Let the architect tell you about him/her self and show you examples of work and references. Describe the scope of the project in some detail. Then try to get an idea of what he/she might do for you and how compatible your personalities are but don't expect a recommendation for a design; that should happen after a period of discovery and collaboration.

This is just a first date. You decide if you have similar approaches to approaching living space and if your personalities mesh. That's just as important on a long build as the actual technical capabilities that someone brings to the table. You could find the most brilliant and skilled person in the world, but if they are an arrogant SOB to deal with, then the process isn't going to be pleasant at all.

Yes, review similar projects and any unique innovations or even traditional approaches that they used to achieve the homeowner's goals. Listen to what they say about the projects. Projects are always constrained by one form or another, be it site conditions, or homeowner requests, or budget. Try to pick up on that subtext in the conversation about the past project. Maybe they would have done something different or more creative if those constraints hadn't been present. You're doing enough of a bucks up project in an interesting enough location that they should be excited about the possibilities, even though there are site constraints. Site constraints just mean that extra creativity must be used, and this is a situation where they can do that without being too worried that the homeowner won't go for the idea because it overpowers a small budget. This should be FUN for them, and you want someone who expresses that excitement to you.

Good advice, above. Initial interviews with prospective architects are like interviewing a prospective surgeon or attorney. You want to know if they are qualified, experienced in your situation and if they are a caring and compassionate person for you and your situation.

Reviewing past experience is important to do, but it's also important to be realistic, as GreenDesigns points out, because every project is unique and influenced by differing criteria. You may or may not like the appearance of some of the architect's past projects, but the interesting part is finding out how they got that way. Your project will have its very own limitations and it will be informative to learn how they may have influence.

A suggestion: consider full architectural services, not just design studies. Having fully complete construction drawings and specifications is the owner's only way to ensure that the construction contract and build will be as complete as possible, with as few allowances and change orders as possible. For greater protection of the owner's interests, consider having the architect provide bidding and construction administration services where the architect will be your representative and represent your interests during actual construction. This forum is full of threads of owner concerns starting with the builder's bid and ensuing through construction and occupancy. Many of these may be avoided by having an experienced architect working on your behalf during this phase of the work.

Good luck on your project.

Thanks, all. I am super prepared for the meeting, but then it occurred to me that in this first meeting I should probably listen more than talk ...

Virgil, I have totally taken your advice to heart since first reading similar comments from you weeks back. I am only interested in a full-service relationship with an architect, one reason I won't consider any design/build firms.

Are you meeting at the construction site? We have always interviewed architects at the remodel/construction location.

One firm we are meeting at their offices in Newport. One Boston-based firm is flying in to the site to meet with us. And one firm is local, and so we will meet at the site, too. All have done at least a dozen jobs in the local area.

But the house is shut down for the winter yet and we also, I keep forgetting --- we don't own it. It hasn't closed. The latest glitch is that our driveway goes over another property, and has for 100 years.

Yes listen more than talk. But the other thing that always concerned me when talking with the architect was trying to get an understanding of, when looking at past projects, how much was them and how much was the home owner and how much was the builder....my big concern was how willing they were to collaborate with me.

Oh how exciting! You're going to start designing our dream Summer home! Ummm, err, I mean *your* dream home, yeah. ;).
If I were going to be working long distance and in a small community like where you are building, the existing relationships my Architect and Builder have with the town would be important to me. Someone who knows the ins and outs of the various departments can save you a ton of time and hassle. So in addition to their skill set, I would think it would be helpful if they have insights like "the Board of Health can be a pain, but the Conservation Commission is reasonable.".
Also, I know you're not doing a design/build firm but are you hoping these Architects can recommend builders? Or do you already have names? It's such a small community, I would be interested in seeing what builders they like and if any names come up with more than one architect. Good Luck!!

You did such an amazing job with your "everyday" home - can't wait to see this one come to life!

As Chris metioned, do not underestimate the "good ol'boy network". You want to make sure that the architect & builder are both liked by the local zoning/building departments.

We made sure our architect and builder were in this category. I believe it helped to do our project which needed a side yard set back variance. We also made some changes that no one bothered to measure and our COO was signed without a final site visit! We did follow all building codes and didn't do anything that would truly upset the town or our neighbors.

Good points about compatibility and good communications/respect/working relationship between architect and builder. The last thing anyone needs is a turf war! Thus, always good to take the necessary steps to ensure a positive working relationship.

Problems often arise when the architect is only commissioned to provide design drawings (not detailed construction drawings and specifications), and thereafter the owner, thinking they can save money, simply turns the design drawings over to the builder for bidding and construction.

More often than not, these incomplete drawings make the builder guess about a great many things, and usually lead to a long list of allowances (followed later by cost increases). Finally, there are too many builders, and even more subcontractors, that pay little attention to the drawings and simply build things the way they are used to building other spec houses. This leads to errors, omissions and frustration by owners.

Perhaps the best way to avoid all of this is to commission the architect for full services: design drawings, bidding and construction documents, and construction adminstration until the project is finished.

Just a thought.