Choosing an architect is one of the most important decisions you'll make on any building project. Get it right and you'll have a skilled professional guiding your project from first sketch to final handover. Get it wrong and you can end up with cost blowouts, approval delays, and a finished result that doesn't match what you imagined.
The problem is that most homeowners don't know what to ask. They meet with one or two architects, look at some photos of past work, and make a gut-feel decision. That's understandable, but it leaves a lot of important things unexplored.
These are the 10 questions you should ask your architect before starting a project. They will help you assess whether a firm is genuinely right for your needs and give you the information you need to make a confident, informed decision.
Question 1: Are you a registered architect or a building designer?
In Australia, the title "architect" is legally protected. Only someone registered with their state or territory's architects registration board, such as the NSW Architects Registration Board or the Architects Registration Board of Victoria, can legally call themselves an architect. It's worth confirming this upfront, because some practitioners use language like "architectural designer" or "design architect" without holding formal registration.
This isn't necessarily a dealbreaker. Licensed building designers can prepare drawings and manage approvals for most residential projects, and for straightforward renovations or extensions, they may be a cost-effective option. But for complex, high-value, or architecturally ambitious projects, a registered architect brings a broader skill set, professional indemnity insurance obligations, and a higher standard of accountability.
Good answer: A clear yes or no, followed by their registration number and the board they're registered with. You can verify this independently on your state board's public register.
Question 2: Have you worked on projects like mine before?
Architecture is a broad profession. A firm that specialises in high-end commercial fitouts may not be the best choice for a family home renovation, and vice versa. You want an architect with genuine experience in your project type, whether that's new residential builds, extensions, heritage renovations, multi-residential, or something else specific to your situation.
Ask to see specific completed projects that are comparable to yours in scale, budget, and complexity. Pay attention not just to the aesthetics but to how the projects were delivered, including whether they were completed on time, within budget, and with happy clients. A portfolio of beautiful images means nothing if the projects behind them were chaotic to deliver.
Good answer: Several relevant examples with details on budget, timeline, and any particular challenges — not just a gallery of attractive photos.
Question 3: What is included in your fee, and what is excluded?
Architect fees in Australia typically range from 8–15% of the construction cost for a full service, but what that service covers varies significantly between firms. Some include everything from initial concept through to construction administration, while others quote only for design and documentation, leaving you to manage the builder relationship yourself.
Ask for a written fee proposal that clearly itemises each stage of service: concept design, design development, DA documentation, construction documentation, and construction administration. Find out what is excluded, as structural engineer fees, council lodgement fees, energy assessments, and specialist consultants are often charged separately. Understanding the full cost picture upfront prevents surprises later.
Good answer: A clear, staged fee breakdown in writing, with explicit notes on what's included and excluded at each phase.
Question 4: Who will actually be working on my project day-to-day?
In larger architecture firms, it's common for a senior architect to lead the initial pitch and client meetings, and then hand the project to a graduate or junior staff member once work begins. There's nothing inherently wrong with this, but you should know about it upfront so your expectations are calibrated correctly.
Ask who your primary point of contact will be, how much direct involvement the principal or senior architect will have, and how the firm handles staff changes during a project. A project that spans two or three years will inevitably see staff turnover, so understanding how continuity is managed is an important question that many homeowners forget to ask.
Good answer: A named person as your day-to-day contact, clarity on senior involvement at key decision points, and a clear protocol for managing handovers if staff change.
Question 5: How do you handle the DA or building permit process?
Navigating the Australian planning and approvals system is one of the most complex and time-consuming parts of any building project. In NSW and QLD, most projects require a Development Application (DA) lodged with your local council, followed by a Construction Certificate (CC) before building work can commence. In Victoria and WA, the equivalent process involves obtaining a building permit from a registered building surveyor.
Ask your architect how they manage this process, including whether they handle lodgement themselves or engage a town planner, how long approvals typically take for projects like yours, and whether they have experience with your specific local council. Councils vary enormously in their requirements, processing times, and likelihood of requesting additional information. Local knowledge here is genuinely valuable.
Good answer: Familiarity with your local council's requirements, a realistic timeline for approvals, and a clear process for managing requests for additional information.
Question 6: How will you communicate with me throughout the project?
Poor communication is one of the most common complaints clients make about architects. Projects that run for 18 months or more involve hundreds of decisions, and if you're not kept appropriately informed, it's easy to feel disconnected from a project that is supposed to reflect your vision and priorities.
Ask how often you can expect updates, what format those updates will take, and how quickly the firm typically responds to emails or calls. Find out how design decisions and changes are documented, as verbal agreements made on a site visit have a way of being forgotten. A firm that has clear communication protocols is one that has learned from experience what goes wrong when they do not.
Good answer: A defined communication rhythm (e.g. fortnightly updates during design, weekly during construction), a named contact, and a clear process for documenting decisions and instructions.
Question 7: How do you select and manage builders?
