How to choose an architect in Campinas: what to consider before hiring

Describe your needs before comparing practices

Building a house, renovating an apartment, and reorganizing an existing room are different situations. Prepare a summary of the property, its users, and the main difficulties. Explain what you want to keep, what you want to change, and which decisions have already been made.

This preparation helps the practice explain whether it offers the support you need. If the scale of the work is unclear, an initial conversation can identify information to gather before defining the appointment. You do not need to arrive with a drawn solution.

Look beyond the appearance of the portfolio

Find out which problems each project aimed to solve and what role the practice played. A photograph of a completed space communicates different information from a visualization created to present a proposal. Ask about this distinction if the caption is unclear.

Look at the relationships between rooms, storage, circulation, and composition. Consider whether the examples address needs similar to those of your property. The aim is to recognize an approach you can work with, rather than request a copy of another project.

Confirm who is responsible and check professional registration

Ask who will be responsible for the service. CAU's public search lets you check the registration of professionals and companies, including by municipality. Use official channels and clarify who will be involved in each activity.

Also ask who will present the studies, receive your feedback, and answer questions during the work. A team may have several distinct roles. Understanding this organization avoids relying on contact arrangements that have not been agreed.

Compare deliverables and responsibilities in the proposal

Check which rooms, stages, and documents are included. Ask how revisions will be handled, what information the client must provide, and which additional services require a separate appointment. Two proposals with similar names may cover different activities.

Distinguish design, management, and construction. Construction photographs in a portfolio do not mean every proposal includes continuous site oversight. If you need support at that stage, describe your expectations and check how they appear in the deliverables and responsibilities.

• Which parts of the property are included?
• What will be presented and delivered at each stage?
• How will revisions and approvals be recorded?
• Which in-person activities and forms of construction support are included?

Assess how the practice approaches the conversation

A productive conversation gives you room to explain your needs and understand the reasoning behind proposals. Consider whether your questions are understood and whether the answers help you assess alternatives. Clarity about the limits of the service is also part of this assessment.

Before deciding, record any unresolved points. Compare the scope, communication, and appointment terms together, rather than relying on a single image or price. The best fit depends on the work you need to develop.