The short answer
The first meeting with an architect — often a free or low-cost initial consultation lasting around an hour — is mostly about understanding your brief, your budget and the property. The architect will ask what you want to achieve, how you use the space, what you like and dislike, and roughly what you are willing to spend. They will look over the house and site, flag obvious constraints such as planning or party wall issues, boundaries, drains and structure, and talk through the likely RIBA work stages and how their fees work. You should leave with a clear sense of whether the project is feasible, a rough idea of the process and cost, and what the next step (usually a measured survey and a fee proposal) would be. It is a two-way interview: you are also deciding whether you trust them.
The first meeting sets the tone for the whole project. It is part fact-finding, part chemistry test — and a good architect will spend as much time listening to how you live as looking at the walls.
First meeting at a glance
- Typical length~45–90 minutes
- CostOften free or a small fixed fee
- Main focusBrief, budget, feasibility
- You should bringDeeds, photos, wish list, budget
- You leave withRough plan, process, next steps
What the architect wants to understand
The first meeting is the start of RIBA Stage 0–1 (strategic definition and preparation of the brief). The architect is trying to build a clear picture before any line is drawn. Expect questions on:
- Your brief: what you want — more space, more light, a better layout, a particular look — and why your current home does not work.
- How you live: family size, daily routines, working from home, future plans, and the rooms that matter most.
- Budget: the figure you have for the build, fees and contingencies. A good architect is candid early about whether the brief and budget match.
- Style and examples: photos, Pinterest boards or houses you admire help translate taste into design.
- Timescale: when you hope to start and any fixed deadlines, such as a growing family or a sale.
Being honest about money at this stage saves a lot of wasted design work later. An architect would rather know your real ceiling than design something you cannot build.
Looking at the property and the constraints
If the meeting is at your home, the architect will walk the building and the site. They are reading it for opportunities and for problems that affect what is possible:
- Orientation and light: which way the garden faces and where the sun falls, which often drives the design.
- Structure: obvious load-bearing walls, roof type and anything that hints at how easily the layout can change.
- Boundaries and neighbours: where the building sits relative to boundaries, and whether the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is likely to apply.
- Drainage and services: the position of drains, manholes and the route of supplies, which can limit where you build.
- Planning context: whether the property is listed, in a conservation area, or whether the work might fall under permitted development rather than needing a full application.
Fees, process and what to bring
The architect will explain how they work and how they charge, then set out a likely route through the project. You can expect them to cover the RIBA work stages, who else might be needed (structural engineer, planning consultant), and the difference between getting planning permission and getting building regulations approval. Fees are commonly quoted as a percentage of build cost, a fixed fee, or an hourly rate, and they should tell you which stages the fee covers. To get the most from the meeting, bring:
- The property deeds or a site plan if you have them, plus any existing drawings.
- A written wish list separating must-haves from nice-to-haves.
- Your budget — the real figure, not an aspirational one.
- Photos of styles you like and any examples of comparable projects.
- Questions for them: their relevant experience, whether they are ARB-registered and RIBA chartered, and who would actually do your work.
Remember the meeting works both ways. You are assessing whether they listen, whether they understand your brief, and whether you could work with them through what is often a year-long relationship.
Frequently asked questions
Is the first meeting with an architect free?
Often yes — many UK practices offer a free or low-cost initial consultation to scope the project and see if they are a good fit. Always confirm in advance, as some charge a modest fee for a detailed site visit or feasibility advice.
What should I bring to the first architect meeting?
Bring your property deeds or a site plan, any existing drawings, a written wish list, photos of styles you like and, most importantly, a realistic budget. Questions about their experience and registration are worth preparing too.
Will I get drawings from the first meeting?
Not usually. The first meeting is about understanding your brief, budget and the property and agreeing how to proceed. Design sketches and plans come after a measured survey and an agreed fee, so the work is based on accurate information.
Sources & further reading
- RIBA — working with an architect
- Architects Registration Board — find and check an architect
- GOV.UK — party wall etc. act 1996 guidance
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific project. They are guidance, not a quotation.