What to expect when you first start working with an Architect

Architectural design is a highly creative process that tends to be driven by the site’s conditions and the brief from the client. Before you begin speaking to architects, it’s worthwhile considering what exactly it is you are hoping to get out of the process. 

 

If your project is a whole of house renovation you may want to think about the following things;

 

-       Approximately what is your budget?

-       What is your timeframe for completing the works?

-       What finish/ specification are you hoping to achieve?

-       Which spaces/rooms are the priority?

-       What are some of the examples that you like?

-       How do you plan to use the home?

 

If your project is a new-build many of the above considerations apply, but you will have more options for;

 

-       Internal and external materiality,

-       Relationship and orientation of the house

-       Outbuildings and garden space.

 

Through discussion of your loose brief, a programme of rooms will become clear: the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, working spaces as well as any specific family needs, back-of-house, garden spaces etc. 

 

Don’t worry if you haven’t got everything completely clear in your mind, elements can be added or removed as the designs progress. The brief isn’t necessarily set in stone from the outset. When working with our clients, we try to build in flexibility and fluidity throughout the design process. 

 

After the initial discussion of brief and programme, your architect will want to understand the site; the constraints and the opportunities. They will also use this initial time to get an understanding of the prevalent local design styles, typical local materials and sun and weather conditions. 

 

Some architects choose to analyse sites through desk-top studies, these involve reviewing photography, mapping data and other secondary resources to get a sense of the site’s conditions. As a practice, we visit all the projects we are considering working on. Attending with our client we review brief and the building or site. 

 

After we have visited the site, we will arrange for an accurate measured survey to be carried out. This will include:

 

    1. Site Plan

    2. Floor Plans

    3. Roof Plan

    4. Exterior Elevations

    5. Building Sections

    6. Site Sections

 

With the survey information and clarification of the brief, we will have everything we need to begin working on preliminary designs for your home as part of the concept design process. Our approach is to design from the inside out, seeking to create a home that matches the way you will live. While our clients may share similar aspirations, no two projects are the same. We always design by responding to the brief, balancing social and functional requirements, openness and privacy.

 

The meeting that follows the briefing and site visit will allow us to present to you sketch ideas and options for the arrangement of the building. To learn more about the concept design process and the other aspects that take place in the run up to a planning application submission, please take a look at our other journal articles.

 

What are the services an architect provides?

If you are thinking of overhauling your home’s layout, carrying out a full-renovation or even building a new home, you’ve probably asked yourself the question: do I need an architect? If you’re in the UK, working with a RIBA chartered architect is the surest way to ensure that you have access to the skills and expertise you need to negotiate the design and build process.

Draftspeople, engineers and architectural technicians may not have the full range of skills you need. Typically, an architect is will provide the following services: 

  • concept design

  • feasibility studies

  • preparation of planning applications 

  • creation of detailed construction drawings

  • sourcing and vetting contractors and consultants 

  • administration of the contract 

  • project management while the build is on site.

Each of these services requires its own specific skillset. That’s why it’s essential to work with an architect who has built up a good level of understanding and expertise. An architect familiar with your local area will also have good contacts that you can exploit to get a high-quality finish on your project, within budget and delivered on time.

In this article we’ll break down each of the services listed above so you have a good idea of what to expect when hiring a UK architect.

Concept Design

At this stage, the architects will meet with you and begin planning the project. The architect will want to find out what your requirements are for the project. They’ll record any ideas you have as well as any key aspirations.

Feasibility Studies 

During this stage the architect may prepare a range of preliminary design options. These will be in sketch form and sometimes will include 3d visuals to really help you imagine the direction your project could take. The options will show whether your requirements are really possible on the site that you have. These options will respond to your budget and stated requirements. This will be an opportunity to visually see the potential constraints and also unexpected opportunities.

Design Development

Once an option has been agreed, this will be developed further, the architect will begin to outline potential material choices, the scope and quality of the finished project will be further defined. The size and scale of elements will be drawn into the proposal to allow better costs forecasting. At this stage a preliminary budget is created to make sure that your overall budget covers the design proposal.

If planning permission is required, the architect will share information about the design with the local authority through a planning application submission. The application will include detailed descriptions of the proposal, its scale, scope and materiality. This helps the local authority decide if the proposal is in harmony with the wider area.

