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 November 2020

Design Haus named ‘Architects of the Year’

Design Haus was named ‘Architects of the Year’ at East Midlands Business Link’s 2020 Bricks Awards.

This annual awards ceremony recognises development projects and people in commercial and public building within the region. Despite government guidelines making an in-person event impossible, the ceremony was held as an online Zoom event, bringing further innovation to the region’s construction industry.

Bricks is an opportunity to celebrate success in the industry, and Design Haus was up against stiff competition from Falkner Browns and Allan Joyce Architects. It is a great achievement to have been nominated and recognised alongside such esteemed practices, and an honour to receive this prestigious award.

To have our innovative architectural design approach recognised by the judges and being named ‘Architects of the Year’ is wonderful. I’d like to extend my thanks to East Midlands Business Link for this award and the opportunity to celebrate the region’s best.

Published by Claire Baldwin in Awards, News

Tags: Architect, architects, east midlands

9 October 2020

Why value engineering is an important part of architectural design

Architectural projects of all sizes can be complex and costly endeavours, and finding an architect that is able to minimise costs without compromising on the integrity and usability of the final design is essential.

Value engineering is a systematic approach that aims to reduce the cost of a project without compromising on quality, and I’d like to explore this concept in more detail.

What is value engineering?

Value engineering was first developed by General Electric in 1947 when post-war shortages of raw materials and labour led to a need for manufacturing efficiency, reduced costs, and improved products.

Simply put, value engineering is the process of making a product cheaper through design. It’s a methodology that’s used in all sorts of different industries, allowing a designer to identify problems and eliminate unnecessary expenditure while remaining true to the scope of the project.

Value engineering is most effective when implemented from the project’s inception, allowing for the greatest number of informed decisions throughout the process. The earlier value engineering comes into play, the easier it is to make savings without affecting completion dates or incurring additional costs that outweigh any proposed savings.

Value engineering in architectural design

In architecture, value engineering means creating the most cost-effective solution to fulfill a building’s functional and aesthetic requirements.

Deciding which is the best-value approach is a collaborative process involving the client, architect, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers. By working together, project teams can identify and overcome design issues, explore alternative solutions, and assess a variety of pricing options.

This allows all parties to better understand the project needs and the consequences of each design decision. By basing their choices on the functionality provided by a particular solution, an architect can minimise unnecessary expenditure and produce a higher value-to-cost ratio for the client.

Design Haus’ dedication to value engineering

I believe that value engineering is an extremely important part of the design process, and I ensure that it is built into every project I work on. Your architect is the person that should help to facilitate the project and deliver what you want, instead of saying no or pushing you to go over budget.

As the lead architect, I know how passionate my clients are about their projects, and I understand that there’s nothing more infuriating than dealing with unnecessary stress and unexpected costs. Client relationships are at the heart of everything I do, and it’s my job to help you to achieve what you’re looking for.

I respect the cost of the work and the money being spent on your project, and I treat each design as though it was my own. I work with your contractors to ensure that the design can be achieved within budget, establishing a plan of action that gives you the best value without compromising on quality.

Work with Design Haus

If you’d like to work with an architect that cares about the investment you’re putting into your project, take a look at my design-led architectural service, or get in touch with Design Haus today.

Published by James Brindley in Working with architects

Tags: Architect, architectural design, Architecture, value engineering

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

10 August 2020

Working with an architect to build a swimming pool

A swimming pool is one of the most popular items on the dream home checklist, with indoor pools being particularly popular with Brits—understandably!

If you’re considering adding a swimming pool to your home, partnering with an architect is a great way to ensure that your pool meets all your requirements, looks great and adds value to your property.

Swimming pool design and installation steps

Here’s a rough outline of the steps required to take your pool from a dream into a reality.

Concept
Design specification
Planning permission
Measurement
Excavation
Preparation of subsoil to settle the pool
Placing the pool structure
Installation of pumps, filters, heaters, lights, etc.
Tiling around the pool

Of course, each pool is different, so the process may differ slightly. Fortunately, an experienced architect knows exactly what needs to be done and when.

