Essential questions to ask your architect before starting a project

When you’re bringing an architect on board for a building project, no matter how big or small, there are a few essential questions that you should ask them before committing.

Make sure to speak to a few different architects before deciding who to go with. By asking them all the same questions, you’ll be better able to directly compare them and decide who’s best for the job at hand.

Do you have experience with this type of project?

Finding out whether an architect has worked on a similar type of project before is extremely beneficial when choosing who to go with.

While one architect’s fees may be lower, they may be less experienced in the required area than others. In this instance, you might benefit from paying more for the specialist expertise.

You should also ask to see examples from the architect’s portfolio of similar projects, and for references that you can follow up on.

How do you charge?

Not all architects charge the same way. Make sure you know what to expect from your architect’s fee structure.

Find out exactly what is included in the basic services, what would incur additional costs, and how the architect would deal with any unexpected costs.

It’s also worth clarifying whether the budget includes VAT, as this can make a huge difference in the quote.

What is the proposed timeline?

It’s always worth knowing roughly how long a project will take, though there should always be some leeway for unexpected issues.

Again, this is a good way to find out more about your architect. If you speak to one architect who quotes a much longer or shorter timeframe, ask for details as to why they think it will take this long. From the size of the team working on the project to the architect’s current workload, there are many reasons why you might receive a different answer from different practices, and these could inform your final decision.

What will you require from the architect throughout the project?

Some architects are more hands-on than others, handling all aspects of admin and communication between contractors.

If you’re busy or simply happy to delegate the project admin, this is the perfect solution. However, if you’d like to be heavily involved in the process throughout, this type of architect might not be for you.

It’s also worth asking what input you will be required to make for design decisions, and when, so you can make yourself available.

Who will be working on the project team?

It’s often the case that when you first meet with an architect, they aren’t the person that will actually end up working on your project.

Find out exactly who you will be working with, including any third parties and contractors. Making sure that you like and trust the people on your team is extremely important, especially for long-term builds.

Work with James Brindley of Design Haus

I pride myself in being the sole point of contact for my clients, so they always know exactly who to talk to at any stage of the project. I’ll be there from day one right through to project completion, answering questions and providing solutions whenever you need them.

If you’d like to work with a conscientious, hands-on architect, get in touch with me today.

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Home improvement, Working with architects

Tags: advice, Architect, Architecture, construction, Home Improvement, Working with Architects

30 November 2020

Do I need an architect?

If you’re looking to make changes to your existing home, you may be wondering whether you need an architect.

While many people believe that architects are only necessary for large projects such as designing buildings from scratch, they’re extremely useful for smaller home improvements, too.

How do I know if I need an architect?

Strictly speaking, there’s no legal requirement to hire an architect for a project. However, an architect is able to create designs, optimise space, handle project admin, manage your budget and ensure that the final build meets all necessary regulations.

There are four main types of project that especially benefit from the input of an architect:

1. Ideas and big-picture thinking

If you’re not sure what you want, or you have ideas but don’t know how to implement them, working with an architect is invaluable.

Not only will an architect be able to give you some insight into how much your project should cost and how long it will take, they can provide practical, creative and unique solutions.

Tell your architect what you’re looking to achieve and they’ll give you options on how to do it. Whether that’s bringing more light into your home, creating more space or incorporating a particular material, an architect has the expertise to turn your vision into reality.

2. Extensions and conversions

As these are significant additions to your home, discussing an extension or conversion with an architect will help to ensure the best outcome.

Not only can an architect help you to design the new addition, they can advise where best to locate it to ensure the maximum amount of light or to provide the most natural flow from room to room.

In particular, if your addition offers challenges such as tight spaces, unusual shapes or changes in floor level, it’s best to bring an architect on board.

3. Changing layouts and removing walls

If you’re thinking about moving or removing interior walls to open up a space, or adding or moving doors and windows, you’ll want to work with an architect.

Changing the layout of your home isn’t as simple as knocking down walls and rebuilding them elsewhere; there are a lot of technical considerations to protect the structural integrity of the building.

As well as advising you which changes are safe and practical, an architect can help you to create a space that works. How doors and windows interact with a room, and how the space is utilised can make or break its function and enjoyability.

4. Obtaining planning permission

Architects know which projects require planning permission, and how to apply for it. This can be a complicated and time-consuming process to do by yourself, so handing it over to an expert will allow you to relax.

Your architect can fill out all the paperwork and liaise with the council on your behalf, handling any necessary changes quickly and efficiently. This will help you to complete your build project on time and minimise the chance of rejection.

when to hire an architect

Here are some common household remodelling projects that would benefit from the input of an architect:

Extensions
Conservatories
Loft conversions
Barn conversions
Moving the location of a bathroom or kitchen
Changing the position of or knocking down interior walls
Installing a swimming pool
Large projects with multiple contractors
Projects that require planning permission

While smaller jobs might not require an architect, they are often well worth their fees to ensure a smooth-running project.

