Compare relevant experience, design quality, licensing, communication and the proposed scope of service. Ask who will lead your project and how they coordinate costs, consultants and construction support.
Look at the work and the working relationship
Choose a practice with experience relevant to your home, site and ambitions. A strong portfolio helps you judge design quality, but ask how those projects were documented and delivered too. For a renovation, experience with existing buildings and occupied sites can matter as much as the appearance of the finished rooms. Speak with previous clients about communication, decision making and how unexpected issues were handled.
Check credentials correctly
Architectural designers do not need to be registered with the New Zealand Institute of Architects. Check the individual’s relevant LBP licence or NZRAB registration, rather than relying on a job title or professional association membership. Design that is Restricted Building Work must be carried out or supervised by an appropriately authorised practitioner. The licensing requirement and the person’s competence for your particular project should both be considered.
Compare proposals on the same basis
Ask which design stages, meetings, documentation, consultant coordination and consent services are included. Establish how revisions and additional work are charged, who prepares cost estimates and whether construction involvement is included or separately agreed. Architectural fees are an investment in the success of your project. Assess the design thinking, documentation and coordination included in that investment. A lower fee can represent a narrower service, so comparing the total scope is more useful than comparing the headline alone.
Your next step
Bring a short brief, your property address, investment budget and preferred timeframe to an initial conversation. Modal can explain the proposed team and process for your project. Explore our projects and design process before comparing practices.
Related questions
- What is the difference between an architect and an architectural designer?
- Should I speak to an architectural designer or a builder first?
- What should I prepare for my first architectural design meeting?
Further guidance
Regulatory guidance checked September 2026. Confirm the current requirements for your project.
