What Should I Bring to the First Consultation with an Architect?

So, you’ve booked a consultation with an architect or designer (yay!) and now you’re wondering what, exactly, you need to bring. First of all, don’t stress. You’re not expected to show up with blueprints or know your exact square footage. This first meeting is all about understanding your goals, getting to know each other, and starting to shape a plan that works for your home and your life.

If you work with me, I’ll have you fill out a questionnaire to help clarify your goals, budget, style preferences, and other key details. That said, there are some things that are just better discussed in person—things that come up naturally in conversation and help shape the project in more nuanced ways.

A little prep can go a long way, so here’s what I recommend bringing to help make the most of your consultation:

1. 📝 A Brief Description of Your Project (The What)

Think big-picture here. Are you hoping to remodel your kitchen? Add a guest suite? Build a brand-new home? Share what you’re dreaming of, even if the details are fuzzy. The goal is to give your architect or designer a clear sense of your needs and hopes—no design vocabulary required.

2. 💭 Your Project Goal (Your Why)

It’s easy to focus on the what—a new kitchen, a bathroom remodel, an addition—but take a moment to consider the why behind your project. Are you making space for a growing family? Hoping to create a comfortable home for an aging parent? Needing better accessibility for yourself or a loved one? Your “why” provides purpose and direction. It helps guide design decisions and ensures the final result supports your life—not just your wishlist.

3. 📷 Inspiration Images or a Pinterest Board

Photos speak louder than words, especially when describing style, mood, or layout ideas. If you’ve been pinning, bookmarking, or screenshotting dream spaces, bring them! These visuals help your architect or designer get a feel for what you love (and don’t love).

4. 📐 Existing Drawings or Photos of Your Home

If you have original plans, surveys, or even simple sketches of your existing home, great! If not, no worries—a few photos of key areas (especially the project area) can still be incredibly helpful.

5. 💸 An Idea of Your Budget

I know, budget talk can feel a little uncomfortable this early. But even a rough range is useful to make sure your project goals align with realistic costs. It’s not about committing to a number—it’s about helping your architect or designer guide you wisely from the start.

6. 📆 Your Ideal Timeline

Do you want to be in by the holidays? Looking to break ground next spring? Sharing your timeline helps your architect or designer map out a process that makes sense—and sets expectations early on.

7. 📍Any Site or Location Info

If you’re planning an addition or a new build, bring the address, parcel number, or any property details you have. Knowing the jurisdiction can help your architect or designer identify local zoning rules, permit timelines, or site-specific challenges.

8. ❓Your Questions!

This is your chance to get clarity. Whether you're wondering about the design process, how fees work, or what’s even possible on your site, bring a list. No question is too small (or too weird!).

TL;DR: You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out

The most important thing to bring? An open mind. A good consultation is more like a conversation than a presentation—it's where ideas take shape and possibilities start to unfold. Your architect or designer is there to listen, guide, and ask the right questions to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Thinking about starting a project?
I’d love to hear about it! Fill out this questionnaire to get started—we’ll set up a time to talk and see if we’re a good fit.

Happy planning!
Chelsea

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