Do you need an architect?

If your project does require an architect, then get in touch to discuss your project and turn it from a dream into reality.

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Home improvement, Residential architecture, Working with architects

Tags: Architect, Extension, Planning Permission, Working with Architects

30 November 2020

How to appoint an architect

Building design and construction projects can be expensive and complicated. Unless your project is very simple, you will benefit from the expertise of an architect.

An architect’s job is to help you to navigate the design and build process from start to finish, ensuring that the final build is functional, safe, and meets all legal requirements. However, many people have never hired an architect before, so the process can seem a little daunting.

Take a look at our guide to appointing an architect.

Finding an architect

The most important part of appointing an architect is finding the right person for the job.

Research architects in your area to determine their level of experience and areas of expertise, and meet with them to discuss your project in more detail. Most architects will provide a free consultation to assess the job, but you should expect to pay for more detailed advice or information.

Personal recommendations can be a useful way to find a trustworthy architect, but it’s worth bearing in mind whether the two projects are comparable; just because an architect was right for your friend’s job, doesn’t mean that their expertise is suitable for your requirements.

Architect accreditations

Make sure the architect offers what you’re looking for, but don’t pay for more than you need. For a relatively straightforward domestic extension, it doesn’t make sense to pay a premium for an architect that is highly experienced in renovating historic buildings.

The term ‘architect’ is a protected term, and anyone in the UK who refers to themselves as such must be registered with the ARB. It’s also a good idea to look for a RIBA registered architect to ensure that your chosen practitioner offers the highest level of service.

Architect fees

It’s extremely difficult to benchmark how much architects charge, as there are a huge number of factors behind pricing considerations.

The fee will depend on the appointed architect, whether that’s a signature architect, lead architect or junior architect, the size, complexity and type of building required, the location of the project, the level of service required, and many other factors.

When choosing between architects, make sure that you are comparing like-for-like services. Some architects may offer a complete service, from measuring and drawing up designs through to liaising with all contractors on your behalf. This will naturally make their fees higher than an architect offering pure consultancy.

There are three standard ways that architects charge for projects:

Percentage of the total build cost
Lump sum fee
Hourly rate

It’s important to discuss these options with your architect to determine which works best for your project before proceeding with the appointment.

Forms of appointment

Once you and your architect agree to work together, you will need to draw up an appointment to agree the work to be undertaken. This means setting out in writing the scope of the services required, as well as the fees that will be charged.

There are several standard forms appointment available through bodies such as RIBA, ACA and the CIC for more straightforward projects. These options have the benefit of being cheaper and more convenient than bespoke agreements, while providing clarity and legal backing for both parties.

Where a bespoke agreement is used, you should be careful to ensure that all relevant points are covered to ensure protection of both parties, including warranties, payment provisions, copyright, termination and disputes.

If an architect is required for a very minor commission where a full contract may be seen as too much, a letter of appointment may be used. This should cover the same issues as a full appointment contract, outlining the project scope, fees, terms and agreements between the two parties. This less formal method may also be used while a full contract is being drawn up where a client wishes to get the project started quickly.

Looking to appoint an architect?

If you have an architectural project in mind and you’re looking for support, simply get in touch to discuss your requirements. We offer a free consultation, during which we will discuss the scope of the build and address any questions or concerns that you may have.

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Working with architects

Tags: appointing an architect, Architect, Architecture, finding an architect, hiring an architect, Working with Architects

9 October 2020

Building the connection between your home and garden

Traditionally, the home and garden are seen as two separate spaces, each serving a distinct purpose. However, creating a connection between them can unify the internal and external areas of your home, leading to a cleaner overall design concept and a more enjoyable living experience.

Here are some ways to build the connection between your home and garden.

Maximise your windows

One of the most obvious ways to connect the areas both physically and visually is through the considered use of windows and doors. This also has the added benefit of bringing light into the home and creating a more spacious, airy feel.

Floor-to-ceiling glass and large picture windows are perfect for allowing an uninterrupted view of the outdoors, bringing it into the indoor space. Sliding or bi-fold glass doors allow you to literally open up your home into the garden, creating a shared space between the inside and outside.

If your home’s layout doesn’t lend itself to sliding doors, consider placing a window that enables a view of the garden or showcases a distinctive piece of outdoor feature. For example, you might wish to direct the eye towards a tree at the end of the garden or a beautiful pond. Using outdoor lighting to highlight these features will create a sense of connection to the garden that you can still enjoy at night.

Bring the outdoors indoors

Adding greenery and natural materials to your interior will help to link the indoor and outdoor spaces on a conscious and subconscious level. In particular, focus on the areas around connective walkways or visual sight lines that lead into the garden.

Place some of the same plants and flowers inside, physically bringing the garden into your home and creating a multisensory bond between the two spaces. Make use of materials like wood, bamboo, terracotta and stone, and play with colours, textures and patterns to mimic natural elements like flowers, leaves and bark.

