How To Hire a GC and Architect
How to Find the Right GC and Architect for Your Office Buildout (Without Losing Your Sanity)
So, you’ve signed the lease. Congratulations — you’ve officially graduated from “touring cool spaces” to “making one actually work for your team.”
Now comes the fun (and slightly terrifying) part: the tenant improvement (TI).
Your space is about to become a reflection of your culture, your brand, and let’s be honest, your patience. The right general contractor (GC) and architect will make your life easy. The wrong ones will have you Googling “what’s the penalty for breaking a lease?”
Here’s how to find the dream team and what to ask before you hand over the keys (and the checkbook).
1. Look for Experience That Actually Matters
Everyone says they “do office buildouts.” That’s like saying you “cook.” Sure, but is it pasta or soufflé?
You want people who know your space type inside and out. Tech-heavy labs, creative offices, medical suites , each has its quirks. A GC who’s done five floors of open office with exposed ceilings will handle HVAC and acoustics very differently than one who just built dental clinics.
Ask:
Have you done projects like ours, in size, use, and budget?
Any photos or case studies?
Ever worked in this building or with this landlord before? (That one’s a bonus, they’ll already know where the breaker panel hides.)
2. Make Them Explain Their Process (in English, Please)
You’re not hiring a magician. You should understand exactly how design, permitting, and construction unfold, and how they’ll keep you in the loop.
Ask:
What’s the timeline from design to move-in?
How do you handle permits and inspections?
Who’s my day-to-day contact?
How often will I get updates (and in what format, email, calls, or smoke signals)?
If they can’t explain it clearly, imagine how they’ll handle a city inspector.
3. Talk Money Early and Often
Budget surprises are fun when it’s your birthday, not when it’s drywall.
Ask for transparent pricing and a conversation about where your dollars are actually going. A good GC and architect will help you make smart tradeoffs without cheaping out on quality.
Ask:
How do you estimate costs before drawings are done?
What’s not included in your bid?
How do you handle change orders?
Where do you usually find cost savings?
Pro tip: if someone says “don’t worry about that now,” worry about it immediately.
4. Check References and Not Just the Ones They Hand You
Anyone can list happy clients on their website. Ask to talk to a few recent ones, ideally with projects similar to yours.
Ask their past clients:
Did they communicate well?
Were there surprises and how were they handled?
Would you hire them again?
If you sense hesitation or a long pause, that’s your cue.
5. Chemistry Counts (Yes, Even in Construction)
Your GC and architect will be in your life for months. Maybe longer. You want partners who can collaborate, problem-solve, and handle stress without losing their cool (or yours).
Ask:
How do you collaborate with the landlord, broker, and project manager?
How do you handle mid-project design changes?
What’s your approach when things go sideways?
Trust your gut. If someone gives off “it’s my way or the highway” energy, they’ll be fun until the first delay.
6. Local Knowledge = Fewer Headaches
Every city has its quirks. Portland’s permit process, for example, can feel like its own endurance sport. A GC or architect who knows the local players, inspectors, and codes can save you weeks.
Ask:
How familiar are you with this city’s permitting process?
Do you have local subcontractor relationships?
Have you worked with landlords like ours before?
Local know-how isn’t just convenient, it’s a money-saver.
The Bottom Line
Your TI project should feel exciting, not exhausting. The right GC and architect will help you stretch your budget, hit your timeline, and actually enjoy the process.
Take the time to interview a few teams, ask hard questions, and find people who not only know their stuff, but who you actually like talking to.
Because if you’re going to spend the next six months emailing someone 47 times about carpet tiles and fire sprinklers, you might as well enjoy it.