Even though every church’s vision and building needs are different, there are important core values that every client should seek from a church architect, such as:

- An Understanding of the Heart of the Church
- An Understanding of Ministry Functions
- Thoroughness and Attentiveness
- Proactivity
- Integrity
- Active Communicator
- Great Listener
- Commitment to Fulfill Your Vision, not Theirs

Here is our full guide on How to Choose a Church Architect.

Keeping some basic questions in mind will help you in your search for a church architect as you narrow down and ultimately choose the right fit for your church project. In addition to the questions below, write down any other specific questions you have:

• How many church projects have you been involved in?

• Have you done our type of church project before?

• What can I expect to get with my church’s budget of $_____?

• Will I have direct access and communication with all key team members?

• What do you offer that is beyond the standard architectural services (design, construction drawings, administration, FF&E selection)?

The architect is the person or team who coordinates every service and stage in your building process. They are responsible as the listening ear and spokesperson to make sure your vision is understood and carried out by everyone involved. From the first conversation through the certificate of occupancy, the architect acts on behalf of the church coordinating all aspects of the design and construction process.

An architect makes sure that all parties involved are sticking to the timeframe and budget. They also communicate any changes or issues that arise and help create a unique growth solution to keep everything moving forward in the best interests of the project.

There are different routes you can take when beginning your church building process. Many have confusion in understanding the options from full-service Architects to design-builders, and the spectrum in between.

A Design-Builder

A design-builder is a construction firm that "packages” design services with construction services under one contract. The designers may or may not have experience designing a church specifically or a knowledge of how a church ministry functions and flows. The designers may either be a part of the construction company or a separate entity, simply retained by the construction company to offer a “design-build” service.

Although in general this may sound like a positive arrangement, the main downside is that there is less accountability in the performance of the design services. Even if the designer is experienced and well-qualified to design church projects, his “boss” is the contractor – not the church.

A Full-Service Church Architect

In being retained directly by the church, a full-service church Architect will endeavor to understand fully the unique aspects of that client’s specific program, and offer thorough designs, drawings, and renderings to ensure all details of the building — inside and out — are thought of, planned for, and budgeted for accordingly.

As the client’s advocate, the Architect will also facilitate the selection process for the right builder on the project. This intentionally separates the design and construction services from each other so that the “fox is not in the chicken house”.

A design-builder might be a good option for some projects. However, when it comes to building a church, this isn’t the best option.

A full-service church Architect understands the inner workings of a church ministry — from the importance of a welcoming outside appearance, an easily flowing front lobby, safe and fun Children’s areas — to understanding diverse issues such as land acquisition & property entitlement, how to obtain the needed permits and knowing what soil samples to take. They are very aware of all the layers and elements — both seen and unseen — that are vital to making your church building project a success.

A full-service Architect focuses on beautiful Architecture, as well as seeing the big picture. They are well-versed in all the little tasks and steps to get you to your end goal of a beautiful, functional, and safe space for your church family.

Choosing a full-service church Architect will be a vital decision to the success of your church building process. They will be your greatest teammate advocating for you from the very beginning and keeping a clear line of communication open to ensure all parties stay on task when it comes to accuracy, schedule, and budget.

Considering whether it’s time to expand your church, as you know, is a big decision. But how do you know if it’s time to expand? Luckily, there are signs to be aware of to know it may be time for you to take the first steps in expanding your church ministry.

Growth signs to look for:

• Services are Maxed Out

• Children’s Department is Full

• Parking is Unmanageable

• Community areas, bathrooms and walkways are always congested

• Financially Able and Ready

Just as important as it is to know when it’s time to expand, is knowing when it’s time to wait. Waiting is not a negative thing. It can be an important, essential time of sustaining, growing and planning for your church’s future. There are also “signals of waiting” you can be aware of to help give you direction.

Indicators it may be time to wait:

• You have not utilized all available service times

• You have not utilized all available space

• You aren’t seeing consistent growth

• In debt or financially unstable

There are a variety of options to consider for your church expansion. Some of these options include using your current building, but “reworking” it. Other options are finding a solution outside of your church building. And still another option, is building a new church building from the ground up.

1. Add an additional service.

2. Rent a school building.

3. Add an overflow space.

4. Add a physical addition or renovation to your existing structure/property.

5. Move to or convert an existing building.

6. Build from the ground up.

See more about these solutions when you are outgrowing your church.

There are many factors that determine how long it will take to build a church. Each step of acquiring land, conceptual design, full A&E services, and construction have their own timeframes but this can range from 15 - 18 months depending on each step of the process. Here is a full breakdown of the steps and timeframes to build.

Prayer

Just like prayer being a foundational step in building your church’s vision, prayer is also a huge part of including your church family in the preparation process of your new church building. As needs, concerns or victories arise, make sure you share them with your church so that an entire army will be joining you in praying and thanks to our God!

Periodic Updates

Holding periodic meetings to share updates and news about your new church building will help your church family feel included in the transition process as well as get them excited about the upcoming season. Remember to celebrate, celebrate, celebrate, all along the way throughout the process!

Fundraising

Don’t underestimate the giving potential of your church. In most instances the success of the fundraising campaign is directly related to the strength in the communication of the vision. Most times, large amounts of money must be raised. As you set your ultimate goal, break it into bite size pieces to celebrate.

Giving your church an active role in the fundraising process will give them a sense of ownership in their new church home and show them that they are crucial and valued as a part of your church family!

In order to find the ideal property for your church, there are many factors to take into consideration. It is much more complex than simply finding an available property at your price-point.

First, ask yourself some foundational questions. The answer to each question will help prompt the next question, eventually giving insight into how large the land needs to be. How many attendees do we anticipate? A good rule of thumb is to build 50% larger than what you are currently seating. How many parking spots will we need to accommodate them? Those questions will help answer the questions; How big does our entire building square footage need to be? and finally, What size of land do we need in order to provide space for all these elements?

Even before you’re ready to build, a full-service church architect can help you clarify your building vision and future ministry goals in order to better gauge the perfect property fit for your church. This includes assessing your current needs, anticipating future needs, understanding your budget, and knowing your desired location.

Their partnership will help you know what kind of property to look for and how to actually acquire it. In addition, they have valuable knowledge and experience of knowing what to look for and what to be leery of when it comes to making a sound land investment. They can also help you know when the right time is to secure your land purchase.