Checking Architect References: A Homeowner's Guide to Reference Calls

Introduction

Checking architect references is one of the most important steps in the appointment process, yet it is often done perfunctorily — a brief exchange of platitudes that provides little useful information. A well-conducted reference call with a previous client can provide invaluable insight into how the architect works, how they handle difficulties, and whether the experience of working with them matched the initial impression. This guide explains how to structure an architect reference call to get genuinely useful information before making your appointment decision.

Why References Matter

An architect's portfolio demonstrates what they are capable of designing. References tell you how the architect performed through the full process — from the quality of communication in the early stages through the handling of the planning process, the management of the contractor relationship, the response to construction problems, and the quality of the project at handover. A brilliant design delivered through a difficult, poorly managed process is of limited value; a well-managed project that achieves its design intent and stays close to budget is the right goal.

Previous clients have direct, lived experience of the architect's performance. Their insights cannot be replicated from portfolio review, interview or online research alone.

Requesting References

When asking an architect for references, request contact details for:

• At least two or three previous clients, ideally from projects comparable to yours in type and scale
• At least one project that involved a conservation area or listed building application (if relevant to your project)
• At least one project that required managing a complex contractor relationship or resolving a construction problem

An architect who is reluctant to provide references or who can only provide references from very old projects may not have recent comparable completed work.

What to Ask in a Reference Call

Useful questions for a reference conversation include:

About the Working Relationship

• How did the architect communicate throughout the project — were they easy to reach, did they respond promptly to questions, did they keep you updated proactively?
• Did you feel informed and involved in the decision-making throughout the project?
• How did the architect handle disagreements or differences of opinion about the design?

About the Design Process

• Did the architect's design work meet your expectations and brief?
• Were you shown options and alternatives, or were you presented with a single design approach?
• How quickly did the design develop and did it feel efficient?

About the Planning Process

• Did the project receive planning permission first time, or were there issues?
• How did the architect handle the relationship with the planning authority — pre-application advice, consultation responses, planning negotiations?
• Were you surprised by any planning outcome, and how did the architect manage it?

About the Construction Stage

• Did the architect manage the contractor relationship effectively?
• How did the architect respond to problems or unexpected discoveries during construction?
• Did the project finish on time and on budget? If not, how was the change managed?
• Were there many variations or changes during construction, and if so, how were they handled?

The Overall Experience

• What would you do differently if you were doing the project again?
• Would you recommend this architect to a friend in a similar situation?
• Is there anything about the architect's performance that you felt fell short of your expectations?

What to Listen For

In a reference call, the quality of information is as important as the content. Listen for:

• Specificity: References who can describe specific incidents — how the architect handled a particular planning setback, how a specific contractor problem was resolved — are more useful than those who give only general praise
• Hesitation or qualification: A pause before a question, or a careful qualification ("they were mostly very responsive but...") often signals a nuance worth exploring with a follow-up question
• Comparison to other projects: If the referee has had other projects with other architects, their comparative observations are particularly valuable
• Unsolicited observations: Points the reference raises without prompting are often the most revealing — if they volunteer information about a particular aspect of the working relationship, that aspect was evidently significant to them

Written References

Some architects provide written references (testimonials) on their websites or as part of their marketing materials. These are useful but limited — they are selected by the architect and will inevitably present a positive picture. Written references should supplement, not replace, direct telephone or in-person conversations with previous clients.

Visiting a Completed Project

The most valuable reference of all is a visit to a completed project with the previous client present — seeing the built work in person, experiencing the quality of space, detail and finish, and hearing the client's account of the project in the context of the actual building. Not all architects can arrange this, but for larger projects it is worth asking.

Conclusion

Reference checking, done properly, provides information about an architect's working process that no other part of the selection process can replicate. Allocating 30–45 minutes to each reference call and preparing specific, probing questions — rather than treating the call as a formality — will significantly improve the quality of your appointment decision. The right architect for your project is the one whose design capability, working style and reliability all align with your expectations — and references are the best available evidence for the latter two qualities.