they gave us a very competent impression, as they have realized several private residential construction projects in the recent past and are currently still working on one. Compared directly with number two, the architecture office is much more personal, but not quite as clean and professional. However, this does not mean that professionalism is lacking here! Billing is supposed to be according to Zone 3 and middle rate.

2) Number two has a larger office with more employees. Their appearance is very professional. They do some larger buildings and renovations in the public sector as well as private residential buildings. On one hand, this is good because they are apparently closest to the current price and award situation. The construction management should also work well in my opinion. There are a few experienced civil engineers involved. On the other hand, in my opinion, this can also lead to contact persons changing during the project or that one’s single-family house gets pushed to the back. He also said that they do not take every single-family house project (of course a question of possible fees), as single-family house constructions are very supervision-intensive. On the one hand, I found that relatively honest, but on the other hand, it also confirmed something for me. What we did not like so much was that one should plan at least 1 year for the planning. Which for me means again that as a single-family homeowner, one is basically pushed in and worked on when there is time besides the other bigger projects. The office works with BIM and makes extensive use of VR regarding the sampling, the cubature, and the space program. Whether that really helps and whether one needs it, I don’t think. The biggest "catch" will probably be that he is more expensive. We are still getting an offer, but as far as I have understood correctly, billing will be according to fee zone 4, since single-family houses are supervision-intensive. That was the original wording.

What do you think is more important?