How to Build a Successful Relationship When Working With an Architect

Establishing a Clear Contract With Your Architect

The foundation of a successful collaboration lies in a clear, detailed contract.
This document must define the scope of the architect’s mission:

• Partial services (design or studies), or

• A full mission through to project completion and final delivery.

Architects’ fees are unregulated and can take various forms — a percentage of the construction cost, a fixed fee, or an hourly rate.

💡 Expert Tip:
To avoid misunderstandings, use one of the official contract templates published by the French Order of Architects (architectes.org).

Trust is essential, but only a signed agreement ensures both parties’ protection and sets the framework for smooth collaboration.

Managing Design or Construction Changes

It’s natural for project ideas to evolve during construction.
If you decide to make modifications, your architect must record all requests in the site meeting reports, ideally held weekly.

• Minor changes (paint colors, materials) are easy to implement.

• Major changes (structural alterations or wall repositioning) require feasibility checks and may impact the overall budget and timeline.

Each significant adjustment should be formalized in a written addendum signed by both parties to prevent future disputes.

Handling Delays and Project Challenges

Delays are one of the most common construction challenges.
In such cases, your architect must:

• Identify the cause of the delay,

• Reassess project costs, and

• Apply contractual penalties where applicable.

If poor workmanship or non-compliant work occurs, the architect is required to document it in the site report and alert the client if the budget is at risk of being exceeded.

Should disagreements arise, clients can now refer to an independent mediator via mediateur-consommation.architectes.org, aiming to resolve conflicts amicably within 90 days.