Recently I received an email from a representative of Worship Facilities Magazine requesting insight from WPH Architects on the process of choosing an architect for designing and building a church.  Perhaps the information below would be of value to you.

 1.) What are the key items that church staff should take into consideration when selecting an architect? And why?  

Experience in the Church market is very important. A Church as a building type is very different from any other type of building. It is often a hybrid of a theatre, a school, an Office building, a café, a community center, etc, and it is often used at odd times and in odd ways. Understanding the need for flexibility in the design is key; most spaces within the church must be shared by multiple ministries for a wide range of purposes. The architect ought to be able to develop a comprehensive program from interviews with key ministry leaders, and understanding how a church operates is critical in that process. Furthermore, working with a church is very different from working in the corporate world. Building Committees usually consist of inexperienced volunteers that need to be educated in the design and construction process. And, of course there is a church body that needs to be involved with diplomacy and consideration. Choosing an Architect that is accustomed to working in this Environment is very important. A good architect will be a teacher, counselor, communicator, and guide.

2.) How greatly does personality (or personalities) play into the process?  

Relationship is the most important factor, and as personality has an effect on relationship it would be important as well. The reason relationship is so important is because the design and construction process is messy. Every construction endeavor is filled with unforeseen conditions, changes of direction, and potential conflict. A close, trusting relationship with the Architect (who should be your guide through this process) is critical. I have one note of caution on this point, however. Anyone who is an employer or has been involved in an interview process knows that first impression personalities can be quite deceiving. An interview is important, but the church needs to do their homework beyond that interview. This would involve speaking with prior clients in depth, reviewing the full scope of promotional material, visiting facilities designed by that architect, and most importantly prayer.

3.) Is there any one key item that most churches don’t consider when selecting an architect? One crucial thing that you imagine they’d considered before picking an architect? Can you give me an example?  

Many churches do not realize the full scope of work that the architect provides, and therefore they do not understand how important it is to choose the architect wisely. It is like traveling to a foreign country in which you do not know the language, culture, or geography, and you choose to explore that land without a local guide. The architect is both your guide and legal representative through the entire design and construction process.

4.) How can church staff best ensure that the architect they’re considering can craft the type of building they need?  

The church needs to go beyond reviewing the promotional material of the architect and actually visit the facilities that they have designed. This also gives the church the opportunity to speak to the staff of that church about how the design is working for them. A good architect will invite honest scrutiny.

5.) Since it’s important that the architect talk with the A/V and acoustics people early on, how can a church ensure that they get someone who’ll understand the intricacies of Technology they employ and how those intricacies should affect the building structure?

The church should ask the architect for the AVL consultants that they typically use, and if they are AVL companies experienced in Church design. The architect could also be asked who they would recommend for the church’s project and do some research on that AVL company as well. If the architect does not typically use an AVL consultant then that may give the church a key indicator on the experience of the architect in church design.

6.) Share a relevant story for me, from your personal experience, which may help to bring home one or some of the points you’ve made.

The best experience I had in being chosen as an architect was with a church that employed a four step process. The first step involved developing a list of potential candidates. From this list the church did some extensive research on each company and narrowed the selection process down to 4 candidates. The third step was to bring each candidate in for a detailed interview process. Each interview actually lasted 3-4 hours. The final and most important step was to set aside a day of fasting and prayer for the members of the building committee prior to meeting, discussing, and making a decision. This was a church that took the decision of selecting an architect seriously, did their homework, and sought the Lord’s will in the process.

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