What to consider when designing your swimming pool

First of all, it’s important to figure out exactly what you want, and where you’re going to put it.

While you might already have an idea of what you’d like, hiring an architect to design your pool and oversee construction means that all necessary considerations will be taken into account from the very beginning of the project.

Here are some key considerations when deciding on the final design of your pool.

Intended use

Before getting bogged down in the details, you first need to consider the intended use of the pool. This will help to determine its size, shape, location, material and any additional features.

If you’re just looking for somewhere to take a quick dip or relax, you probably don’t need a full-size swimming pool. A plunge pool or even a hot tub may suit your needs.

In contrast, if you plan to use your pool for swimming and exercise, you should consider a larger pool or, where space is tight, a smaller pool with a water jet that allows you to swim in place against a current.

Indoor or outdoor

Your choice of an indoor or outdoor pool might be predetermined by the space you have available, the weather, or the landscape of your property. Whichever you choose, a south-facing pool is the best option to make the most of the sunshine.

Outdoor pools offer a wonderful place to relax and cool down in the summer but they can require a lot of cleaning and maintenance. Indoor pools are much more versatile, as they can be used in any weather, but they have higher construction and running costs.

Planning permission

It’s highly likely that you will require planning permission for your pool, and these restrictions may determine the location and size of your pool.

It’s essential that you get the correct permissions before commencing construction, otherwise you could face a hefty fine. As the project lead, this is something that your architect will take care of for you, so you don’t need to worry about it.

Pool construction

Pools can be made from a variety of materials, each with their own benefits in terms of durability, aesthetics and price.

Tiled or ceramic pools are very durable and look great, but they can be costly. Block and liner pools are a cheaper alternative but they pose a puncture risk, while concrete pools are quick and easy to manufacture but require a lot of maintenance.

Whether you choose a sloped or flat-bottomed pool may also affect the choice of construction material, as they require different installation techniques.

See your pool design in virtual reality

If you choose to work with Design Haus on your swimming pool construction project, you will be able to see exactly what your pool will look like in situ using state-of-the-art virtual reality.

You can walk around with the environment to see how different materials and lighting solutions affect the final look and feel. I can even show you how your pool will look at different times of day and in changing weather conditions, so you can experience everything except the feel of the water on your skin.

To find out more about how I can support your swimming pool construction project, get in touch and I’ll be happy to discuss your ideas.

Published by James Brindley in Home improvement, Working with architects

Tags: Architect, Architecture, construction, pool, swimming pool

17 June 2020

4 quick ways to improve your home without needing an architect

My clients are often keen to increase their usable space and bring more natural light into their homes.

One of the most popular requests for this purpose is adding an extension. However, this might be a costly and disruptive option that doesn’t ultimately meet your goals. With any extension, you’re almost always going to reduce the amount of natural light entering the property by increasing the distance the light has to travel.

Before contacting an architect, take a look at some of these quick ways that you can create an amazing space within your home’s existing footprint.

1. Add and expand windows

Adding new windows or expanding the size of your existing windows invites more light into your home and makes the space feel bigger.

Take a look around your house. Are there enough windows? Could they be bigger? Do they let in enough light? Are there any rooms or spaces that always feel dark and unwelcoming?

French doors and sliding doors are a great option, allowing you to easily open up a kitchen, living room or dining room to your outside space. Bifold windows can be peeled back for beautiful views into the garden and a light, airy feel, and large picture windows or casement windows with no inner frames will bring in the maximum amount of light per square foot.

If there’s no scope to increase the size or number of windows in your home, you can make a huge impact by changing your existing windows. Swapping uPVC frames for slim aluminium frames can make windows appear much larger, letting in more light and creating a more spacious atmosphere.

2. Rethink your furniture

When people crave more space in their homes, it’s often the case that they’ve simply overfilled the space they’ve got.

