A RIBA a RIBA

How do you pick the perfect architect? We've looked at websites, sought personal recommendations, interviewed several architects and are about to speak to customers of the favourites. But how do you really pick the person to go share the business of designing and building you the perfect house? I've (no surprise to those who work with me!) done an interview comparison sheet and constructed an options appraisal matrix... Then as usual we'll compare gut feeling to the scientifically derived rankings and if they agree, great, if not we'll review the rankings to see whether the weightings are wrong or we're being led inappropriately by our hearts rather than our heads. But perhaps you have a better way? Please share it with us!