Choosing an architect is one of the biggest decisions in any building project. The design sets the budget, the daily comfort of the building, and how well it ages. This guide covers what to look for, in plain terms.
What an architect actually does
A full-service architect covers more than drawings.
- Brief and site analysis. Understanding how you live or work, and what the plot allows.
- Concept and design development. Plans, elevations, 3D views and material choices.
- Approval drawings. Prepared to meet the building code and local rules.
- Construction drawings and specifications. The details a contractor needs to build correctly.
- Coordination. Working with structural, electrical and plumbing engineers.
- Tendering support. Preparing a bill of quantities so contractor quotes can be compared fairly.
- Site supervision. Visiting during construction to check the work matches the design.
Six questions to ask before you hire
1. Can I see completed work, not just renders?
Renders show intent. Photographs of finished buildings show whether the architect can deliver. Ask for projects similar to yours and visit one if you can.
2. Who will work on my project?
In some firms the principal pitches and a junior draws. That can be fine, but know who you will deal with day to day.
3. What exactly is in the fee?
Ask what is included: concept, approval drawings, construction drawings, interior design, supervision. Ask what costs extra. A low fee with a narrow scope often ends up costing more.
4. How do you handle structural and services design?
The architect should coordinate with a qualified structural engineer. Ask whether soil testing and engineering are included or billed separately.
5. Will you supervise construction?
Many problems start on site, not on paper: wrong steel spacing, weak concrete, details changed without asking. Regular visits catch these early. See why site checks matter before every concrete pour.
6. How will we communicate?
Agree how often you will meet, how decisions are recorded and how quickly you can expect replies. For clients abroad, ask for a clear schedule of updates.
Signs you should be careful
- Pressure to sign before the scope is written down
- A fee that is far below everyone else’s
- No clear answer on who does structural design
- Reluctance to show built work
- Promises of approval speed that sound too good to be true
- No interest in visiting your site
Why local experience matters
Sylhet has its own conditions: the heaviest rainfall in the country, hills and low-lying land side by side, a higher earthquake risk and a strong tradition of brick and community building. An architect who has worked here knows how monsoon, soil and local construction practice affect design. Our articles on rain-proof design and earthquake-resistant design show what this looks like in practice.
Design reviews around a drawing table. Good projects are shaped by many hands, and clients should be part of those conversations.
A simple way to decide
- Shortlist two or three firms.
- Meet each one and describe your project the same way.
- Compare what they ask you. The architect who asks the best questions often designs the best building.
- Compare written proposals on scope, not only on price.
- Pick the one you trust to tell you when something will not work.
Talk to our studio
Aloy Architects is a full-service architecture and design studio in Sylhet working on residential, commercial, institutional and interior projects. Browse our projects or contact us to discuss your plot and your brief.
Frequently asked questions
What does an architect do on a house project in Sylhet?
An architect develops the brief into a design, prepares drawings for approval and construction, coordinates with structural and services engineers, helps with the bill of quantities, and can supervise the work on site.
How much does an architect charge in Sylhet?
Fees are usually set either as a percentage of construction cost or as a rate per square foot, and depend on scope. Get the fee and the scope in writing, and check what is included: drawings, approval support, 3D visuals, supervision.
Do I need an architect or can I just hire a contractor?
A contractor builds. An architect designs, checks that the building meets code and your needs, and protects your interests against the contractor. Using both gives you a check on the other.
Can I work with an architect if I live abroad?
Yes. Many of our clients are non-resident Bangladeshis. Video calls, shared drawings and regular site photo reports let you make decisions and track progress from anywhere.