Style can be tweaked, but if they can’t communicate clearly or keep things moving, it’s just stress all the way down.
That’s the truth right there. I’ve seen folks get totally wowed by a designer’s portfolio, only to end up stuck in endless back-and-forths because the plans were missing details or didn’t match what the city wanted. Communication is everything. If you can’t get a straight answer about how they handle changes or unexpected issues, that’s a red flag.
One thing I’d add—don’t just look at their finished projects. Ask to see a set of actual working drawings or specs from a past job (with client info blacked out, obviously). You can tell a lot from how organized and thorough those are. If you’re staring at a bunch of hand-scribbled notes or generic templates, that’s probably how your project will go too.
I’d also say, don’t underestimate the value of someone who’s local or at least familiar with your area’s permitting quirks. My first go-round, I hired someone from out of town because their rates were lower. Ended up spending way more time (and money) fixing stuff they missed because they didn’t know our city’s weird rules about eaves and setbacks.
And yeah, “problem-solving over style” is huge, but I’d argue you still want someone who gets your vibe. If you’re butting heads over every little design choice, it gets old fast. There’s gotta be some chemistry there, even if it’s just mutual respect.
Last thing—if they’re cagey about references or past clients, walk away. The good ones are proud of their work and happy to connect you with people who’ll vouch for them.
