Selecting Your Architect

SELECTING YOUR ARCHITECT

Selecting the right Architect sets the tone for the success of your project.

• Meet Architects whose previous work you like.
• Listen to recommendations from their previous clients, your friends, relatives and acquaintances. Follow up their references to find out about how well they communicated, how responsive they were to changes, and how effective they were at understanding the client's expectations and at managing the budget.
• Ask to see a portfolio of work or visit their websites and finished buildings.
• Ask about their specific experience that is relevant to your particular type of project.
• Visit their offices and see if you feel they have the staff and the resources to undertake your type of project.
• Above all, talk to your intended Architect - it is important to ensure that you are compatible and that you feel that your Architect listens and understands what you say and that you respect each other’s views. Your Architect must convince you both of their creativity and their ability to get things done.

ENSURE THAT YOUR ARCHITECT IS THE REAL THING TOO

Unfortunately there are unqualified people out there who are masquerading as Architects - so its worth asking your Architect to confirm their legitimacy as a Registered Architect - if they are the real thing they'll have no issue with proving it to you. The title ‘Architect’ is protected by law (The Architects Act 1980), so that only those who have undergone rigorous training, and are fully qualified and registered, can rightly use it in any context.

Watch out for companies or individuals styling themselves as ‘architectural designers' or 'architectural directors' or 'architectural consultants' or other similar wording as this is generally an indication that they are not eligible to carry out the work of an Architect.

• A REGISTERED ARCHITECT is a professional who is has a current registration with the regulatory body - The Architects Council of Zimbabwe.  If an individual is without either credential then they may be operating unregulated, providing you with no guarantees of their ability to deliver the service you require. (download the current list below)
• ARCHITECT is a protected title and only a REGISTERED ARCHITECT may use this title.
• It is an offence for anyone who is not a REGISTERED ARCHITECT to pose as an ARCHITECT; or carry out the work of an ARCHITECT.
• It is an offence for anyone who is not a REGISTERED ARCHITECT to carry out NON-EXEMPTED Works.
• It is an offence for any REGISTERED ARCHITECT to submit works on behalf of an unregistered or unqualified person.