This is the 270th most frequent Russian word.
местных
"Местных" means "local" or "of the locals" (genitive or plural form).
Here, "местных" is in the genitive plural form and describes "архитекторами" (architects), indicating their local origin or characteristic.
Мы консультировались с местных архитекторами перед началом проекта.
We consulted local architects before starting the project.
Here, "местных" functions as an adjective in the plural genitive form, modifying "продуктов" (products), indicating that the products originate from the locality.
Качество местных продуктов в этом регионе высокое.
The quality of local products in this region is high.
In this case, "местных" is used as a noun, shortened from the adjective "местные [люди]" (local people), and functions as the direct object of the verb "спрашивают" (ask).