How to Select Architect

As a church begins to plan for expansion of its facilities, and after the building committee is chosen, the committee should select an architect. The architect is vitally important to the success of the building project. Some incorrectly recommend the architect only be employed after much committee work has been completed. However, the architect can begin very early in the process to help the committee and the church with the decision making that must go on before a building can be designed. Of course, it must be the right architect. The architect must understand the programming and pre-design process that a church must go through before actual design can begin.

Each architect has his or her own style of approach to designing and methods of working with churches. So it's important to find an architect who understands your style of worship and one that has designed churches and has worked with church committees.

Start building a list of potential architects. Find out who has designed churches before. Get recommendations from other churches who have worked with architects. Check to see if the architect is a member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA). Membership in the AIA means that the architect subscribes to a professional code of ethics and has access to a variety of professional and technical resources. Also consider that the architect who has served many churches understands the importance of good stewardship. Most churches have limited funds and want to make the best and most efficient use of available resources. The right architect with experience in working with many churches (not just a few) will enable you to do this.

Call each firm on your list. Describe your project and ask if they are available to take on your project. If they are, request literature outlining the firm's qualifications and experience. If the office is unable to handle your project, ask if they can suggest another firm with "church experience".

The materials you receive from interested firms should include a letter of interest, brochures, fact sheets, photos of past work, and biographical material about key personnel. Look beyond the style of the brochure to determine which firms have the right experience and capabilities for your project. At this point, you should be able to narrow your list to two or three architects you will interview.

The interview is crucial because it gives you a chance to meet the people who will design your project and to see if the personalities are right for your committee. Are you comfortable with this firm? How well do you think they will listen to your committee? You will be working closely with your architect for an extended period of time, possibly years. You need to have confidence that the selected firm is compatible with your committee. The meeting typically takes place at the church, usually on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening. This will also allow the architect to become familiar with your facilities. Limit interviews to 5 firms, minimum of 3. Do not interview a firm who does not appear qualified based on their information submitted. Do not interview more than two firms in an evening. Allow one hour to one and one half hours for an interview. Instruct each firm in advance that they have 30 minutes for presentation of their firm and 30 minutes for questions prepared in advance. Consider supplying the list of questions to each firm a week in advance. Architect may show you slides or photographs of past work and describe how the firm's experience and expertise will help you. While many architects do not charge for the interview, some do. Before the interview, ask if there is a fee.

During the interview, ask questions. How busy is your firm? Does it have the capacity to take on your project? Insist on meeting the person who will actually design your project. What is the firm's design philosophy? Find out what percentage of the firm's work is in church design? How long has it been doing church design? Talk about your budget and find out the range of fees that the architect would anticipate for your project. Before making a final selection, have the architect take you to one completed project. It is proper to ask your architect for references from past clients. These references are invaluable. If, during the course of the discussion, there is something your don't understand, ask the architect for clarification. If you feel intimidated or if the architect doesn't explain things in a way that you can understand, then he or she may not be right for you.

Ultimately, you will choose the architect whom you trust and feel is right for your church Unlike buying a car or a new appliance, you can't see a final product and test it out. The architect provides professional services, not a product. The right architect will be the one who can provide the judgment, technical expertise, and creative skills, at a reasonable cost to help your realize a project that fits your practical needs as well as your dreams. Don't select an architect because he appears to have the lowest fee. You need to know what he is going to include in his services under that fee. A firm with a low fee, may charge extra for the services that other firms are including in their base fee. Sometimes a low fee only indicates that the firm needs work. Fees should not be the only basis for selection. Qualifications and experience should be the prime criteria used for selection of an architectural firm. Select an architect who is active and involved in his own church. An architect who is active in own church will be better able to understand the needs of your church.

How architects charge for their services can be confusing to first-time clients. There is no set fee for a particular type of project. Fees are established in a number of ways, depending on the type of project, and the amount and nature of the services best suited to your unique needs. Some projects are best done at a hourly rate or a fixed fee while others might charge a percentage of construction costs. Whenever you feel it is appropriate, discuss with your architect how he or she would expect to establish the fee on your project. The architect may suggest a combination of the above methods. The basis for the fee, the amount, and payment schedule are issues for you and your architect to work out together.

Once you have found the architect, you are ready to put in writing the terms of your agreement on the scope of work, services, and architect's compensation. This written agreement can take many forms. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has developed a variety of standard contract forms which are used industry wide. Don't forget to contact the other architects by phone or letter to tell them you appreciate their time and interest in your project. Remember that they have spent a lot of time (and money) to prepare for their interview with your building committee.

Rardin & Carroll Architects - the "church designers"

6105 Preservation Drive - Chattanooga, TN 37416 Phone: 423-894-3242 mail@churchdesigners.com