A practical guide to finding the best design partner for your Kenyan project
You’ve made the decision to build. You have land, a budget, and a vision. Now comes one of the most important decisions of your entire project: choosing the right architect.
The architect you select will shape not just how your building looks, but how it works, how much it costs to build, how long it takes, and how you feel throughout the journey.
A great architect makes the process enjoyable and delivers a building you’ll love for decades. The wrong choice leads to stress, cost overruns, and disappointment.
This guide helps you ask the right questions—before you sign a contract.
Why This Decision Matters
| With the Right Architect | With the Wrong Architect |
|---|---|
| Process is clear and enjoyable | Process is confusing and stressful |
| Budget is respected | Costs spiral with variations |
| Timeline is realistic and met | Delays and excuses |
| Design exceeds expectations | Design disappoints |
| Problems are solved collaboratively | Problems become disputes |
| You’d hire them again | You warn others away |
The cost of a wrong choice isn’t just the fee you paid—it’s the stress, the delays, the compromised result, and the lost opportunity.
Question 1: Are You Registered with BORAQS?
Why It Matters
In Kenya, architecture is a regulated profession. Only architects registered with the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) can legally practice and stamp drawings for approval.
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| BORAQS-registered | Legally qualified, insured, bound by professional code |
| Not registered | Illegal practice—drawings will be rejected by county |
What to Ask
- Can I see your BORAQS registration certificate?
- Is your registration current?
- Who on your team is registered? (Firms may have multiple architects)
Red Flags
- Evasive answers about registration
- “We work with a registered architect who stamps drawings” (means you’re not dealing directly with the registered professional)
- No registration number on correspondence
Question 2: What Similar Projects Have You Done?
Why It Matters
Experience matters. An architect who specialises in high-end homes understands different challenges than one who mostly does commercial offices.
| Your Project Type | Look For Experience In |
|---|---|
| Custom home | Similar size, budget, style homes |
| Apartment block | Multi-unit residential, developer projects |
| Commercial office | Office layouts, commercial approvals |
| Renovation | Existing buildings, structural challenges |
| Mixed-use | Complex planning, multiple uses |
What to Ask
- Can I see examples of completed projects similar to mine?
- How recent are these examples?
- May I visit a completed project? (Or speak to that client?)
- What projects do you have in progress now?
What to Look For
- Quality of photography (shows they value their work)
- Range of styles (versatility)
- Evidence of problems solved (not just pretty pictures)
- Projects that feel like they could be yours
Question 3: Who Will Actually Design My Project?
Why It Matters
Many firms have senior principals who win work and junior staff who do it. You want to know who will be drawing, thinking about, and solving problems for your project every day.
| Scenario | Reality |
|---|---|
| “Spencer will oversee your project” | He might visit occasionally, but someone else does the work |
| “Our team of 5 architects will work on it” | Means junior staff with senior review |
| “I personally design every project” | Principal hands-on—usually means smaller firm |
What to Ask
- Who will be my day-to-day contact?
- How much time will the principal spend on my project?
- May I meet the team who will work on my project?
- What is your supervision policy during construction?
What to Look For
- Transparency about team structure
- Willingness to introduce the actual team
- Clear explanation of who does what
Question 4: How Do You Charge, and What’s Included?
Why It Matters
Architectural fees vary widely, and so does what’s included. A cheap fee that excludes essential services is no bargain.
| Fee Structure | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Percentage of construction cost | Common for full service. Fee scales with project value. |
| Fixed fee | Certainty from day one. Ensure scope is clearly defined. |
| Hourly rate | Best for small consultations, advisory roles. |
| Per square metre | Common for commercial, repetitive projects. |
What to Ask
- What fee structure do you recommend for my project?
- What exactly is included in your fee? (List all stages)
- What is not included? (Structural engineer? MEP? Permits?)
- How do you handle changes or variations?
- What expenses are additional? (Printing, travel, etc.)
What to Look For
- Clear, written fee proposal
- Detailed scope of services
- Transparency about exclusions
- Professional Institute of Kenya Architects (AIK) fee guidelines reference
Question 5: How Do You Handle Approvals?
Why It Matters
Nairobi’s approval process can be a nightmare—or a smooth process—depending on your architect’s expertise.
| Competent Architect | Inexperienced Architect |
|---|---|
| Knows county requirements | Learns through your project’s rejections |
| Submits compliant drawings first time | Multiple resubmissions |
| Manages timelines realistically | Promises fast approvals, delivers delays |
| Has relationships with planning officers | Cold submissions only |
What to Ask
- How familiar are you with Nairobi County’s planning department?
- What approvals will my project need?
- How long should we budget for approvals?
- Who manages the submission process?
- What happens if plans are rejected?
What to Look For
- Specific knowledge of current requirements
- Realistic timelines (not overly optimistic)
- Clear process explanation
- Willingness to handle the bureaucracy for you
Question 6: How Do You Work With Engineers and Contractors?
Why It Matters
Architecture doesn’t exist in isolation. Your architect must coordinate with structural engineers, MEP engineers, quantity surveyors, and contractors.
| Integrated Approach | Fragmented Approach |
|---|---|
| Engineers part of the team | You hire engineers separately |
| Drawings coordinated | Clashes discovered on site |
| One point of accountability | You manage the gaps |
| Problems solved collaboratively | Finger-pointing between consultants |
What to Ask
- Do you have in-house engineers or do you outsource?
