1. Ask what the scope actually covers
Some architects focus only on concept and planning. Others stay closely involved through technical design, contractor dialogue, and on-site decisions. Those are very different offers. Be explicit about what is included.
2. Ask who manages the local complexity
In Portugal, planning, consultants, municipal submissions, and builder coordination all require attention. If you are abroad, that complexity becomes more important, not less. You want to understand who is responsible for keeping the project legible as it moves.
3. Ask how decisions are recorded
Good projects do not run on memory. They run on documented decisions, clear milestones, and a single source of truth. This is especially important when several family members or advisers are involved.
4. Ask how communication will work during construction
The architect may be excellent in early design but weak in delivery. Renovations become difficult when nobody is translating decisions back to the site with enough regularity or authority. Choose someone who treats coordination as design responsibility, not an afterthought.