How to Prequalify an Architect
If your company or organization has a variety of projects planned, then you should compile a list of prequalified architects. By compiling this list in advance, you can quickly select an architect and move forward with a project when funds become available, bypassing the time consuming process of issuing a Request for Proposals. Instead, you'll have a list of approved architects that can provide you with informed proposals, allowing you to confidently choose the right architect for the project.
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Things You'll Need
- List of architects
- Request for Qualifications document
- Deadline
- Review process
Instructions
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Issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Different than a Request for Proposals (RFP), a RFQ prompts architects to provide their work experience in the form of a portfolio, including graphics for your review, as well as a client list, project list, references and any other requirements you choose to specify. You may also require official forms such as the SF254 or SF330, as issued by the GSA, that express architects' and engineers' qualifications in an easy to read, standardized format.
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Review the submissions. After all of the responses to your request come in and the deadline has passed, sit down with your business associates and review the packages you've received. Quickly eliminate firms that do not fit your needs and make a pile of potential candidates.
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Hold an open discussion. Debate among your colleagues as to which qualified candidates, or architectural firms, should make the prequalified architect list. Your coworkers may have different opinions, but hear them out, and conduct a democratic vote if necessary.
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Hold Interviews with the potential prequalified firms. Once you have narrowed the field down to three teams or up to 10 or more, depending on the scope of the project, conduct personal interviews to gauge how well the firms' personalities would mesh with your team. Is their design vision in line with that of your organization?
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Decide on the shortlist. Out of the many architects you interviewed, select a few firms that you would like to have on call for upcoming projects. Now that you've completed the process, when a project does moved forward, you can quickly match the right firm with the project.
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Tips & Warnings
Limit your RFQ to a small geographical area if it's necessary for the architects to visit the site on a regular basis.
Form a committee to review the portfolios and RFQs; include architects, engineers, urban planners and as many educated professionals as possible.
Select a variety of large and small firms with varying design aesthetics if you aren't sure exactly what projects you are qualifying these firms for--flexibility is key.
Obtain legal council to ensure that you're conducting the prequalification process in line with local laws.
References
- Photo Credit a young female architect image by enens from Fotolia.com
