Other options are to advertise in a trade journal such as Western Builder or to seek candidates through newspaper advertisements. Experience and references those provided to you as well as others you may learn of on your own will be key issues as you narrow your list. Yet another factor to consider is the organization's structure. In a large firm, the individual marketing the group's services may not design your project. Be sure you sense a good match with the person who will be responsible for meeting your design needs as well as with the one who will communicate with you and the contractor at the construction site.
Architects base their fee on a percentage of the overall cost of the project.
Writing the contract Developing your own contract or having an attorney draft one is not a good investment. You may want to have your attorney review the final draft. What to expect for service Make your architect a full partner with you and your contractor. You should expect a field representative from the firm to spend either a full or half-day at the site every other week.