How to choose an architect in Morocco

Choosing an architect in Morocco starts with the service you need. Designing a villa, renovating an apartment and supervising construction require different scopes. A portfolio is a starting point: check professional status, completed projects and the written agreement before committing.

This method applies across Morocco. Permissions depend on the site, building and proposed works; have your situation checked before commissioning studies.

1. Send the same brief to each practice

Include the city and location, available property documents, known floor area, intended uses, overall budget and preferred dates. Identify uncertainties about planning, financing, the existing structure or technical studies.

Separate land or property costs, works, professional fees, studies, administrative costs and a contingency. A works-only budget is not the full project cost.

A message you can adapt

Hello, I am planning [construction / renovation] in [city]. The property is [description and known area]. My overall budget is [amount] and my preferred start is [date]. I need [design / permissions / contractor consultation / supervision]. Could you explain your availability, comparable references and the information needed for a written proposal?

2. Check identity and professional status

Ask for the responsible architect’s name, registration number and practice details. Confirm their status with the relevant regional council through the Moroccan National Council of the Order of Architects. Law No. 016-89, published by the SGG, governs this profession.

Request insurance evidence covering the proposed service. Directory listings, reviews and sponsored placements help you discover practices; they do not replace these checks.

3. Review comparable completed projects

Look for projects with a similar building type, constraints and budget scale. Ask what the practice actually delivered: design, administrative submissions, supervision or another service.

• Request completed-work photographs, rather than renders alone.
• Discuss the original budget and final scope with the client’s permission.
• Where possible, speak to a past client about communication and changes.
• For renovation, ask about existing structures and coordination with engineers.

Local knowledge and site access matter. A practice based elsewhere may suit your project if travel, the local contact and site organisation are clearly defined.

4. Compare equivalent scopes and fees

A lower quotation may include fewer services. Compare proposals against the same brief before comparing totals.

Item	What the proposal should explain
Design	Deliverables, stages, options and included revisions
Permissions	Submissions and responses to authority comments
Technical studies	Providers, coordination and separate charges
Contractor selection	Tender documents, bid review and selection support
Site work	Visits, reports, deviations and handover assistance
Fees	Calculation method, basis, taxes, expenses and payments
Changes	Conditions for additional services

Do not assume a universal fee percentage. Price your scope. A fixed fee and a fee linked to construction cost are comparable only after clarifying inclusions and exclusions.

5. Ask these questions before signing

1. Who will be my contact and who will actually work on the project?
2. Which site or building constraints must be checked first?
3. What deliverables will I receive at each stage?
4. How will you monitor the budget and requested changes?
5. Who contracts with engineers and builders?
6. Which site visits are included and how are they recorded?
7. What happens if permissions take longer or the brief changes?
8. What does the agreement say about disputes, suspension or termination?

Separate the design timetable from administrative dependencies. Ask for an explanation of any promise of guaranteed permission or a fixed completion date before the file has been examined.

6. Use a simple decision checklist

For each practice, mark “evidence received”, “clarification needed” or “unconfirmed” for professional status, references, scope, budget and organisation. Missing information is not evidence of quality. Resolve essential gaps before choosing.

Keep the brief, proposal, signed agreement and approved changes together.

Frequently asked questions

Must the architect be based in the same city?

Proximity helps with visits. Compare local experience and the travel arrangements: who attends, how often and at what cost?

Is full site supervision automatically included?

Check the agreement. Design, submissions, contractor selection and site supervision should each be described explicitly.

Should fees decide the choice?

Compare the same scope, deliverables and exclusions. An incomplete quotation may move costs to other providers.

Prepare a local shortlist

Browse architects listed on Keyla, choose your city and prepare an interview with this checklist. Use the contact details available on profiles, then confirm documents and availability directly. Next, prepare your construction company selection.

Sources and update

Law No. 016-89, SGG and the Moroccan CNOA portal, consulted on 4 October 2026. The checklist is a Keyla editorial tool, not an official ranking.