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Choosing an architect wisely depends on a number of factors being explored, since what one architect may offer against another will differ considerably, and not all styles produced by any one architect will suit everyone. The criteria to use in the search for the perfect architect should include :

*Design portfolio
*Satisfaction of previous clients
*Architect's ability to work with builders in each stage of the build.

*Architect's reputation
*Style offered by Architect
*Flexibility of understanding client need
*Practical ability
*Cost effectiveness
*Guarantees

Design portfolio

The design portfolio of an Architect will give you a good feel for the design that the architect is capable of producing, and whether that style suits your needs. Look at the range of homes that he has within the portfolio in order to establish if the architect works with the materials that you had in mind, and discuss your options openly with him to gage his reactions.

Satisfaction of previous clients.

The satisfaction of previous clients means a great deal since their attestation of satisfaction may also encompass factual information about frustrations encountered during the build stages, whether the home was built on time, and whether the clients experienced any difficulties that you may find unsatisfactory to your prospective build.

Looking at previous client homes will give you a good idea of how designs work in effect, rather than just seeing them on paper. A good feel of whether designs are practical and work well is easier to gage in a ready built house, and when serious consideration is being given to an architect, seeing several previous builds and being able to talk to previous clients independently of the architect will give you information you can use in making you decision.

Architect's ability to work with builders at each stage of the build.

Often architects will have building firms that they regularly work with, and here by asking the Architect and the builders that he uses about the functionality of the liaison between architect and building staff, you will be able to get a clear idea about what the architect feels though, more importantly, how the builders are able to function within the parameters of that particular Architect's designs. This does matter, since many architects are too busy to liaise with the Building staff during the build stages, and consider their role to end with the design of the home.

Also at this stage, it is wise to find out how an architect feels about self build

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