How Do You Select An Architect

I will readily admit that I'm not very good at selecting suppliers. Whether they are builders, architects, financial advisors, solictors, gardeners or mechanics. I'm pretty good at selecting laptops and cameras and toys and anything that doesn't have an emotional brain in it. But suppliers?

So, how does the average Joe go about selecting a supplier of a service? I need an architect and I have a problem. I want value for money and I want imagination. To re-use a well-worn phrase, SIMPLES. Except for two small issues:

• I don't understand architects' costs
• I don't know how to determine if an architect is imaginative enough

I've been given the names of a couple of architects and I've gathered the names of more from the "interweb". Would it be fair to send them a basic house plan, tell them there is a budget of £100,000 and ask them for a sketch of how they would approach the job? That seems pretty fair to me, to be honest. A "Proof Of Concept" if you will. But will they go for it?

And as for solicitors!!! Is there any such thing as a good solicitor? Should I just go with a recommendation? To be honest, I've had just one recommendation for a solicitor. ONE! You solicitors out there are not doing a good job when it comes to repeat business it would seem!

Anyway, I need to phone these "suppliers" this week and get the ball rolling. I hate engaging with these people. Wish me luck!