Architects – how to find a good architecture firm

1. Architect wanted!

When searching for an architect, we suggest you take your time. Generally, people try to find professionals by asking friends and acquaintances just as much as searching online. Now you can also do it through our portal Daibau.ng. Send an enquiry and our associates will get back to you. Once you receive some quotes, study them carefully, check whether the architect is qualified, have a look at their references, i.e. completed projects, and read through past clients opinions. This will help you form an initial impression. Also, make sure the architect you choose lives as close to where the work is taking place as possible so he/she can oversee the project, if thats what you agree, while keeping travel time and expenses to a minimum.

2. How to choose a good architecture firm

When you’ve drawn up a shortlist of architecture firms based on everything you’ve found out about them (references, location, and prices), youll need to arrange meetings with them. The success of the project and your general satisfaction with the work will largely depend on good communication with the architect. If he/she sets aside enough time for you, listens to what you have to say, shows you relevant recommendations, and comes up with good suggestions – in short, leaves a favourable impression on you, there is every possibility youll be satisfied with the relationship in the future. Before you go to the architects office, we recommend you get the location information (site analysis) from the relevant authority. Based on this document, the architect will immediately know the reality of what is and isnt viable in terms of structural and aesthetic design solutions on the site in question. Therefore, he/she will be able to provide a more accurate quote. In addition to the location information, take a list of your needs and wishes, drawings, sketches, or pictures of parts, rooms, or entire buildings that you like and which you would like to be a feature of your own home.

The price cannot be the deciding factor, but it certainly shouldnt be ignored. Draw up a contract with the architect you choose making sure it gives a clear, accurate and exhaustive list of what documentation the architect will provide, at what price, and by what deadline. Then the architect can start on the preliminary design – aligned with the location information, your wishes, and suggestions based on their own professional expertise. At this conceptual stage, you will meet with the architect more often until you are happy that the designs have married your wishes and requirements with the architect’s aesthetic and schematic solutions. Later on, while the documentation for the building permit is being worked on, any changes will be more difficult to make as they will require more time and money. However, we will look at this another time. For now, remember that all the details should be worked out during the preliminary design stage because it’s the most practical and cost-effective way. If you find the right architect, the entire process of designing a house will be both inspirational and educational!

3. Architects - the price of a design project

How much does it cost to hire an architect? The price of plans for a custom-designed family home comes to 1-2% of the value of the total investment. Usually, the price of the entire project (preliminary designs, documentation for obtaining a building permit, and final blueprints) ranges between NGN700000 - NGN2500000. If you receive a lower quote than that, you should be wary since the quality of such a project may well be dubious. Stock blueprints are cheaper; however, if you opt for various adjustments and refinements, it can all work out far more expensive than a custom project. Stock plans are not recommended because they do not allow for any freedom and very often require the client to make major compromises. Bear in mind that a house is a long-term investment and that you will spend a large part of your life in it. If youve already taken the decision to build your own home, it’s usually because you want something unique to you, something personal, rather than having to adapt to a uniform, faceless design.

4. What makes a good architect?

“There are more architects on the market than toothpastes. There really are very few good ones. Even those are the product of subjective evaluation and personal experience.

A good architect:

has excellent references,
listens to your wishes,
familiarizes you with possible limitations,
advises you,
comes up with several suggestions and designs,
is in constant contact with you,
will draw up a comprehensive and clear contract detailing the exact costs.