The American Institute of Architects recommends the following questions to ask an architectural firm when you are considering them for a project:

• How will the architect approach your project?
• Who from the firm will be handling your project and who will you be dealing with on a day-to-day basis?
• What distinguishes this architect  from others who do projects of this size and character?
• What are the steps the firm takes in the design process?
• What does the architect expect from the client during the design process?
• What is the architect’s experience/track record with the estimating project costs?
• What will the architect show you along the way to explain the project?  Will you see models, drawings or sketches?
• How long does the architect expect the  construction to take?
• Can the architect provide a list of currrent client references?

Have you worked successfully with an architect?  What other questions do you recommend people ask?