How do I select an architect for my church?

How do I choose an Architect for my church?

As you get started on a building project, you will find that one of the major decisions you will face is selecting the design team, and specifically, the architect.  Selecting an architect seems like a daunting chore.  How do you know that the architect you select will design a building that meets your needs both functionally and aesthetically?  How does your architect fit into the entire building process?  If you are considering a design-build scenario as an option, understand that the architect works for the builder, not you.  Therefore, you should use the same criteria here to choose the builder, as you would if you were choosing an architect directly.  The following are some things to consider.

Artistic Capability

I have heard it said that it takes the same amount of bricks to build a pretty building as an ugly building.  Just as it takes the same amount of paint for Rembrandt to produce a painting as it does me, but Rembrandt’s is worth much more.  Apparently, the arrangement of the elements makes some difference- so too with architecture. No one seems to want an ugly building.  So when you are starting out, look at an architect’s previous work, what do you think?  Do you like it?  That’s a starting point, but of course it’s not that simple. Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder, and a good architect should design what the client likes, not necessarily what you like (or even what the architect likes.)  With enough previous works, though, you should get an idea of the architect’s capabilities.

Communication

The second criterion of choosing your architect is how well you can communicate with him.  Do you feel understood when you speak with him?  Do you feel like your ideas are likely to be incorporated?  Does he ask questions?  Does he understand your vision?  What about your ministry?  After all, this is the person who will play a major role in transforming your vision into a tangible structure; you must have clear lines of communication.   This is a personal chemistry question, not a reflection of technical talents or ability.

Technical Ability

Technical ability is, however, very important to your project.  The architect you choose should be experienced in the types of structures and the industry in which you are building. It is also important to differentiate between the architecture firm, and the architect working on your project.  Insist that you meet the architect that would be assigned to your project. It is not enough to have a good rapport with the management or sales team of the firm, they are not creating your design.  Ask the architect to bring a set of previous drawings to your meeting.  Compare the detail in the drawings.  More detail in the plans reduces surprises in construction.

Church Design Experience

Finally, it is important that your architect have church design experience. If you are building a traditional style church, it is easy to see that structural methods and elements are different than typical commercial projects.  It goes without saying that experience in that arena would be helpful, but what if you are building a more contemporary structure where your desire is to look more like a commercial structure?  Wouldn’t it make sense to go with a commercial architect or builder?  The answer, maybe surprisingly, is ‘no’.   The reason for this is that architectural design is more than creating a set of building plans; it is a process of translating vision to a tangible, useful structure.  This is a much more complicated process – particularly for a church.

There are social, political and spiritual aspects and ramifications in a church project that differ dramatically from a commercial project.  You are working in committees, and you need consensus to move forward.  There are spiritual forces at play within your committees and congregation.  You are working with voluntary labor, voluntary contributions, and therefore popular opinion.  All of these things lead to more time to make decisions and a significant backlash if not handled properly and with care.  It is critical that the architect you choose is adept and experienced in this setting.

Fees

Budget is a reality.  Make sure you know what you will be spending before you spend it, and that it fits within your means.  It is worth noting here, that a properly designed building will save you money at construction and in the future, so don’t be tempted to try to cut costs in the planning stage.  You may end up paying for it many times over.

Secondly, understand what you are paying for.  Architectural drawings come in two phases.  The first is design drawings, the second is construction drawings.  The second is considerably more expensive.  Some firms offer services that allow you to know your final building cost before ever finalizing the construction drawings so you don’t pay for a full set of construction drawings if the project budget doesn’t match your expectations.  This is done by incorporating all project participants in the design- a process known as integrated project delivery (IPD.)  This differs from a design-build in that all parties are chosen by and work for you directly rather than for the builder and it is done before a construction contract is ever defined.

In the end, there are many qualified architects around, and many qualified church architects, for that matter.  No one architect or architectural process is right for everyone, so do your homework.   Also remember that the architect is only one member of the team including a church planner/consultant, builder, financier, and others that work together along with the staff at your church to contribute to your project.   Know your strategy before choosing the team members.  Proverbs says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”  (15:22.)   If chosen properly, in light of the entire team, your architect can be a great asset for your building project and to the subsequent success of your ministry.  Be sober of mind, be diligent, and use the resources that you have available to you; God will do great things through your ministry.

Jeff Hess is a project navigator at Trinity Design Group in Murfreesboro, TN.  He coordinates the long-range planning, architectural design, and construction administration of facilities for his clients with TDG, a firm that specializes in architecture for ministry.  Find more information at www.trinitydesigngroup.com

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1. Kevin Goins – Principal and Architect