Look for Relevant, Built Work
A portfolio is the best evidence of how a studio thinks. Look for projects of a similar type and scale to yours — a villa, an apartment, a boutique — and pay attention to both the overall idea and the quality of details. Built photographs show what a studio can deliver; concepts and sketches show how it thinks.
Ask About the Process
A professional studio should be able to explain clearly how a project moves from first meeting to completion, what you will receive at each stage and when you will be asked to make decisions. Design Dazine, for example, works in five stages: consultation and site analysis, concept, design development, visualization and documentation, and execution and supervision.
Confirm the Scope of Services
Not every studio offers the same services. Some deliver concepts only; others carry a project through construction. Clarify early which of the following are included, and which you would need to arrange separately.
- Concept design and visualizations
- Full construction drawings and specifications
- Coordination with structural and mechanical engineers
- Cost estimation and material take-off
- Construction supervision and site visits
Judge the Conversation
Your first conversation says a lot. A good architect asks more than they talk, wants to understand how you live or work, and is honest about budget, time and constraints. You should leave the meeting feeling understood, not sold to.
Discuss Budget and Fees Openly
Share a realistic budget range early — it shapes the design. Ask how fees are structured and what happens if the scope changes. A clear written agreement listing stages, deliverables and payments protects both sides.
Choose a Partner, Not Just a Designer
A building or renovation project can take months. You will work closely with your architect through many decisions, so trust and communication matter as much as talent. Choose the studio whose work you admire and whose process gives you confidence.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask an architect before hiring?
Ask to see similar built work, how the design process works, which services and drawings are included, whether construction supervision is provided, how fees are structured and how changes are handled.
What is the difference between an architect and an interior designer?
Architects design buildings, structure, form and the overall spatial organisation; interior designers focus on layouts, finishes, lighting and furniture inside. Design Dazine offers both, so a project can be designed as one coherent whole.
How do I contact Design Dazine?
Call or message the studio on WhatsApp at +374 43 055 356, or reach it through Instagram at @designdazine.
