WORKING WITH AN ARCHITECT

These are some of the things we expect you may want to know, based on discussions with past clients.

DO YOU NEED AN ARCHITECT?

In the UK, it is not a legal obligation to employ an architect. In fact, for certain jobs, there might be other alternatives, however, unless you are sure about what you are doing you should probably take professional advice.

Factors to consider would include, but are not limited to, the following :

 -The size and complexity of your project.

 -Your total budget.

 -Your skills.

 -Your time and commitment.

WHY WORK WITH AN ARCHITECT?

An architect has experience balancing complex, often conflicting, issues to steer design in the direction the best possible solutions for the benefit of their clients. They do so by taking into consideration functionality, sustainability, aesthetics, cost and regulatory constraints in every project. 

Their role is to work with you as an independent adviser and help you explore ways in which your needs and wishes can be met while balancing them with legal requirements and other obligations. 

WHAT DOES AN ARCHITECT DO?

In the UK, some people assume architects do pretty pictures and design concepts that engineers need to "make work" and stand for the builders build. This is not true. 

In reality, architects provide a range of services and expertise to their clients ranging from design to procurement but also other related matters including but not limited to:

 -Reviewing conditions related to your home's title that may prevent you from achieving your design objectives. 

 -Managing compliance with statutory and lease related obligations and/or conditions. 

 -Leading your team of experts and orchestrate their specialist contributions to the project at every stage 

 -Translating your needs and wishes into designs and those into drawings that builders can use to build from .

 -Problem solving during construction to help the team on site achieve the best outcome.

WHAT KIND OF ROLES DOES AN ARCHITECT PERFORM?

Subject to their appointment, in addition to more traditional roles as a designer, they can perform the role of a:

 - Lead Consultant

 - Lead Designer

 - Technical Advisor

 - Design Coordinator

 - Contract Administrator

 - Principal Designer

As always, we hope you find it useful and are here should you want to talk.