How to Select an Architect Choosing an Architect requires care and study so that in the end the most suitable professional is identified for your particular needs. This is one of the most important decisions you will make when undertaking a project. You can find an architect through a number of ways: Request and review a list of licensed architects from AAPEI Visit AAPEI's on-line register Visit the offices of various firms to review portfolios of their work and meet the architect you may be working with Ask for recommendations from other organizations or persons who may have had similar projects Visit similar projects Visit RAIC website You may choose one of the following methods of selection: Direct Selection - this method is most often used by clients. It is often based on the recommendation of someone whose opinions you trust and who has had a satisfactory experience with the particular firm or practitioner. Quality Based Selection - this method is a common method of selecting the right architect for the project. In particular, institutions, corporations, and public agencies use this method. This system chooses an architect on the basis of professional qualifications and competence through predetermined, value based criteria. These criteria may include such factors as an architect's history and capability to perform the required services, related experience on similar types of projects, design approach and methodology, and cost. A "Request for Proposals" is issued as an initial step in this process. Architectural Design Competitions - this method is sometimes used to select an architect and a design for both public and private projects. In this method, the architects submit solutions to a particular problem and are judged on the comparative excellence of their submissions. The successful candidate is usually awarded the commission for the project. For more information on this type of method you can refer to CCDC's Document 5, Canadian Rules for the Conduct of Architectural Competitions. This initial stage carries with it a cost to prepare the initial design solutions.