A good architect doesn't just hand over drawings and disappear when construction starts. One of the most valuable services an architect can provide during construction is independent oversight, including reviewing the builder's progress claims, issuing instructions, and confirming that the work on site actually matches the construction documentation.
Ask how the firm typically selects builders, whether they maintain a preferred panel, go to open tender, or leave the choice entirely to you. Ask what their construction administration service involves, including how often they visit site, how they handle defects or non-compliant work, and what happens if a dispute arises with the builder. This is where having an architect genuinely in your corner makes a material difference.
Good answer: A structured tender process with multiple competitive quotes, defined site visit frequency during construction, and a clear process for managing builder claims and instructions.
Question 8: What happens if the project goes over budget?
Budget overruns are one of the most stressful parts of any building project, and they're more common than most people expect. Rising material costs, unforeseen site conditions, and scope changes during design can all push a project beyond its original budget. Understanding how your architect manages this risk is an important question to ask before you start.
Ask how the firm approaches cost management during design, whether they use a quantity surveyor to provide independent cost estimates, and what the process is if builder quotes come back higher than expected. A good architect will have a clear protocol, such as redesigning elements, substituting materials, or re-scoping the project, rather than simply presenting you with bad news and asking what you'd like to do.
Good answer: Proactive cost management throughout design, use of a quantity surveyor for larger projects, and a clear process for managing the gap between design aspirations and builder quotes.
Question 9: How long will the design and construction process take?
Australian building projects almost always take longer than homeowners expect, and often longer than architects initially indicate. A realistic project programme needs to account for design development, DA lodgement and assessment, which can take anywhere from two months to over a year depending on your council and project complexity, construction documentation, builder tendering, and the construction period itself.
Ask for a realistic programme broken down by phase, and ask what the most common causes of delay are on projects like yours. Be wary of overly optimistic timelines, as they tend to set up disappointment rather than reflect genuine planning. An architect who gives you a candid, detailed programme is one who has managed enough projects to know where time actually gets lost.
Good answer: A phased programme with realistic timeframes for each stage, including DA assessment time specific to your council, and honest commentary on common sources of delay.
Question 10: Can I see completed projects and speak with past clients?
Completed project photos tell you about design quality. Speaking with past clients tells you everything else. How was the experience of working with this firm? Were they responsive? Did the project come in on time and on budget? Were there any issues during construction, and how were they handled? Would the client use them again?
Any reputable architect should be able to provide references from past clients on comparable projects. If a firm is reluctant to offer references, or can only point you to testimonials on their own website, treat that as a signal worth paying attention to. The willingness to put you in contact with real past clients is one of the clearest indicators of confidence in the client experience they deliver.
Good answer: Direct contact details for at least two or three past clients on comparable projects, offered without hesitation.
One more thing before you decide
Beyond these 10 questions, pay attention to how the architect listens. Do they ask thoughtful questions about how you live, what matters to you, and what success looks like? Or do they talk mostly about their own work and aesthetic? The best architects are genuinely curious about their clients, because great design starts with deep understanding, not a predetermined style.
Meeting two or three firms before making a decision is always worthwhile. The questions above will help you cut through polished presentations and assess what each firm is actually like to work with, which is ultimately what matters most on a project that will shape your home and your life for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an architect cost in Australia?
Architect fees in Australia typically range from 8–15% of the total construction cost for a full service, though this varies by project type, size, and scope of services. Some architects charge a fixed fee or hourly rate for smaller or more defined scopes of work. Always ask for a written fee proposal that clearly itemises each stage of service and identifies what is and isn't included.
Do I need a registered architect or can I use a building designer?
For most residential projects in Australia, a licensed building designer can prepare the required drawings and manage the approvals process. The title "architect" is legally protected and requires registration with a state board, but engaging a registered architect is not mandatory for most home builds or renovations. For complex, high-value, or heritage-sensitive projects, a registered architect is generally recommended.
How long does it take to get DA approval in Australia?
DA assessment times vary significantly by council and project complexity. Simple applications may be assessed within 40–60 days; more complex proposals, or those in sensitive areas, can take six months to over a year. Your architect should be able to give you a realistic estimate based on experience with your local council. Incomplete applications or requests for additional information are the most common causes of delay.
What is the difference between a DA and a building permit?
In NSW and QLD, a Development Application (DA) is lodged with your local council to assess the planning merits of your proposal. Once approved, a Construction Certificate (CC) is required before building work begins. In Victoria and WA, a building permit issued by a registered building surveyor covers both planning and building approval for most residential projects. Your architect will advise on what applies to your specific project and location.
Should I get quotes from more than one architect?
Yes — meeting two or three architects before deciding is strongly recommended. Fee structures, communication styles, design sensibilities, and levels of experience vary considerably between firms. The questions in this article will help you assess each firm consistently and make a more confident, informed decision. Don't choose on fee alone — the relationship with your architect will span years, and the quality of that relationship has a direct bearing on the quality of the outcome.