- How do you ensure drawings are coordinated?
- What’s your process for contractor selection?
- How do you handle site supervision?
- What happens if there’s a problem during construction?
What to Look For
- Preference for collaboration
- Clear explanation of team structure
- Examples of problem-solving
- Willingness to be accountable
Question 7: Can I Speak With Previous Clients?
Why It Matters
References are your best protection. A portfolio shows what an architect can do. References reveal what they’re like to work with.
| What References Reveal |
|---|
| Were they responsive? |
| Did they respect the budget? |
| Did they meet deadlines? |
| How did they handle problems? |
| Would the client hire them again? |
What to Ask
- Can you provide contact details for 2-3 recent clients?
- May I speak with clients whose projects are similar to mine?
- What was the budget versus final cost on those projects?
- What was the promised timeline versus actual?
What to Look For
- Willingness to provide references (reluctance is a red flag)
- References who respond and are enthusiastic
- Honest answers about challenges (every project has them)
- Clients who would hire them again
Bonus Questions
About Sustainability
- How do you design for Nairobi’s climate?
- What experience do you have with energy-efficient design?
- Do you specify sustainable materials?
About Technology
- Do you use BIM (Building Information Modeling)?
- How do you present designs to clients (2D, 3D, VR)?
- Do you use AI tools in your process?
About Contracts
- What form of contract do you recommend?
- How are payments structured?
- What happens if we disagree?
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
| Red Flag | Why |
|---|---|
| Not BORAQS-registered | Illegal practice—drawings will be rejected |
| Vague about fees | Surprises later |
| No portfolio or unwilling to share | Nothing to show or hiding something |
| Over-promising timelines | Unrealistic = inexperienced or dishonest |
| Bad-mouthing previous clients | You’ll be next |
| Unwilling to provide references | Hiding problems |
| Pressure to sign quickly | Always a bad sign |
Green Flags: What to Look For
| Green Flag | Why |
|---|---|
| Clear, written fee proposal | Professional, transparent |
| Realistic timelines | Honest, experienced |
| Proud of previous work | Takes pride in results |
| Good listener | Will design for you, not themselves |
| Asks good questions | Interested in understanding your needs |
| References enthusiastic | Proven track record |
| Explains things clearly | Good communicator |
The Selection Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Research (2-3 weeks)
- Ask for recommendations from friends, developers, contractors
- Search online (your firm’s website, AIK directory)
- Identify 3-5 architects whose work appeals to you
Step 2: Initial Meetings (2-3 weeks)
- Meet each architect (virtual or in-person)
- Ask your questions
- Share your vision and see how they respond
- Request fee proposals
Step 3: Reference Checks (1-2 weeks)
- Contact provided references
- Ask about their experience
- Visit a completed project if possible
Step 4: Decision (1 week)
- Compare proposals (not just fees—scope, team, chemistry)
- Trust your instincts
- Make your choice
Step 5: Contract (1 week)
- Review and sign agreement
- Ensure scope, fees, and terms are clear
- Begin your project with confidence
What You Should Expect From Your Architect
| Stage | What You Should Receive |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | Listening, questions, initial thoughts |
| Proposal | Clear scope, fees, timeline |
| Design phase | Options, visuals, explanations, patience |
| Approvals | Management of submissions, updates |
| Tender | Contractor recommendations, bid analysis |
| Construction | Site visits, progress reports, quality control |
| Completion | Snagging, handover, post-occupancy support |
What Your Architect Expects From You
- Clear communication about your needs and budget
- Timely decisions (indecision causes delays)
- Respect for their expertise
- Prompt payment per agreement
- Realistic expectations
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
A bad architect choice costs more than their fee:
| Cost | Impact |
|---|---|
| Financial | Cost overruns, variations, lost value |
| Timeline | Months or years of delays |
| Quality | Poor design, construction defects |
| Stress | Constant worry, disputes, regret |
| Opportunity | A building you could have loved, but don’t |
The best time to choose carefully is before you sign.
Why AFRIK DESIGN & ENGINEERING
We welcome these questions. In fact, we encourage them.
| Your Question | Our Answer |
|---|---|
| Are you BORAQS-registered? | Yes—all our architects are registered. |
| What similar projects have you done? | Over 150 projects—residential, commercial, cultural. Ask to see relevant examples. |
| Who will design my project? | You’ll meet your team before you sign. Principals are hands-on. |
| How do you charge? | Clear, transparent proposals—no surprises. |
| How do you handle approvals? | We manage the entire process. We know Nairobi County. |
| How do you work with engineers? | They’re in-house—one team, one accountable partner. |
| Can I speak with previous clients? | Absolutely—we’ll provide references happily. |
Our integrated model means:
- One team, one contract, one point of accountability
- Architects, engineers, and construction managers together
- Faster, less stressful, more certain delivery
- Buildings designed for how Kenyans actually live and work
Ready to Choose Wisely?
Your architect is your most important partner in creating your building. Choose someone who listens, communicates, and has the experience to deliver.
We’d be honoured to be considered for your project—and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll help you find someone who is.
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AFRIK DESIGN & ENGINEERING
📞 +254 708 155 714 | +254 731 783 091
📧 info@afrikdesignengineering.com
📍 Limuru Rd, Peak Villa, Ruaka, Kenya