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Find an architect: How to find the right partner for your construction project

Building a house or renovating an apartment is a large project that requires a lot of planning and care. One of the most important decisions is choosing the right architect.

In this article you will learn how you should go about finding an architect, what criteria you should consider and what tips can help you find the right architect for your construction project.

Table of contents:

  1. Preparation of the search
  2. Criteria for selecting an architect
  3. How to find architects
  4. The first contact
  5. Tips for working with an architect
  6. FAQs about choosing an architect

1. Preparing for the search

Before you start looking for an architect, you should be clear about your needs and requirements.

You should ask yourself the following questions:

  • What exactly do you want to build or renovate?
  • Which style do you prefer?
  • What is your budget?
  • Do you have a specific time frame?

2. Criteria for selecting an architect

There are various criteria you should consider when choosing an architect:

  • Qualifications: The architect should either have completed training as an architect or have previous experience with projects similar to yours.
  • References: Ask for references from the architect's previous clients and look at reviews if available.
  • Personal chemistry: It is important that you can work well with the architect.

3. How to find architects

There are different ways to find architects:

  • Recommendations from friends, family or acquaintances.
  • Internet research: There are many websites such as: Odepla, where you can find architects, read their reviews and view previous work in the portfolio.
  • Chambers of Architects: The chambers of architects in the federal states keep lists of architects.

Odepla offers you the following advantages:

  • Diverse selection: On Odepla you will find a large selection of architects not only from all over Germany but also worldwide who specialize in various building projects.
  • Free search: Searching for architects on Odepla is free.
  • Easy handling: The platform is easy to use and allows you to get in touch with architects quickly and easily.
  • Reviews and Portfolios: You can view architects' reviews and portfolios on Odepla to get an idea of their work.
  • Tendering your construction project: You can advertise your building project on Odepla and receive offers from various architects.
  • Direct contact: You can contact the architects on Odepla directly and discuss your questions.
  • International architects can offer you innovative solutions for your construction project that you might not find in Germany.
  • Cost savings: In some countries the architect's fees are lower than in Germany, and you will also find, for example, non-approvable designs and designs drawn up by architecture students, who usually charge a lower fee.

How to find architects on Odepla:

  1. Register for free on Odepla.
  2. Create a design request with information about your construction project.
  3. Browse the list of architects on Odepla and filter by category.
  4. View architects' profiles and read reviews from other users.
  5. Create your building project quickly and easily and let the architects come to you. This will not only save you a lot of time, but will also help you find the right architects for your building project.

4. The first contact

During your initial contact, you should describe your needs and requirements to the architect.

The architect should ask you the following questions:

  • What exactly do you want to build or renovate?
  • Which style do you prefer?
  • What is your budget?
  • Do you have a specific time frame?
  • The architect should also introduce you to their services and fees.

On Odepla We simplify this step enormously, by creating your building project you only have to create this information once and the appropriate architects will contact you with a personal and non-binding offer that fits your building project perfectly.

Thanks to the clear and simple presentation of the architect's services and fees, you can immediately see what is included in the offer, no longer a black box when working with architects, but always all the necessary information in a central location.

5. Tips for working with an architect

Ease of collaboration with the architect is the most important element. The more detailed you describe your needs, the better the architect can make your dreams come true.

To make your collaboration successful, you should consider the following tips:

Open and honest communication:

  • Speak openly and honestly with the architect about your wishes and needs.
  • Do not hide information that could be relevant to planning.
  • Be prepared to express your opinion and give feedback.

Willingness to compromise:

  • No construction project goes exactly according to plan.
  • Be prepared to compromise if necessary.
  • Trust the architect’s expertise and be open to his suggestions.

Clear objectives:

  • Define clear objectives for your construction project.
  • What exactly do you want to achieve?
  • What is your budget?
  • What time frame do you have?

Regular votes:

  • Discuss progress and possible problems.
  • Ask questions and have everything explained to you in detail.

Documentation:

  • Thanks to the automatic documentation on Odepla, all important decisions and agreements are recorded in writing.
  • This helps prevent misunderstandings and later disputes.

With the right attitude and open communication, you can make the collaboration with the architect a success.

6. FAQs on choosing an architect

How do you find the right architect?

Odepla offers a simple and comfortable optionto find architects that fit your needs.

How to find the right architect on Odepla:

  1. Register for free on Odepla.
  2. Create easily and quickly Your building project.
  3. Browse the list of architects on Odepla.
  4. View the architects' profiles and read reviews from other users.
  5. Create your construction project quickly and easily and let the architects approach you.

