4 Red Flags When Hiring an Architect
(And Why They Matter More Than You Think)
If you're hiring an architect for the first time, you're probably scared of making a really expensive mistake.
And honestly? You should be a little scared.
Not because architecture is inherently risky, but because some architects make this process way harder and more stressful than it needs to be.
I've been practicing architecture for over 20 years in the Pacific Northwest. I've worked with clients on everything from custom waterfront homes to complex urban remodels. And I've seen patterns — both good and bad — that separate architects who guide clients well from those who create chaos.
This post covers four red flags that should make you walk away from an architect immediately. Not "consider carefully" or "ask more questions." Walk away.
If you're about to invest hundreds of thousands (or millions) of dollars into a custom home or major remodel, you need to know what to look for before you sign anything.
Red Flag #1: Architects Who Won't (or Can't) Explain Costs Upfront
Here's the thing.
Can I tell you exactly what your house will cost in the first 5 minutes of a phone call? No. That would be like asking "How much does a watch cost?" or "What do you charge per square foot?"
A contractor friend of mine has a great response to that last question: "How much did your car cost per pound?"
It doesn't work that way.
But here's what a good architect should be able to do: Give you a range.
They should be able to say something like:
"For projects like yours in this area, here's what we've been seeing. Here's what typically drives cost up. Here's what drives cost down. And here's what we're going to do to get you clarity before you commit to anything."
If an architect just says, "Oh, it's hourly and we'll just see how it goes" or "I don't know" — that's sloppy. It's a red flag.
Because you're not asking for a guarantee. You're asking for guidance. And guidance is literally the job.
Why This Matters
Cost uncertainty is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for homeowners. You're trying to figure out if your dream is even possible. You need someone who can help you understand the financial reality before you fall in love with an idea.
I do a feasibility study early on. It's a paid, standalone service, so we know exactly what we're working toward. We understand the scope. And after that, everything is easier to price.
I give clients ranges — not just for my design fees, but for what they can expect construction to cost.
That's what you should expect from any architect.
Questions to Ask
"Can you give me a rough cost range for projects like mine in this area?"
"What typically drives costs up or down in homes like this?"
"How do you help clients understand costs before design starts?"
If they can't answer those questions clearly, keep looking.
Red Flag #2: Architects Who Talk More About Their Vision Than Yours
Look, you do want an architect with a strong point of view.
I wouldn't hire an architect who's just an order taker. That's a waste of everybody's time. You want someone who can shape your vision in a way that makes sense — who brings expertise to the table.
But here's the difference:
That point of view should be about how to solve your problem, not showing off their signature style.
The God Complex Problem
Every architect has a bit of a god complex. I mean, we're designing buildings. We're creating the space you live in. But it doesn't have to be this top-down "I'm the genius, you do what I say" thing.
Is somebody going to hire me to do a traditional colonial house? No. But I'm also not going to impose something on them that they don't like — because I've taken the time to understand what they like in a deep way.
So if an architect's first move is "Let me show you my portfolio" instead of "Tell me how you actually live" — it's a red flag.
We don't have projects without clients. You don't want a "take it or leave it" design attitude.
Why This Matters
Your home is not a museum piece. It's not a portfolio opportunity for your architect. It's where you're going to live — possibly for decades.
The design should reflect how you want to feel, not what's trendy or what your architect thinks will win awards.
Questions to Ask
"Tell me about your design process. How do you get to know your clients?"
"Can you show me examples of projects where you designed very different styles?"
"How do you balance your professional opinion with what I want?"
If they lead with ego instead of curiosity about you, walk away.
Red Flag #3: Architects Who Pressure You to Commit Before You're Ready
Imagine you have a phone call with an architect and they immediately send over a big AIA contract that says: "Sign here. $10,000 retainer. Let's get started."
It's like a marriage proposal after a 20-minute coffee date.
You wouldn't get married to someone that quickly, would you? So you shouldn't hire an architect that quickly either.
You want an architect who's going to take baby steps with you early on.
Someone who offers you a way to test the relationship first. Maybe it's a feasibility study. Maybe it's a strategy session where you talk through what's realistic.
But it should never feel like you're being rushed into a massive commitment before you even have clarity on:
What's possible
What things cost
Whether this is even the right person for you
Because it is a relationship. You're going to be working together for months (or years).
Why This Matters
Big commitments feel scary because they should feel scary. If someone's pushing you to sign before you're comfortable, they're prioritizing their timeline over your clarity.
That's how you get on the same page — not from jumping into design right away or signing a huge contract. It's from dipping your toes in. And if it doesn't feel right, you can get out without a messy divorce.
Questions to Ask
"What does your typical onboarding process look like?"
"Is there a way to work together on a smaller scope before committing to the full project?"
"What happens if we start working together and it's not a good fit?"
If they can't offer a low-risk first step, that's a problem.
Red Flag #4: Architects Who Don't Stay Involved During Construction
I honestly never understood why an architect wouldn't want to be involved during construction.
But I know some who just do the design. They hand off the drawings. You figure out the permits. You figure out the contractor. "Maybe call me if there's a problem."
That's a recipe for disaster. It's a recipe for disappointment.
What Happens When an Architect Disappears
Once construction starts, your builder starts making guesses.
"I guess it's supposed to be this way."
"I guess this is what he meant over here."
And every guess either costs you money or ruins the design you paid for.
But there's an even deeper issue: that architect probably didn't work out all the details to begin with. They probably just gave you enough drawings to get a permit.
And "enough drawings to get a permit" is very different from the drawings you need to actually build something.
What Good Involvement Looks Like
You want someone who's going to be on site. Who's going to be available. Who wants to be available. And who wants to make a real relationship with you and your builder.
I bring builders in early in the design process so we can partner together — client, architect, builder. A triangle. Not some antagonistic thing down the line where everyone's pointing fingers.
That's a disaster. And who wants to be in the middle of that?
Questions to Ask
"What does your construction involvement look like?"
"How often do you visit the site during construction?"
"What happens if there's a conflict between the design and what the contractor suggests?"
If they're vague or dismissive about construction, they're leaving you exposed.
The Four Red Flags, Summarized
Architects who won't explain costs — If they can't give you ranges or clarity on what drives cost, they're not doing their job.
Architects who talk more about their vision than yours — Your home should reflect your life, not their portfolio.
Architects who pressure you to commit before you're ready — You need time to build trust. Good architects don't rush that.
Architects who disappear once construction starts — If they're not involved during construction, you're on your own when problems arise.
What a Good Architect Does Instead
A good architect:
Gives you cost clarity early, even if it's a range
Listens more than they talk in the beginning
Offers low-risk ways to test the relationship before big commitments
Stays involved through construction to protect your investment
If you're starting a custom home or major remodel and want clarity without pressure, that's what I do. I walk clients through what a calm, well-guided process actually looks like — starting with feasibility and ending with a home that feels unmistakably yours.
Your Turn: What Red Flags Am I Missing?
Have you worked with an architect before? What surprised you (good or bad)? What do you wish you'd known earlier?
Drop your questions or share your own red flag experiences in the comments below. I read every one.
And if you're ready to talk through your project — no pressure, just clarity — you can schedule a free strategy call here.