Looking for an architect. How do I proceed?

The desire to build exists, a suitable plot of land is in sight, the wish list is long.

It should be built in solid construction, the house shape is flexible (gable, flat roof 2.5 stories), the choice of materials is still open, whether there is a basement or not is not decisive, but the desired rooms must be present.

An architect is needed!

Maybe someone has a tip in the area of Duisburg-Moers-Neukirchen-Vluyn

It can gladly be a young architect who "gets involved" a lot and later takes over construction management and supervision. Since I want to do a lot myself (at least as an assistant), the architect should always have good advice ready and work proactively.

How do I proceed with the search, what do the experienced hands say?

Thanks
Alex

The architect should come from the region and have built at least 1-2 houses per year in recent years. This ensures that he is knowledgeable in the field as well as familiar with the market and has a good network of "proven" companies. Furthermore, he should provide you with clients who have already built with him and can give testimonials.

If so much is still in flux, tips on how to proceed are difficult.

You have to start a selection process, during which you reduce the number of potential architects, for example by distance to the construction site, completed projects and references, preferred building materials, etc. Eventually, only two or three remain, and then you can arrange appointments and also find the architect(s) with whom you believe you can start building the house (marriage for a limited time).

Every architect has something like a signature style. That does not mean that he or she wants to impose their own taste, but as a client it makes no sense to look for an architect who designs rather contemporary or extravagant houses and have him plan a classic Black Forest house.

Similarly, the building material to be used is important for the selection. If an architect swears by sand-lime brick with WDVS, then he is probably not suitable for timber frame construction.

Maybe you also need a consultation first in order to even be able to start a selection process.
It also helps, of course, to read a lot in the forum, including regarding contractual options with architects (e.g. Stufenvertrag).

WD

Consultation for land purchase Coordination with the client regarding their ideas Develop planning concept, also show alternatives, create sketches Coordinate specialist companies Clarify building authority requirements Prepare cost estimate Create plans Prepare calculations and plan execution Prepare service descriptions Check all offers and compare with price comparisons Arrange contract award Supervise and coordinate construction execution Monitor construction schedule and keep a construction log Organize the measurement together Check invoices, accept construction services Record warranties and have any defects remedied Handle house handover Your architect should have these things covered. :)