How much does an architect cost me?

The Costs for an architect depend on various factors, such as: E.g.:

  • Type and scope of the construction project
  • Architect's performance phases
  • Fee agreement

The Fee regulations for architects and engineers (HOAI) puts the Minimum rates for architectural services; this has no longer been a binding pricing law since 2021. Architects usually base their prices on the HOAI, as this is a good guideline. However, the actual costs may higher or lower lay.

As a rule of thumb applies that the Design planning approx. 10 – 15% the building-costs makes up.

Odepla offers you the opportunity to free offers from different architects. This will help you compare prices and find the best architect for your budget.

When do you need an architect?

Basically do you need always an architect, if you have one construction project requiring approval want to realize. This is e.g. B. the case when building a house, an apartment or a garage.

But also for smaller construction projects It may make sense to commission an architect. The architect can not only help you, Building permit to receive, but the complete planning create and bring in ideas that you didn't have on your radar.

What is the architect planning?

The architect can all performance phases take over planning and construction. This includes:

  • Basic investigation
  • Pre-planning
  • Design planning
  • Approval planning
  • Execution planning
  • Preparation of the award
  • Participation when awarding
  • Object monitoring
  • Construction acceptance

Odepla offers you the opportunity to individual performance phases or the entire project to be given to an architect.

Why hire an architect?

An architect offers you many advantages:

  • Professional expertise: The architect has the specialist knowledge to complete your building project professionally and on time to realize.
  • Experience: The architect has experience with similar projects and can help you save a lot of errors and costs.
  • Building permit: The architect can help you with that Building permit to obtain.
  • Planning security: The architect creates one detailed planningthat gives you security.
  • Construction supervision: The architect oversees the Construction work and ensures that everything goes according to plan.

What makes a good architect?

A good architect is characterized by the following qualities:

  • Professional competence: The architect should have one completed education be an architect or already have experience in similar projects.
  • Experience: The architect should Experience with similar projects like yours.
  • creativity: The architect should creative solutions find one for your needs.
  • Communication skills: The architect should be good with you communicate and understand your wants and needs.
  • reliability: The architect should reliable be and keep your appointments.

How much does a design from an architect cost?

The Costs for design planning depend on various factors, such as: E.g.:

  • Type and scope of the construction project
  • Size of the construction project
  • Fee agreement

The Fee regulations for architects and engineers (HOAI) puts the Minimum rates for architectural services; this has no longer been a binding pricing law since 2021. Architects usually base their prices on the HOAI, as this is a good guideline. However, the actual costs may higher or lower lay.

As a rule of thumb applies that the Design planning approx. 10 – 15% the building-costs makes up.

Example:

  • Total cost of building a house: 500.000 €
  • Design planning: 50.000 – 75.000 €

Odepla offers you the opportunity to free offers from different architects. This will help you compare prices and find the best architect for your budget.

How much does the initial consultation with an architect cost?

The Initial consultation with the architect is generally for free. In this conversation you can get to know each other and discuss whether the architect is the right partner for your building project.

How much does a floor plan from an architect cost?

The Cost of a floor plan from the architect depend on various factors, such as: E.g.:

  • Size of the floor plan
  • Level of detail of the floor plan
  • Fee agreement

As a rule of thumb applies that a simple floor plan approx. 500 € until 1.000 € costs. A detailed floor plan however, can up to €3,000 cost.

Can you submit a building application without an architect?

In some federal states Is it possible, a building application without an architect deliver. However, this is not recommended.

An architect can help you with that Building permit to receive and the Building templates to create correctly.

Can you build a house without an architect?

Yes, it is possible to build a house without an architect. However, this is not recommended.

An architect can help you to save many errors and costs. He has that Expertise and the Experienceto complete your construction project professionally and on time to realize.

How much does a building application from an architect cost?

The Costs for the building application the architect depends on various factors, such as: E.g.:

  • Type and scope of the construction project
  • Size of the construction project
  • Fee agreement

As a rule of thumb applies that the Building application approx. 5% the Total fees of the architect.

Example:

  • Total fee: 10.000 €
  • Building application: 500 €

Odepla offers you the opportunity to free offers from different architects. This will help you compare prices and find the best architect for your budget.

Conclusion

Choosing the right architect is an important decision that you should not make lightly. 
Take your time researching and comparing different architects before making a decision. 
With the right preparation and good cooperation with the architect, you can successfully realize your construction project.