Construction Documents

Following on from a successful planning application design development continues: the drawings and product specifications are developed further. The detailed construction drawings will also be used to obtain building regulations approval. At this stage the architect will invite tenders from a range of contractors. Sometimes a QS will become involved at this stage to make sure proposed bids are realistic estimates based on the scope of work.

Administration of the Contract

The Architect will assist in the preparation of the contract between the client and the contractor. Architects are usually the main coordinator of the construction contract for residential projects. During the build regular site visits will ensure that the build process is following the construction documents and design intent. On each visit records will be taken to ensure that materials and the quality of work are acceptable.

Kitchen and Library at Wakehurst Road

This is just a brief overview of the services architects offer, each project has its own variables and a good architect will tailor their approach to make sure that you get the best possible value for your time and money.

For a more detailed breakdown of each stage, contact us using the enquiry form on our website. We’d love to talk through your particular needs for your project. We are a vibrant studio with over 20 years experience delivering exquisite homes.

Wakehurst Road (shown above) is one of our most recent projects involved a complex and constrained site, yet we were able to exceed the expectations of the client. The project was also shortlisted for the AJ Retrofit Awards, in recognition of our commitment to high-quality, thoughtful design.

Two new members of the Matthew Giles Architects team!

Our studio is in the fortunate position of having a strong portfolio of work both being designed and delivered on site. As a result we’ve made the decision to grow the team so we are better able to serve our clients.

We’d like to introduce two new team members: Mike and Aaron who joined us, virtually at first, during the lockdowns of 2021.

Mike Hill is a qualified architect who has developed a keen interest in bespoke detailing, exploring how complimentary materials are used to work together to bring well-crafted and unique spaces to site. Mike enjoys the collaborative design process, establishing meaningful relationships with clients to create environments that are enjoyable to inhabit.

Aaron Browne recently completed his Bachelors in Architecture from University College Cork, Ireland. Outside of work, Aaron’s interests include sports and art. He enjoys watersports in particular and spends hid summers surfing the North West coast of Ireland.

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Shooter's Hill Featured in LivingEtc

Our work with the owners of the Shooter’s Hill project has been featured in Living Etc. The homeowners tasked us with overseeing the whole project, which took a year from start to finish. Matthew Giles Architects reconfigured the whole ground floor, and created new living spaces by adding on a double-height side extension. A new rear extension is now home to a sweeping open plan kitchen and dining space that unfolds into the garden.

Hannington Road Featured in Don't Move, Improve! 2021 Top 100


Hannington Road was selected as one of the Top 100 entries in this years Don’t Move, Improve Competition run by the NLA. The dramatic two-storey link that flanks the kitchen and dining area was particularly noted by the judges.

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The home features a clear visual link from the front to the rear of the house while openings between the dining area and reception room, allow family life to thread between three social spaces. On the first floor, openings to the first floor study and bathroom create a connection between the two levels.

Patten Road Wins in the Schuco Excellence Awards

Out of a list of several notable entrants, our Wandsworth scheme completed last year, has won in the Individual House Improvement category. The scheme was all about breaking the mould, the concept involved an extension and rearrangement to provide a light filled and expansive layout. Proportion and layering area also key themes, with the setting out of the rear elevation reinforcing the emphasised structural grid.

We’re thrilled with the win, and even more thrilled that another one of our latest schemes was also a well-commended runner-up.

Patten Road

Hannington Road Featured by Architecture Today Online.

A feature of Hannington Road was published on the Architecture Today Website.

Hannington Road features a voluminous extension that stands in the place of a poor quality lean-to formerly sandwiched in the closet wing of the property, our scheme demonstrates how careful architectural interventions can radically alter the experiences that a home is able to provide.

Read the full project description here

And the Architecture Today article on their site.

Source: https://architecturetoday.co.uk/hannington...

Site Progress

It’s always great to see our designs emerging! Here is a photo from one of our sites in Clapham.

The steelwork is in and the concrete slab poured. Keep an eye out for more updates…

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NEW OFFICE!

We are excited to announce the opening of our new practice Matthew Giles Architects!

Here’s a photo of our new studio.

Unit G11170 Kennington LaneLondonSE11 5DP

Unit G11

170 Kennington Lane

London

SE11 5DP


Wimbledon Site is well under way!

The first floor structure has been opened up and our double height atrium space is finally starting to take shape. Stay tuned for more progress shots. Hope you’re as excited as we are!

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