I'd really appreciate a Porsche 911... only half kidding!

For my first, second, and third place choices see Virgil's comment. For the rest see:

https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/tag/gifts/

The best gift to an architect is a nice, uplifting, generous with words, and accurate review. Go on Social media to do this, Houzz or his web page.

It makes my day when I hear my client's comments.

In this time and era, it doesn't hurt to add an amazon gift card (or their favorite store). Minimum $500. Any amount above this is up to you, depending on results and how much they discounted.

Here are some nice ties and other thingsCheck out the CIVITAS map ties. Back in the day when architects wore ties to work they developed an affection for bow ties.

Back in the 60's & 70's there were a lot of 911's, Italian road bikes and bow ties.

Prompt payment and referrals.

@Naf_Naf - A minimum $500 amazon gift card? Are you the architect in question?

I think it's really nice you are considering a gift for your architect.

Architects on this thread have provided gift ideas that span the gift spectrum from a necktie to a Porsche 911. How do you decide? Glad you asked. I suggest you wait until construction is complete to assess the overall design effort.

If the home is perfect, fits your lifestyle like a glove, the plans were free of errors and omissions, and your architect saved you beaucoup bucks on construction cost as a result of their creativity and experience then I suggest you give serious consideration to the Porsche 911.

If the home isn't so perfect, the plans had lots of errors and omissions that resulted in budget-busting change orders, elevated anxiety, lost sleep, etc. then I suggest a tie or a pair of socks.

I got the feeling the house had been built. More information would help.

@rsc2a

No, he/she asked for ideas and I gave my opinion based on this: 'The architect gave us a significant discount'. They deserve a nice gift but of course, it depends on the op's budget and specifics of the project, size, final cost, etc. A good architect can save the client thousands.

When we were building we needed some water from the neighbor (masonry work).

Cost of water? Maybe $40. The help he gave me? Priceless. I gave him a 250 restaurant card. Now I get a big smile from him everyday lol and he keeps an eye on things.

If home is not yet built I too would wait for a thank you as their job is likely far from over!

By the time our project was done many of my thank you plans were gone lol.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I should have mentioned the home hasn't been built yet. We'll wait until it's complete before deciding on a thank you gift.

For people who enjoy fine wine or liquor, we have found that a special, hard to find, high end bottle of their favorite that costs more than they would normally spend has always been a big hit. To go along with the Porsche and gift card.

Get a Mont Blanc pen from Coscto. That's what I intend to gift to my wonderful architect.

Why give them anything at all? You paid them (albeit at a discount) for their services. Unless you are 100% sure of their preference in "things" - don't get them anyTHING at all. An extra "bonus" in cash would be fine.