How to work with a Spanish architect

The architect's role in Spain

In Spain the architect has a larger formal role than many foreign clients expect. The architect prepares the project, handles approvals and – together with a building engineer (arquitecto técnico or aparejador) – is responsible for supervising the site. Choosing an architect is therefore also choosing who looks after quality during construction.

The stages of a typical commission

Most commissions follow roughly this order:

• Sketches and outline design (anteproyecto): brief, siting, character and a rough budget
• Permit project (proyecto básico)
• Construction drawings and specifications (proyecto de ejecución), the basis for tenders and building
• Help with tenders and choosing a builder
• Site supervision (dirección de obra) until the completion certificate

Fees and contract

Fees are often a percentage of the building budget or a fixed sum per stage. Agree in writing what is included: number of drawing rounds, visado, geotechnics, safety coordinator, supervision and site visits – and what changes cost.

Ask for a payment schedule tied to deliverables, not just dates. Then you pay for what has actually been delivered.

Drawing rounds without misunderstandings

The most expensive mistakes happen when a change is misunderstood. A few simple habits help:

• Comment directly on the drawing – put a marker on the spot instead of describing it in words
• Keep one thread per topic (the terrace, the kitchen, the windows) so the answer stays with the question
• Ask for each new revision to be clearly labelled (R1, R2 …) with a short list of what changed
• Confirm important decisions in writing, with the date

When you do not share a language

Many architects on the coast speak English, but the nuances of technical discussions get lost easily. It is better for each side to write in their own language and have it translated with the right building vocabulary than for both to write in a third language neither fully masters.

In MinePlaner you write in English and your architect reads Spanish – and the other way round. The original text is always available, you can refer to photos and put markers on the drawing, and the architect can reply with sketches and PDFs. Both of you get e-mail notices in your own language.

Prepare for the first meeting

The better prepared you are, the faster the architect gets going – and the fewer drawing rounds you need. Bring:

• Your brief: how many bedrooms and bathrooms, how you use the kitchen and living room, office, storage and guest rooms
• The budget – including the limit you do not want to pass – so the proposals stay realistic
• Photos of houses, materials and solutions you like, and of what you do not like
• The plot documents: deed, nota simple, any survey and information from the town hall
• Priorities: views, sun, privacy, pool, accessibility
• Your timetable and when you can travel out yourselves

The architect during construction

Once building starts, the architect and the building engineer are your eyes on site. Agree how often they will be there, how you will get reports (ideally with photos) and who approves changes. Ask that any change affecting price or time is always confirmed in writing before it is carried out – it saves surprises on the final invoice.

Share only what the architect needs

Your architect needs drawings, documents and photos of the plot – not the family pictures. Give the architect a personal link that shows exactly that: less noise and faster answers. The family can have their own presentation with the nice photos.