ᐅ Architect? Approach & Tips

We would like to ask for your tips, support, and opinions regarding architects.

Some time ago, an architect gave us a “golden tip” about our dream plot of land, which we have now secured. Because he helped us find this property, we feel somewhat morally obligated to him.

We read on his website that as an architect, he also offers turnkey construction services. My question is: would you recommend meeting other architects to see what they can offer? It probably won’t be cheaper anywhere else because of HOAI (or have I missed something)?

What tips can you give us regarding architects? We might consider doing some of the construction work ourselves or having others do it on our behalf.

Have you had a legal expert review the architect’s contract? Is it worth it?

We appreciate any advice.
Thank you and best regards,
Piotr

Hello Piotr,

We haven’t decided yet who we will build with, but we have also talked to an architect. He calculates and then provides a fixed price.
So the HOAI fee structure is not necessarily applicable, although there are reportedly some “bad apples” who end up charging according to it anyway.

For me, the most important thing is whether the building partner shares the same ideas and understands what you want. Also important is the chemistry—whether you get along well with each other.

Best regards, mini

mini_g! schrieb:

Hello Piotr,

We haven’t decided yet who we will build with, but we also spoke to an architect. They provide a fixed price after calculating the costs.
HOAI (fee structure for architects and engineers) is not necessarily required, although there are reportedly some “black sheep” who later charge according to HOAI anyway.

For me, the most important thing is whether the building partner shares your ideas and understands what you want. Chemistry is also important—that is, whether you get along well.

Best regards, mini

Great. Many thanks!
Did you proactively ask the architect about a fixed fee, or did that come from them? Did you include all phases 1-9?

The architect who recommended this was really likeable and very helpful without expecting a single cent. I thought that was very kind.

We discussed the terms, which he had mentioned himself. We are in a rural area, and he said this would usually not be feasible for a standard single-family house.

I can’t provide detailed information about the phases yet. We haven’t received a quote so far. But we expect phases 1 through 8; phase 9 is probably very uncommon for most architects when it comes to single-family houses.

I would just suggest having a talk—it doesn’t cost anything. And check what the colleague has already built. Were the clients satisfied? Were the costs kept under control? If that fits, why not? You can never completely rule out risks anyway.

Best regards! mini_g

With an architect, I would first check whether their style matches mine. So, I would review their designs and references. For the construction phase, I would definitely ask for a fixed price.

mini_g! schrieb:

Hello Piotr,

We haven’t decided yet who we will build with, but we have also talked to an architect. They provide a quote and then offer a fixed price.
So, HOAI is not necessarily mandatory, although there are reportedly some “bad actors” who end up billing that way afterward.

For me, the most important thing is whether the building partner shares the same ideas and understands what you want. Also, the chemistry between you—whether you get along well.

Best regards, mini

Hey Mini,

great, thanks a lot.
We’ve now had some initial discussions, and all approaches were completely different. We need to reflect and think things through… if you have any more tips, they’re very welcome.

Best regards,
Piotr