Whether you’re developing a multi-family residence or investing in a new corporate complex, you’ll need to work with a trusted architect. Backed with extensive education and training, these professionals will oversee every aspect of project planning, design, and construction to help turn your vision into reality. However, not every architect can offer the specific skills you’ll need, so it’s important to interview a few candidates before starting the process. If you’re developing a new property, here are five questions that can help you select the right architect for the job.

5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Architect

1. What Are Your Specialties?

Since every building project has a specific goal, it’s important to make sure your architect can achieve them. By learning about a candidate’s specialties, you can select a professional who can handle the unique challenges of the job. For example, if you’re restoring a historic building, you’ll want an architect who specializes in adaptive reuse.

2. Can I See Previous Work & Contact References?

Another way to learn what an architect is capable of is to review their portfolio. If possible, visit a few buildings in person—especially those that are similar to the needs of your project. If these finished products meet your requirements, ask for references who can speak about their experiences with the architect.

3. What Can I Expect From the Design Process?

Every professional works differently, so find out how they approach the building design process and at what stages you should expect to give feedback. When asking this question, you should also find out how they prefer to address your concerns about the overall design.

4. Does My Project Present Any Unique Issues?

From zoning issues to overspending on materials, construction projects will always encounter hiccups. A good architect will identify these problems early on to demonstrate their foresight. A great architect will tell you exactly how they would resolve these problems.

5. When Will My Project Be Completed?

The timeline of construction impacts everything from budget to moving in tenants. While an exact date can’t always be given, your architect should provide a rough estimate of when you can expect your project to be completed.