Prior to selecting an architect, you need to develop basic criteria for your project and provide this to the architects being considered. The basic criteria for your project should include but not necessarily be limited to:

• the services you expect the architect to perform;


• the size, appearance, and functional requirements of your building;


• what you intend to spend for design fees, if known;


• what materials you wish to use;


• what you intend to spend for construction;


• how the project will be financed;


• anticipated starting and completion dates of your project; and


• how you intend to construct the project.

You should request information on qualifications and experience from several architects. After reviewing their qualifications, you may want to interview three or four architects to determine their understanding of your project and their compatibility in working with you. During the selection process, you may want to ask some or all of the following questions:

General Information

• Do you have a valid New Mexico architect’s license? If so, what is your license number?


• Do you carry insurance? If so, what type(s)?


• How long have you been in business?


• How many persons are employed by your firm?


• What percentage of your practice involves the type of structure I intend to build?

Experience

• Have you recently designed the type of structure I intend to build?


• May I see examples of your work that are similar to my project (sketches, photos, plans, or completed projects)?


• May I have the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the clients whose projects you are using for these examples?


• What was the actual construction cost versus budgeted cost for these projects?

Services

• What services did you provide for these clients during the design, bidding, and construction phases?


• What services do you propose to provide for my project during each of these phases?


• Who will provide these services, you or your employees?

Fees

• What will the fee schedule be?


• How will your fees for my project be determined and what services do the fees cover?


• Will you be able to provide probable construction cost estimates for my project?


• If consultants (civil, geotechnical, testing and inspection, etc.) are necessary, are their fees included in your basic fee?


• What additional costs (e.g., permit and other governmental fees) or services (e.g., time spent obtaining necessary permits and other approvals) do you anticipate for my project?


• How do you establish your fees for additional services and reimbursable expenses?


• Will there be a charge for redesign if it is necessary to meet the construction budget?


• How are additional charges computed for design changes requested by me?

Time

• Can you meet my proposed schedule?

You may call the NMBEA to verify the license status of the architects you interviewed. Although the architects may display certificates indicating that they are licensed by the state, these certificates may be invalid if the architects have not renewed their licenses, have had their privilege to practice suspended, or their license revoked. The NMBEA, upon written or telephone inquiry, will also inform you of any Notices of Contemplated Action (formal charging document) filed against the architects. Check the references that each architect has given you and ask the following questions:

• Did the architect adhere to required schedules and budgets?


• Were the clients pleased with the architect’s work and their working relationship with the architect?


• Did the architect listen to the clients’ concerns and attempt to resolve them?


• Would they hire the architect again?

If possible, visit the project sites the architects have used as examples of their work.