Finding an architect for a renovation: approach and criteria

For a renovation, look for a practice with experience of existing buildings. First clarify your goals, budget and the condition of the building, then define the scope of services and obtain quotes from several practices with suitable references. Check whether their references include renovations and how the practice deals with unknowns in the existing fabric.

Why a renovation makes different demands

For a new building, the practice plans on an empty site. For a renovation, it works with what is there: structure, services, elements that sometimes only become visible once opened up. This calls for experience with existing buildings and planning that allows for surprises. If the building is listed, coordination with the heritage authority comes on top.

Step by step to the right practice

• —Clarify goals and budget: what should change, and how much money is available?
• —Survey the existing building: gather the available plans and know the condition of the building. The better the basis, the more accurate the quotes.
• —Clarify the permit early: whether a renovation needs a building permit depends on the canton, the municipality and the extent of the work. Ask the municipality before you have plans drawn up.
• —Define the scope of services: which sub-phases under SIA 112 should the practice take on? An overview of all phases is in the article comparing architects’ fee quotes.
• —Look for practices with renovation experience: check for references in renovation or heritage work. In the directory of architects you can filter by the discipline «Conversion / heritage».
• —Compare quotes and sign the contract: compare services, assumptions and project lead, not just the amount.

What to ask the practices

• —Which renovations have you handled in recent years, and what were the biggest surprises in the existing building?
• —Who leads our project, and who is on site?
• —How do you deal with unforeseen additional costs?
• —Which fee model do you use? For renovations, a time-based fee with a cost ceiling is common because the effort is harder to predict.

Finding a practice for your renovation via Architektonik

Instead of approaching practices one by one, tender your renovation project on Architektonik free of charge. You define the scope of services under SIA 112, and vetted practices apply with their approach, start date, project lead and fee. Your name and the exact address remain confidential until the award. How the procedure works is explained in the article sealed fee auction. You can tender your project under Join.

Join the House and submit your first sealed fee bid.