Are you thinking about hiring an architect? Consumers and businesses often wish to construct or modify sites, buildings, or other structures. The best approach is to hire an architect to plan, design, and observe the construction of these projects.

Working with an architect helps ensure that your project is designed properly. The California Architects Board (Board) examines, licenses, and regulates more than 20,000 architects.

The Board’s mission is to protect the welfare of the public by ensuring the professional performance of those architects licensed to practice in the state.

The Board produced this Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect to help with the sometimes complex and technical nature of architectural services.

It provides information on:
• what types of projects require a licensed architect;
• how to find and select an architect;
• what the written contract between you and your architect should contain; and
• how to manage budgeting and construction of your project.

By following the steps laid out in this guide and carefully planning and thoroughly discussing your project beforehand with your architect, you will help develop a successful working relationship and project.

Download Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect

PDF format, 1.7MB, 21Pages.

California Architects Board
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 574-7220
(800) 991-2223
www.cab.ca.gov
cab@dca.ca.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION......................................................... 1
THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE......................... 2
Should I hire an architect
for my building project? .............................................. 2
FINDING AND SELECTING AN ARCHITECT................ 4
Basic criteria.................................................................... 4
Making the final decision .................................................. 7
THE CONTRACT FOR DESIGN SERVICES.................. 8
Mandatory items for the written contract ........................... 9
Additional recommended items in the
written contract.......................................................... 9
Keeping records............................................................. 11
Financial issues ............................................................. 11
Construction hints.......................................................... 12
WHAT TO DO IF A PROBLEM OCCURS
WITH YOUR PROJECT ......................................... 13
What constitutes a complaint? ........................................ 13
How to file a complaint ................................................... 14
How will the Board respond?........................................... 14
SPECIAL PROVISIONS IN THE EVENT OF
A NATURAL DISASTER ........................................ 16
Penalties for unlicensed practice ..................................... 16
Requirements for reconstruction ..................................... 16
Release of copy of plans ................................................ 16
Immunity following an earthquake ................................... 17
WHERE TO NOTIFY THE BOARD .............................. 18

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