Hiring an architect is a significant step in the realization of a construction project.Whether you’re planning to build a new house, renovate an apartment, or redesign a commercial space, the initial conversation with an architect can be a crucial moment in the process.
To help you clearly articulate your ideas, expectations, and needs—and to help the architect better understand your vision and deliver optimal solutions for your project—we spoke with Luka Cindrić, a young architect from Zagreb. Luka has prepared five tips to lay a solid foundation for productive collaboration and successful realization of your future project:
1. Basic Project Information and Existing Documentation
Before the first meeting, you should prepare essential information about the project as a basis for discussion and further planning. These details include location, apartment or plot size, whether it’s a renovation or a new build, current condition, etc. It’s also helpful to prepare existing documentation, such as building or occupancy permits, cadastral extracts, architectural surveys of the current condition, photographs, and similar. This gives the architect a more complete overview of your project and helps assess its scope and complexity.
This information is crucial for understanding the project type and for determining the work involved and the necessary steps for its completion.
2. Project Brief – Wishes and Needs
After providing basic information, the next essential part is the project brief, which is created solely by the investor according to their own wishes and needs. The brief serves as a guiding thread for the architect during the design process. It can be professionally drafted and include a detailed list of rooms with required square meterages and descriptions, or it can be self-prepared by the investor based on their needs.
The purpose of the project brief is to ensure the architect fully understands the client’s requirements so that the project can develop smoothly and successfully.
3. Inspiration
In addition to the technically focused project brief, it’s helpful to prepare aesthetic and functional preferences in the form of photographs or sketches to communicate expectations more clearly and realistically. Inspiration can be expressed through material choices—such as concrete floors—or through the desired “look and feel” of certain areas (modern and clean or rustic and cozy).
Preparing this information helps the architect understand your visual and functional preferences and design a space that meets your needs and desires.
4. Defining Budget and Timeline
Another important factor that affects the project is the budget and the expected completion timeframe. Defining the total budget is a key step, as it influences the scope and complexity of the project, which in turn affects how long it will take. The budget can’t be predicted down to the cent, but it should include a contingency for unforeseen expenses.
Defining the timeline helps with planning and coordinating all project phases. It’s important to establish deadlines for each phase (concept design, main project design) to communicate the expected duration for documentation. Note that client feedback periods and time for obtaining permits are not included in those deadlines.
5. Questions – Work Process
Finally, to get a better understanding of your potential architect’s working style and methodology, prepare a list of questions to help decide on collaboration. These may include questions about experience with similar projects, working processes, design approaches, or other aspects specific to your project.
Working with an architect is a long-term process that often involves many stakeholders, requiring time and attention. By preparing detailed project information, you set strong foundations for successful collaboration. Clear communication and well-defined goals will ensure your project is completed according to your wishes, within your budget, and on schedule.