Create a physical connection as you cross the threshold between by using the same materials in both spaces. This could be natural stone, wooden decking, or colourful Mediterranean tiles. You could even incorporate garden ornaments, wind chimes or a water feature in your interior design to really emphasise the link to the outdoor space.

Create a room outdoors

Strengthen the connection between your home and garden by creating an outdoor space inspired by interior design. Instead of a traditional patio, opt for a kind of outdoor room, offering a blend of shelter and open space.

Combine a canopy or other cover with sliding doors that open out from the kitchen to create a zone that straddles the line of indoors and outdoors. Partial walling can provide protection from the elements and demarcate the area, while pendant lighting and a hardwearing floor will give it the feel of an indoor space.

This is a great option to increase the usable space in your home without the cost of a building extension.

Speak to an architect

Whether you’re looking to update your current space or you’re creating a bespoke architectural design for a new-build project, get in touch with me to discuss how you can make the most of your home and garden.

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Home improvement, Interior design, Residential architecture

Tags: Architecture, Garden, Home, Home Improvement

9 October 2020

The benefits of appointing a sole practitioner over a large architectural agency

When it comes to a large, complex job like architectural design, it’s important to make sure that the person or practice that you’re hiring is experienced and reliable.

Some people believe that the larger a company is, the more trustworthy it is. While it’s easy to understand the reasoning behind this assumption, you shouldn’t discount sole practitioners simply because they are a single person and not a large organisation.

In fact, there are many benefits to appointing a sole practitioner such as Design Haus over a large architectural agency.

Build a strong working relationship

Large projects may be ongoing for a year or more, so it’s essential that you are able to build a strong working relationship with your architect. Appointing a sole practitioner makes it much easier to get an idea of how well suited an architect is to working with you.

In a large agency, you might meet with a charismatic designer who wows you with their passion and expertise, only to have the project passed on to a more junior person within the company. At Design Haus, you work directly with the senior designer throughout the entire process, from initial concepts through to the finishing touches on a completed build.

Like who you work with

An important consideration that often gets overlooked is ensuring that you are working with someone that you like who is passionate about your project.

Architectural projects can be stressful at the best of times, and when your architect is overseeing all aspects of the design and build process, it really helps if you actually like them as a person. Otherwise, six months into a year-long build, you might find yourself dreading every interaction with them.

Bespoke team for your project

One of the greatest benefits of hiring a sole practitioner is their ability to create a bespoke team based on your project’s requirements.

As there are no in-house structural engineers, technologists, surveyors or builders to fall back on, this means that each one is sourced specifically for the design at hand. This flexible approach gives you access to experts in their respective industries that may not have been accessible through a large organisation.

Single point of contact

Even the simplest of architectural projects requires the insights and skills of a range of different experts. Appointing a sole practitioner gives you a single point of contact throughout the entire project, so you never have to worry about figuring out who to call for a status update or to specify a design alteration.

By choosing an architect that you trust and who truly cares about your project, you can be sure that everything is well managed from start to finish without you having to lift a finger.

Design Haus Architecture

If you’re interested in the benefits of working with a sole practitioner rather than a large architectural agency, get in touch with me and I’ll be happy to discuss your project.

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Working with architects

Tags: Architect, architectural projects, Architecture, sole practitioner, Working with Architects

20 May 2019

Working with Small vs. Large Architecture Companies

Having an idea of what you’re looking for is a great place to start, but who do you ask to design it? Who can you trust to best interpret your vision and turn it into bricks and mortar, glass and stone? The big, well-established firm, or the one-man band who’ll be just as emotionally invested as you?

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Working with architects

Tags: Hints and Tips, Working with Architects

13 May 2019

Permitted Development: An Update to the Rules

As of May 29 2019, a temporary change to the law that increased the size of certain home improvements has become permanent.

Permitted Development Rights, introduced in 1948, are a set of limits imposed on any residential property improvements that allow single-storey extensions, loft conversions, smaller double-storey extensions and a multitude of others to take place without the strict and time-consuming red tape associated with planning permission.

In 2013, the scope of these limits was increased. In the case of single-storey extensions, the limit was doubled. There was however, a catch. This increase was only supposed to be temporary and was set to expire by May 29 2019.by making the changes permanent, the government has paved the way for more home owners to make substantial improvements rather than move to a new house.

It is worth noting that permitted development rights are not universal; designated areas such as national parks and conservation areas still require planning permission. In addition, some local authorities have chosen not to extend permitted development beyond May.

For the majority of people though, May 29 has been a good day, and has opened up the possibility of future developments. If you’re thinking about a building project in your home, get in touch. You don’t have to decide straight away- remember, an initial consultation with our Lead Architect is free!

Published by James Brindley in Advice

Tags: Law, Permitted Development, Planning Permission

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