ᐅ Option to Ask Preliminary Questions to Architects

Rosmarin schrieb:

Thank you for your replies.

I want to build with a general contractor (GC).
I hesitated with a (good) offer and had some questions.
The GC is coming to the site with his architect to clarify these questions.

Although it is important to understand how the architect works, listens, and implements ideas and concepts, I think I first want to focus on the hard facts.

It’s definitely a good sign that the GC is taking the time.

Points 1 and 3 are handled by any good salesperson. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are a good architect. In my case, they could leave again if they start with typical sales talk.

I would really pay attention to how he responds to you. He should be familiar with the floor plan, zoning regulations (building permit / planning permission), and budget. Something feels off somewhere. See how he deals with that and whether he comes up with solutions. Does he follow a fixed routine, or does he include you in the process?

Does the general contractor (GC) already have your wish list and deal breakers? Does he have a list of the features that are important to you, for example, a large dining table, a dressing room with an 8m (26 ft) wardrobe, or an attic converted for model trains?

How long will the architect be your contact person? Only until the plan is drawn up, until final approval, or will he also take on construction management?

Rosmarin schrieb:

One of the providers offered to come to the site for a non-binding meeting with the architect.

To me, this doesn’t sound like an architect in the true sense of an independent architect—meaning a planner who understands the client’s perspective—but rather more like someone who prepares building permit drawings. This implies, among other things, someone who has nothing to do with the discreet planning of pipe installation, ensuring that switches are properly aligned, or even worse: creating residential comfort, since none of that is relevant for the permit approval process.

Therefore, I fear it will be nothing more than a sales meeting, where the provider’s most important psychological reinforcement is having the plot of land "in hand," supported by showing the face of their draftsman to create an association with professional expertise. I don’t expect more than a shared visual impression of the size and flatness (or slope) of the building plot.

You will express your ideas about your dream home, the provider will say that they are feasible, and the draftsman will nod competently. So, the situation will be far from an opportunity to evaluate whether the "architect" is a good or great one—for this kind of job, a satisfactory or adequate one is usually sufficient.

And secondly—actually the most important point from my perspective—you should prepare yourself more with answers than with questions. Take a look at the development plan (building permit / planning permission) and ask yourself if you understand it: for example, the number of floors allowed, building heights, and their reference points on the site can make two seemingly identical plots very different in terms of what can actually be built.

The design and execution quality of the general contractor (GC) and their team is best assessed by checking their references. That also means: you should take a close look at their "architect" on one of their current construction sites and have them explain what specific challenges they had to consider there.

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@11ant
I don’t think a draftsperson would ever visit the construction site. A trained salesperson will simply address any concerns and that’s that.
Some people are indeed able and willing to customize truly individually.

You are right, when the architect is provided by the general contractor (GC), the issue is not about finding the right architect, but about finding the right GC.

Then focus on clearly communicating your own lifestyle, habits, and preferences.

We found that indeed – as @Mottenhausen suspected – many marketing buzzwords were the answers to our questions. These providers were therefore not considered, and we ended up going with an independent architect.

@haydee : The general contractor has not yet received a detailed list of requirements; only initial framework conditions were provided for preparing the offer.

In a conversation with the sales manager, I mentioned that I have questions about the offer, including those regarding the construction and integration into the existing structure on the property (the standing house needs to be demolished, height profile, foundation slab).

He then arranged an appointment for me with the architect. As it was clarified, this is not an open search for architects. If I decide to build with this general contractor, he will also be the executing architect. Therefore, I consider it a good sign that this appointment was offered in advance, as it is non-binding and clearly communicated that other offers are also being considered.

I will gladly share how the meeting goes.