Reconsider your furniture, especially large pieces, a. Do you need multiple sofas? How often do you use your dining room table? Are your stand-alone wardrobes an efficient use of space?

Opting for a single sofa, folding tables and chairs that can be easily stored, and built-in wardrobes can release loads of room in your home, allowing for more efficient use of the space.

3. Open up the box room

If you have a small box room, consider removing the partition wall and opening it up onto the landing. This will transform your landing from a dingy corridor into a wider, brighter space.

Whether you use this new area as an open office or a reading nook with a chair and a bookcase, removing the wall is a great way to bring life into a seldom-used room. If you’re concerned about resale value, you can always put the wall back in before you sell, as adding a partition wall isn’t a big job.

4. Make your rooms flow

Taking out the wall between the living room and dining room is a popular way to create more space, but this means that you lose all the benefits of having separate rooms.

Something much cheaper and easier to try is to replace single doors with double doors. This allows you to flow easily from one room to another but also retains the option to create individual spaces for privacy and relaxation.

Another trick to make small homes feel larger and more connected is to continue the same flooring throughout different rooms. For example, using the same flooring in your hallway, kitchen and dining room will add continuity and promote better flow throughout the house.

Expert architectural advice

If these tricks don’t work for you and you’d like to make some larger architectural improvements to your home, get in touch and I’ll be happy to discuss your project.

Published by James Brindley in Architectural design, Residential architecture

Tags: Architect, Architecture, Home, Home Improvement

19 April 2020

Virtual reality really can help you to make your home perfect

If you’ve caught the recent BBC Two series Your Home Made Perfect, you’ll have seen architects using virtual reality and visual effects to show people first-hand how architectural changes can improve their existing homes before committing to any construction.

The idea of an architect using virtual reality might sound like something from Tomorrow’s World (If, like me, you’re old enough to remember that show!), but it’s actually a very real tool that architects are already using. In fact, the tech that they use on Your Home Made Perfect is a little simplistic compared to what I use here at Design Haus.

How do architects use virtual reality?

When trying to add space or build character in an existing building or creating entirely new homes, it can be hard for my clients to visualise how a familiar space can be transformed to produce the outcome that they’re looking for.

Instead of just giving them 2D or 3D architectural drawings, which people who aren’t used to them often struggle to visualise, I use VR. This makes it much easier for someone to completely understand the proposed design with no prior architectural knowledge.

By creating a complete virtual scene of the finished building in its existing environment, I give my clients the opportunity to walk around and see exactly how it will look from the inside and the exterior. They can then specify changes before committing to a design or budget, leading to better communication throughout the project, and a more satisfactory experience for everyone.

I also like to show the effects of various materials, lighting solutions and even weather to provide a truly realistic picture of the final outcome and how different conditions alter the atmosphere.

Can you hire a VR architect for a domestic project?

If watching Your Home Made Perfect has got you wondering whether you can hire an architect that uses VR for your own project, the answer is yes!

Many larger practices use VR for big, multi-million-pound projects, but more and more firms have begun to adopt it for smaller clients. As the technology has developed, it’s become cheaper and easier to implement, so virtual reality is no longer out of reach for domestic architectural clients.

Over the next couple of years, you can expect to see a rise in the number of practices offering this service, especially due to the attention and interest generated through shows such as Your Home Made Perfect.

VR architectural design from Design Haus

I am one of the first to offer virtual reality to all of my clients. It has become a standard and essential part of the design process for each and every one of my projects and I have refined this over time to ensure a high-quality service.

I know how important it is for you to feel in control of the project’s outcome, and giving you the best possible understanding of the proposal ensures that you are able to be involved from start to finish.

Read more about my virtual reality architectural design service, or get in touch with me to chat about your project. You can even pop into the studio to try out VR for yourself!

Published by James Brindley in Home improvement, VR architecture

Tags: Architect, Architecture, Home, Virtual Reality, Virtual Reality Architecture, VR, VR Architecture

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