How to Select an Architect to Design Your Home?

If you are embarking on a new construction project, you might be eager to hire a contractor and begin the process, but wait! Have you finalised the design and floorplan of the home first? While you can consider our ready floorplans for 5 marla houses and 10 marla homes, you will need to hire an architect if you want to custom-design your home. Stay with us as we help you navigate the twists and turns of selecting the right architect to design a home.

Selecting the Right Architect to Design a House

Finding the right architect can be challenging if you don’t know how to go about it. However, you can successfully hire an architect by following a simple process comprising the steps mentioned below: 

• Have a design in mind
• Do your research
• Interview multiple candidates
• Review past projects
• Consider the costs
• Make the right choice

Let’s cover each of these steps in detail, so you know all about choosing an architect to design your home.

Have a Design in Mind

First things first; before you begin searching for an architect, determine your goals and the design for the home. How many rooms do you want? How many bathrooms should there be? Are you considering an open or a broken floorplan? Do you want open spaces or a front or back garden? How many floors do you want in the plan? Do you want access to the roof?

There are so many more questions that you need to consider in this regard. More importantly, review and pay attention to any construction bylaws that may apply to the particular housing society. You might want to build over three floors, but the bylaws might only give you permission for two storeys. It is small considerations like these that can result in major design changes later on, so prepare yourself with facts, stats, and legal regulations, before you focus on getting the best architect.

Do Your Research

Once you have a design in mind, it’s time to conduct some research. Evaluate all your options, get referrals where you can, and browse websites of reputed architects online, before you choose a few to call.

Architects working on residential projects have to consider several factors, such as the interior layout, the positioning of the doors and windows, the construction bylaws of the society, as well as the needs and requirements of the homeowner. 

Ideally, you should look for someone whose design philosophy matches your own. You need an architect who specialises in home construction, is easy to talk to, is registered to practice in your area, and uses the latest techniques to give you the best results. An architect who is punctual and on time with their project deadlines is always appreciated. Your research also needs to focus on the cost of hiring an architect in Pakistan so that you can adjust your budget accordingly.

Interview Multiple Candidates

Never settle for a single candidate. Shortlist some of the best architects you can find during your search and give them a call. Conduct interviews and make sure you ask each candidate some essential questions, including how they plan on moving forward with your project, what is their design philosophy, who they have worked with in the past, and what they estimate the cost of your current home design to be. 

Meet all the architects face to face. This will give you a better idea of how well you will get along for the duration of your home construction and design project. You should also discuss all monetary matters during this interview. One thing that you must do is be honest about how much you want to spend on designing your home.

Review Past Projects

A well-reputed architect will generally have a large portfolio of past projects for you to review. Browse through their work and see if it aligns with the design you have in mind. If you are unable to find a portfolio online, ask the candidate to provide you with some references of past clients whom you can call. Do not forget to follow up with these references on their experience of working with a particular architect and about whether they would refer this professional for a future project.

You might also find some innovative ideas to add to your home based on an architect’s past work. Be open to suggestions and ideas as you review their portfolio and even during the initial design stages.

Consider the Costs

While you will be required to discuss the monetary aspect of designing a home during the interview, having an accurate idea about the cost of an architect in Pakistan is important if you want to make the right choice.

This is because when you hire an architect to custom-design your home, they may charge you on an hourly basis, or based on the extent of details you want in your plan, or as per the size of your plot. Ensure that you know how you are being charged for their services beforehand, and come to an agreement on an estimated cost.

While hiring an architect is always a pricey decision, it is well worth the cost once you see the results. If the architect has a design philosophy that matches yours, is able to provide you with the design that you want within a timeframe that fits your plans, and has all of the relevant qualifications and skillset that make them a good fit for your project, then congrats! You now know all about selecting the right architect to design a home. All that’s left now is to hire them officially and get started with the home designing and construction. Happy House Building!

At Zameen Blog, we continue to post home décor, house construction, and property investment posts to help you make the best decisions for your real estate ventures. Sign up to our newsletter if you want daily updates on our posts. You can also drop us an email at blog@zameen.com for any queries or suggestions.