7 Steps to avoid choosing a bad Architectural Professional

Choosing the right architectural professional is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting a building project. The quality of the design is the single most important aspect for creating an incredible space that maximises the potential of your site, but your architect also plays a central role in ensuring that your investment is legally compliant, well managed, and ultimately successful. With so many fly-by-night operators charging very low prices, it can be hard for clients to spot all the warning signs. The following key considerations will help you evaluate whether a professional is the right fit for your project.

1. Confirm SACAP Registration

The first step is to make sure the architectural professional is registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).

Why it matters: Without valid registration, a professional cannot legally sign off or submit building plans. For more details, see our article on the legal requirements.

How to check:

• Look for their SACAP registration number on all documents and communications.

• Ask to see their registration certificate.

• Look for the Privyseal – a live digital image that includes a date stamp, QR code, name, and registration category. It updates in real time and should appear in emails and key documents. You can see our own Privyseal here: Xeno-Urban Privyseal.

2. Understand the Registration Category

Not all SACAP registrations are equal. Each category has specific legal limitations on the type of projects the professional can take on. For more about this, read our dedicated article on the topic (https://www.xeno-urban.com/post/can-any-architectural-category-design-my-project). But a very basic summary is:

• Professional Architect – highest level of registration, most qualified.

• Architectural Technologist – mid-level qualifications.

• Draughtsperson –the lowest level of qualification.

Larger or more design-focused projects usually require a higher level of registration. For a detailed discussion of the different skill levels and specialties, check out our article on the topic (https://www.xeno-urban.com/post/architects-vs-draughtspeople-1).

3. Evaluate Experience

Professional registration can be obtained with as little as two years of experience—so dig deeper than just the registration certificate. It also may not be as simple as looking at a company project portfolio as many architects work for a number of years and gain a wealth of experience at other firms before starting their own firm, meaning the firm may have a small portfolio of projects even though the lead architect personally has a large portfolio of works. Conversely, large experienced firms may appoint very inexperienced staff members to a given project. It is therefore important to inquire about the level of experience of the professional who will specifically lead the project in question.

Always ask: Who will personally lead my project, and what is their level of experience?

4. Check the Scope of Services

Part of a good fit between architectural professional and project is having a scope of services that is well defined in relation to the unique needs of the client and project. We wrote a more in-depth discussion on the topic (https://www.xeno-urban.com/post/the-structure-scope-of-architectural-services), but lacking certain services might result in a considerable cost saving on fees while having a huge detrimental effect on the project. Minimal service packages are generally only appropriate for very small projects where the quality of design and construction are regarded as unimportant. Most importantly, both the client and the architectural professional must feel that the service package offered includes all the services necessary to ensure the success of a project and this can depend heavily on the experience of the client and the other professionals involved.

5. Assess Architectural Fees

We have previously written a number of entries about architectural fees to address topics like how much architects charge (https://www.xeno-urban.com/post/how-much-do-architects-charge) and when it is worth paying more for architectural services (https://www.xeno-urban.com/post/when-is-it-worth-paying-more-for-architectural-services).

Key takeaways to check:

• Fees should relate to SACAP’s recommended structures, adjusted for services added or excluded.

• Reasonable discounts may apply, but a fee massively below SACAP’s recommendation without a clear, proportional reduction in services almost always signals low-quality service.

Always evaluate architectural fees against the much larger investment of a complete project with an awareness that the architectural professional will carry the largest responsibility in guiding that investment towards success.

6. Consider Style and Design Approach

Most architects excel at designing particular styles and with consideration of particular themes. Here at Xeno-Urban Architects, for instance, we aim to create an intimate relationship between our buildings and the natural environment. We are also well-versed in various contemporary and futuristic styles of architecture. These elements are visibly present in most of our designs, so for clients who value these themes and styles, our firm would be a great fit for their project. By contrast, a client who dislikes this style or wants their building to look classical, for example, would be better off appointing an architect who specialises in that type of architecture. Looking at a firm's body of work (portfolio) and perhaps having a simple conversation with them about architectural styles is an easy way to determine if a given firm is a good or bad fit for the style of a particular project.

7. Look for Professionalism & Communication

General professionalism and communication skills are perhaps the most underrated skills a good architectural professional should possess. It might surprise most clients to know that the single most time-consuming activity your typical project architect engages in is talking to other professionals. Architects need to coordinate with engineers, builders, product suppliers, sub-contractors, the local municipality, and most importantly with the client. An architect’s ability to communicate clearly with their words is just as important as doing so with their drawings, as is their ability to collect, organise and keep information. If an architectural professional cannot write a coherent email or produce a professional-looking quote, it most likely points towards a shortcoming in this area which is a major red flag.

Final Thoughts

The client–architect relationship is central to project success. Since your architect will guide what is often the largest financial investment of your life, it’s crucial to make the right choice. The above discussion points out some basic boxes that must be ticked for this to be the case. If any of the warning signs are visible, be very careful of placing your investment in the hands of the wrong architectural professional.