Selecting any professional is an unnerving process, and it’s particularly difficult and personal when it comes to selecting an architect.

A poor choice of doctor or lawyer, while potentially costly, is usually only temporary and rectified by moving on to a better professional.

An architect, on the other hand, controls the spaces you plan to use for years to come – whether it’s your office, your home, your church, or any other built (and many times, natural) environment.

To help you on your way to architectural nirvana, we’ve prepared a list of ten tips to consider when selecting your next architect. They are in no particular order, and based on your values and ultimate project goals, some will have more importance than others.

1. Match the Architect’s Experience. You’ll want to strike a balance between a niche architect (one that takes on very specific types of projects) and a generalist (one who does a variety of work). If your project is very specific and highly technical, a niche architect is a good bet. Many firms specialize in more than one type of project that they do very well. If you anticipate a relationship beyond the first project, consider what kind of experience you’ll need for the future as well.

2. Personality is Not Critical, But it is Important. Interview your architect to make sure you ‘click.’ All the experience in the world won’t make up for having to deal with someone who is arrogant, unmotivated, or overworked. Watch your architect’s body language and how you get treated on your first visit to the office. It will say a lot about how important your business is to the firm.

3. Seek References. Don’t just ask for them. Talk with your friends, neighbors, and business colleagues about architects they’ve interacted with in the past. Find out who they have worked for, and projects they have done. Ask to speak to owners and pick their brain about the experience.

4. Visit the Company’s Website. It would be foolish to say that all architects without a website are not worthy of your business. But having (or not having) a website in 2009, and the quality and design of that website, says a lot about a firm’s dedication to cutting-edge technology and their marketing effort. Take the time to explore a company’s website – it should be their best work and reflect their design philosophy.

5. Ask Clarifying Questions. During your initial meeting with an architect, ask open-ended and technical questions that dive deep into your discussion. Watch the architect’s reaction – whether he is patient and willing to explain things in terms you’ll understand or if he feels his time is better spent elsewhere instead of meeting with you. This will say a lot about what you can expect during the project.

6. With Fees, Think Like an Architect. Many clients are known to shop around for the best architectural fees in town without considering the quality of the final product they receive. As long as codes are met and the projects gets built, the client is happy. If you’re looking for good design, think like an architect – don’t accept the lowest bid just to save money. Architects know that low construction bids usually result in changes in the field later, poor construction oversight, and hassle for the client. Rather than just spending money, invest in your architect.

7. Learn About the Process. Smart car shoppers don’t walk into a dealership with a check in their hand, expecting the salesman to take care of the experience. They learn about the car-buying process, research values, understand their options, test drive, negotiate, and finally make the purchase. While an architect (unlike a car salesman) is looking out for your best interests, it pays to be informed before you walk in the door. You may want to read this, this, and this as a starter.

8. Ask for a Proposal. A firm’s proposal to complete the work will also say a lot about the kind of attention you’ll get during a project. Ask for a detailed proposal, and observe how long it takes for it to be sent to you, the format and level of detail included, and the follow-up and care you get once you have it in your hands.

9. Be Forthcoming With Information. You can start off the relationship on the right path by being honest and sharing information with your architect. Are you the type of client that will micromanage the process and ask to see every detail? Do you want to be hands-off and let the architect handle everything? Understanding your intentions will not only help the architect set a correct fee, but will also help with catering the project process to your needs and goals. We like working with all types of clients, but we also like knowing what we’re getting into!

10. Clarify Your Goals. It’s also important to be clear about what you want to get out of the project, how much you expect to pay, and when you’d like it to be complete. It’s critical to let the architect know how flexible you are with each parameter – for example, having a hard move-in deadline of March 3rd is much different from ‘sometime next year,’ and different steps will need to be taken by the architect to make your dream a reality. Understanding all the issues up front is critical to project success.

Choosing an architect is not simple, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Remember that the person in control is ultimately you, and choose someone who makes you comfortable and guides you through the process with care.

A well-designed project is the ultimate reward to patience and persistence.