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.