Initial consultation with the architect

Hello dear forum community,

we are planning to build our captain's house next spring.

For this, we have our first architect meeting this afternoon.
Since this meeting is free, the question is, what can one expect?
Or even better, are there any do's and don'ts?

Of course, we want to gain as much information as possible, but naturally not scare off the architect right away.

Best regards
Raiko

Hello Raiko,

This afternoon we have our first architectural meeting.
Since this meeting is free of charge, the question is, what can one expect?

How about understanding the meeting as what it was agreed to be?

An initial meeting with the architect primarily serves to get to know each other.

[*]Can the "noses" work together or maybe not?
[*]Do you like his demeanor?
[*]Do his references appeal to you?
[*]What does his cost structure look like if it comes to a collaboration?

Of course, we want to gain as much information as possible, but naturally without scaring off the architect right away.

"Does the chemistry fit," that comes naturally; however, if your gut says "No" right after the greeting (it's a matter of seconds), then you should listen to it.

Rhenish greetings

An initial meeting with the architect primarily serves to get to know each other.

That may be true, building is a matter of trust, it has to fit.

We had sent our architect the classic 3 questions in advance by email.
When / Where / What
we want to build. So at the first meeting there were already initial plans and drawings and a defined building structure.

Time is money after all, and if you have coffee gatherings with 5 architects first, you quickly lose interest in the matter.

Many good architects are not good salespeople. To get to know each other and be able to assess one another, more than just one appointment is needed. While the "salesperson" may be "unmasked" in follow-up meetings, a truly good architect can shine with competence in subsequent discussions.

Therefore, I would not be too easily influenced by the first impression and, if possible, rely more on good references and the appearance of the buildings.