When you’re building your dream home, the architect you choose will make all the difference. A good one doesn’t just draw up plans—they listen to your ideas, balance them with your budget and lifestyle, and translate everything into a design that actually works for you. They’ll also help you handle approvals, work with other professionals, and keep your project on track. Here’s how to find the right fit for your build.
Where to Find a Qualified Architect
BORAQS (Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors): Every practicing architect in Kenya must be registered here. Always ask for their registration number and verify it on the BORAQS website.
Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK): Many reputable architects are also members of AAK, which promotes high professional standards. Their online directory is a useful starting point.
Referrals and Site Visits: Talk to people who’ve recently built and, if possible, tour their finished homes. Seeing an architect’s work in real life can help you know if their style matches yours.
Online Communities: Construction forums and Facebook or WhatsApp groups are full of recommendations and honest reviews from people currently building.
What Qualifications to Look For
Degree in Architecture: From a recognised university, usually 5–6 years of study.
BORAQS Registration: This is the official license to practice. Don’t skip this check—it protects you legally and ensures quality standards.
AAK Membership (added plus): Shows ongoing commitment to professional growth and ethics.
Residential Project Experience: Not every architect specialises in homes. Ask to see their previous residential projects to be sure.
Pro Tip
To confirm that a person is the true architect of a residence, you can:
Ask to see the contract or agreement between the property owner and the architect (this should include scope of work, architect name, registration number).
Check the architectural drawings and plans submitted for building permit: they usually have the architect’s name, firm, registration number, stamp/seal.
Cross‑reference the architect's registration number or name with the BORAQS register.
What Your Architect Should Deliver
Here’s what you should expect from your architect:
Concept sketches – early layouts and style ideas.
Floor plans and elevations – scaled drawings showing spaces and the look of the house.
Structural and technical drawings – coordinated with engineers and part of the full documentation package.
Bill of Quantities (BoQ) – prepared by a Quantity Surveyor but coordinated through the architect.
Council submission package – complete set of drawings and documents stamped for county approval.
3D renderings (optional) – helpful for visualising your finished home.
Supervision reports – if you’ve engaged them for site visits, they’ll provide updates on progress and compliance.
How Much It Costs and How Long It Takes
Fees: Most architects charge about 6% of your total construction cost for full services (design, approvals, and site supervision).
Example: For a KES 10 million home, expect fees of around KES 600,000.
Payments: Normally spread out—10–20% upfront, then installments as designs progress.
Timelines (approximate):
Concept design: 2–4 weeks.
Detailed drawings and county approvals: 4–8 weeks.
Supervision: ongoing during the construction period.
Final Tips for Selecting Your Architect
Ask for at least three client references from similar projects.
Pick someone you can communicate well with—you’ll be working together for months.
Trust your instincts. If they dismiss your ideas, it’s a red flag.
Make sure they understand local building codes and county approval processes; this saves time and costly mistakes later.
Always sign a formal contract outlining scope, timelines, payments, and deliverables.
The right architect isn’t just a designer—they’re your partner in turning your dream home into reality. Take the time to choose carefully, and you’ll thank yourself every step of the build.
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