6. Communicate your vision.

“Pictures say more than words can,” says architect Stan Dixon. Which is why it’s common―and effective―to present an architect with a folder of magazine clippings. Dixon says that it’s important to have quality magazines and books from which to pull images.

You can also take him on a drive, pointing out architecture you like and don’t like (“what you don’t like can be just as revealing,” Dixon says). Walk through your house, naming not only your favorite aspects but also problems you hope to solve. It’s OK to present a sketch or computer-generated drawing but only as a jumping-off point. Expecting your architect to stick to your drawing is a mistake.

Next7. Take notes.