#architect tips

Hello!

If you’re looking to extend your existing property, or you’ve taken the decision to build your dream home from scratch, then the relationship with your architect is essential to achieving a successful project outcome.  

Look. 

If you’ve never undertaken a property renovation, extension or build project before, then you may not fully understand the essential role that an architect plays in turning your vision into reality.  

Architects wear many hats. You can expect a well-established architectural practice to provide a fully comprehensive service that includes measured site surveys, initial concept designs, final plans, planning application submission, building control approval, Invitation to Tender management for suppliers and project management during the construction stage.    

In effect, you should expect your architect to fully manage your project, from concept to completion.

Five things to consider when choosing an Architect.

The following list is intended to give you some helpful pointers when choosing an Architect to complete your next project.  

1. Do they provide a Virtual Reality experience?

Translated to English, does your architect provide a Virtual Reality experience, where you can interact with your bespoke design through a Virtual Reality headset? Historically, this service has been reserved for property developers, but now, we’re starting to see an increasing number of residential architects (like this architect for example) that offer a Virtual Reality experience to their customers.

What are the advantages?

Experiencing your design in the first person allows you to quickly identify any potential design issues before your sign off your concept drawings. You will incur additional costs if you decide to make changes to your design at the planning stage.  Plus, you’ll LOVE checking out your design through a Virtual Reality headset!  

2. Do they provide a Fully Managed Service?  

If you’re looking for an Architect that will take full ownership of your project from start to finish, then make sure that they have the in-house skillset and resources to provide a fully managed service.    

For example, your architect will provide a measured site survey, initial concept designs (make sure they don’t change for revisions) and detailed plans for your planning application. If you want a fully managed service, then check to make sure they employ a project manager or consultant that will submit the planning application on your behalf, in addition to arranging for Building control approval (if required).  

As part of a fully managed service, you should also expect your Architect to recruit the tradespeople and professionals required to complete your build. A project Manager will create an Invitation to Tender (ITT) on your behalf that can be sent to a selection of builders, contracts and tradespeople for application. Typically, a well-established Architectural Practice will have ongoing working relationships with a number of local trusted and reputable Companies and tradespeople – who will be their go-to suppliers when undertaking a project.

3. Are they local?

You may not think this is important, but locality should be taken into consideration when choosing an Architect to complete your project.  Why? Its highly likely that your Architect will need to attend site on more than one occasion during the initial design and planning stages. If they are not local to you, then you’re likely to be charged for any additional travel costs incurred by the Architect.  In addition, local Architects will have a much better understanding and knowledge of local planning application requirements - greatly increasing your chances of your application becoming successful at the first time of asking.

Houzz is a great place to find local architects - https://www.houzz.co.uk/ 

4. How much experience do they have?

An established Architect, or Architectural Practice will have a strong portfolio of previously completed projects for you to look through online. If they don’t then proceed with caution!

Also, its important to see examples of previous work that relate to your project. For example, if you’re looking for an Architect to build a single-story house extension, then you need to find an Architect that has completed many similar projects, al of which can be found in their portfolio.

Check out these 10 Architecture portfolios for inspiration - https://www.format.com/magazine/galleries/design/best-architecture-portfolio-examples

5. Can they provide up-to-date references?

When conducting due diligence, ask your prospective Architect to provide customer references from recently completed projects. You may think this is overkill, but by doing this, you’ll ensure that you’re choosing an architect that is currently providing a great service to its clients, not just historically.

If you’re using a local Architects (which you should), then why not jump in the car and go and check out some of your Architects recently completed work? (just don’t trespass on anyone’s property!

Good luck with your upcoming project!