How to choose the right architect or designer for your project?

Choosing an architect or designer for your project can be a difficult decision.

There are excellent professionals out there, different styles, incredible portfolios and countless references available online. But how do you know who is truly the right professional for your project?

Over the years, I’ve noticed that there are some criteria that can really help with this decision.

That’s why I’ve put together in this article a few points I consider important for you to evaluate whether the professional you’re thinking of hiring truly aligns with your project’s needs, expectations and goals.

The right professional starts by asking about you

It may seem obvious, but it doesn’t always happen.

Before presenting solutions, a good professional needs to ask questions.

What does your daily routine look like? Who lives in the home? Do you work from home? Do you like to entertain? Do you cook every day? Do you have children? Do you travel often? Do you need more storage space? What bothers you most about your current home?

These questions say far more about the project than simply asking which decorating style you prefer.

So when you’re looking for an architect or designer, pay attention to whether that person shows genuine curiosity about your routine and your needs, or whether they’re simply waiting for you to tell them exactly what you want.

For me, a good project starts long before the first drawing.

It starts with a good conversation.

Look for someone who prioritizes planning

If there’s one thing I’ve learned working with renovation and new builds, it’s that many decisions that seem minor at first can turn into major problems later.

That’s why planning isn’t a bureaucratic step in the project.

It’s a tool for reducing uncertainty, anticipating problems and making decisions with more confidence.

A good professional needs to think through the project as a whole before moving into execution.

Layout, circulation, lighting, electrical, plumbing, millwork, finishes, materials and other elements all need to work together.

That’s precisely what allows conflicts to be anticipated and decisions to be made before they become more expensive or difficult to resolve on site.

The more decisions that can be resolved during the design process, the fewer decisions need to be made under pressure once construction begins.

So when choosing a professional, I’d pay close attention to how they talk about planning.

Look for someone who knows how to coordinate the details

A home is made up of hundreds of decisions.

And the thing is, none of them exist independently.

Lighting needs to coordinate with the architecture and furniture layout. Millwork needs to account for electrical and plumbing locations. Material transitions need to be resolved. Furniture placement affects lighting, outlets and circulation. Everything is connected.

Everything is connected.

Having good ideas in isolation isn’t enough.

The right professional needs to be able to see how all of these decisions work together and stay attentive to the details that can make a real difference in the final result.

This coordination is especially important in more complex projects, where different professionals and contractors need to work from a shared vision.

Look for someone who communicates well

This is perhaps one of the most underrated criteria when choosing an architect or designer.

Think about it: you’re going to spend months —  and depending on the project, much longer — making decisions alongside this person.

So, communication matters.

Good communication doesn’t mean the professional will agree with everything you say.

In fact, good communication sometimes means explaining why a different solution may work better.

You’re hiring a professional for their knowledge and experience, and part of their role is to guide your decisions and offer honest feedback.

That’s why I believe a good professional relationship needs room for questions, open conversations and, above all, trust.

Look for a portfolio you genuinely connect with

Yes, the portfolio matters. 

A lot.

But there’s a difference between admiring a professional’s work and being able to picture yourself living in a project they designed.

When researching an architect or designer, don’t just look at a beautiful photograph.

Look at the projects as a whole.

Do you like the proportions? The materials? The way the spaces connect? The lighting? The furniture choices? The overall atmosphere?

But more importantly, can you picture your own home following that same line of thinking?

This doesn’t mean the professional needs to reproduce exactly what you saw in the portfolio.

Actually, a good professional should be able to interpret your needs and create something specific to you.

But the portfolio helps you identify whether there’s an aesthetic connection and, most importantly, whether you connect with the way that professional approaches design.

Don’t choose based on style alone

A portfolio can tell you a lot about a professional’s aesthetic sensibility, but it doesn’t tell you everything about what it will be like to work together.

Ask about the design process. What happens after you hire them? What is included? How are decisions presented? How are revisions handled? What drawings or documentation will you receive? What level of involvement will they have once construction begins?

Understanding the process is just as important as connecting with the finished work.

So, how do I know if I’ve found the right professional?
There’s no single formula for choosing an architect.

But before making a decision, I’d ask myself a few questions:

• Do they ask questions about my routine and needs?
• Is their design process clear?
• Do they prioritize planning?
• Can they explain their recommendations clearly?
• Do I feel comfortable asking questions?
• Do they have relevant experience?
• Do I connect with their portfolio?
• Do I understand exactly what services and deliverables are included?
• Do I feel confident working with this person for an extended period?

If the answer is “yes” to most of these questions, you’re probably looking at a professional worth getting to know better.

And if you still don’t know where to start?
If you’re planning a renovation and looking for a designer, I invite you to explore my portfolio and services to learn more about my approach and the way I work.

And if you feel that my design philosophy and process align with what you’re looking for, I’d love to hear about your project.