Two architects to choose from - when to decide?

Good evening,

we currently have two architects to choose from. Both are likeable.
How and when should one decide on one?
Should both first create a concept/design and offer? Or is that asking too much?

Best regards
Tobias

Very few people will create a draft for free. We recorded and discussed our ideas and were thus able to determine who understands our wishes and additionally brings good ideas. Then we had an offer made for the first estimated costs for the house, and from that the architect’s fee was determined and offered. The fees vary widely. In the end, we chose the one who felt right to us, and so far we have not been disappointed. We are in the middle of the planning and will soon submit the building application.

The fee is always based on the final construction costs. As far as I know, architects are bound by a fee schedule.

Hello Tobias,

we currently have two architects to choose from. Both are likeable.
How and when should one decide on one?
Should both first create a concept/design and an offer? Or is that asking too much?

There are very few architects who create the initial design free of charge; usually the fee is calculated based on the construction costs of the house according to HOAI!

My suggestion: initially you should play with open cards and inform both about their mutual coexistence regarding your construction project. Then ask what services they are willing to provide free of charge in advance so that you can make a decision. By proceeding this way, it is likely that one will already withdraw from the decision. If both stay involved, you have the opportunity to decide based on their creativity => here the submitted design. In terms of costs, both are the same, as – as mentioned above – the HOAI is decisive.

Best regards from the Rhineland

Well, unfortunately we had to realize that the costs vary greatly. One follows the HOAI and clearly outlines which "percentages" are omitted if you provide this or that yourself, etc. The other lured with a cheap flat rate (we found out that he somehow recoups this in the construction costs or that additional costs come up afterwards) and the third in the group said about €40,000. We have now decided on the most open and likeable one according to HOAI and with fixed percentages in the contract for each service phase to be provided. If further trades are omitted or added, this will be billed accordingly.