Hiring the right architect is one of the most important decisions in a home or commercial project. The right fit means fewer surprises, better design, and a smoother process from concept through construction. Here are 15 questions every Seattle-area homeowner should ask before signing an agreement.
Questions About Experience and Qualifications
1. Are you a licensed architect in Washington State?
Washington requires a license from the Washington State Department of Licensing for anyone using the title “architect.” Ask to see their license number and verify it at verify.dol.wa.gov.
2. How many projects similar to mine have you completed?
An architect who has designed dozens of home additions will approach yours with a level of practical knowledge that a generalist cannot match. Ask for specific examples.
3. How long have you been practicing in the Seattle area?
Local permitting, soil conditions, zoning codes, and contractor relationships are built over years. An architect with 10+ years of Seattle-area experience brings knowledge that cannot be replicated quickly.
Questions About Process and Communication
4. Who will be my main point of contact throughout the project?
At some firms, principals sell the work and hand it off. At others, the principal architect you meet is the person who designs and manages your project. Ask directly.
5. How do you handle design changes?
Changes are inevitable. Understand whether changes are billed hourly, included up to a certain point, or require a formal contract amendment.
6. How will you communicate project updates?
Regular check-ins, shared drawing files, or email-only? Establish expectations early.
Questions About Schedule and Budget
7. How long will design and permitting take for my project?
Permitting in Seattle takes 6-10 weeks for most residential projects. An experienced architect will give you a realistic timeline, not a best-case scenario.
8. Have you worked with the City of Seattle (or my local jurisdiction) recently?
Permit requirements change. An architect who submitted a project to your jurisdiction recently will know the current review timelines, code interpretations, and submission requirements.
9. How do you help clients stay within budget?
Good architects design to a budget, not just to their own aesthetic. Ask how they handle value engineering and how they would respond if contractor bids come in over budget.
Questions About Fees
10. What is your fee structure?
Percentage of construction cost, fixed fee, or hourly? Each has implications for how incentives are aligned. Understand exactly what is and is not included.
11. What additional costs should I expect?
Structural engineer, civil engineer, landscape architect, permit fees, and survey costs are often separate. Get a complete picture of total professional fees before comparing firms.
12. Do you have a standard contract?
A well-written contract protects both parties. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) publishes standard agreements that are widely used and respected. Ask what contract form they use.
Questions About Specific Capabilities
13. Can you show me examples of projects with similar scope, budget, and site constraints?
Before and after photos, floor plans, and permit drawings from comparable projects tell you more than a polished portfolio image of a landmark project.
14. Have you designed ADUs (or additions, or custom homes — whatever your project is) in my city?
Each jurisdiction has its own code interpretations. An architect who has permitted ADUs specifically in Seattle, or additions in Kirkland, will navigate more smoothly than one working in an unfamiliar jurisdiction.
15. Can I speak with a past client?
References matter. A confident architect will provide them without hesitation.
The Bottom Line
Piper Cole Architects welcomes every one of these questions. We have been designing homes and buildings in the Seattle area since 2000, and we believe an informed client is a better client. Schedule a free consultation and bring your full list. Call 425-753-6452.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Piper Cole Architects offers a free initial consultation for all project types — residential, commercial, ADU, and renovation. No obligation. Based in Kirkland, WA. Serving the entire Seattle metro area since 2000.