You’ve decided to take on a home project, maybe it’s a renovation, an extension, or a new build. The first and most important step is choosing the right architect to bring your vision to life.
A great architect does more than draw plans. They take time to understand you and your lifestyle to design spaces that will enhance that, looking at your values and future needs. That’s why it’s important to find someone who understands you, and you can trust to guide the process and keep your best interests at heart.
Here are a few tips on finding the right architect:
- Check out the RIBA Directory
Look for RIBA-accredited architects through the Royal Institute of British Architects directory. RIBA Chartered practices and architects are required to meet recognised standards of design quality, professional ethics and client service, and to maintain ongoing professional development. Choosing from this directory gives you a degree of confidence in the practice’s credentials and ability to deliver a quality project.
- Do your research
Explore websites, review portfolios, and read testimonials. Past projects will give you insight into their style, attention to detail, how they work with clients, and what their clients think of the service they received. Local recommendations from builders and past clients will give great insight into the quality of service you can expect and what it is actually like to work with them.
- Reach out and meet up
When you’ve narrowed it down get in touch with the architect or practice you’re interested in and arrange a meeting ideally in your home to discuss your ideas, ask about their process, their availability and to see their approach aligns with your expectations. Perhaps most importantly, the chemistry needs to be right; a good working relationship is crucial to a smooth, enjoyable project – can you work together and do you have the confidence that the person you’re chatting with will listen to you and deliver a project to meet or exceed your aspirations.
- Agree the right level of involvement
Architects can offer different levels of service to suit your needs and the right one depends on your project and how much support you’d like. That might range from concept design only, through to planning and building regulations applications, tender support, contract administration and overseeing construction on site. Be clear about what’s included in their services and make sure it aligns with your expectations, needs and budget.
- Value-added
A good architect will add value well beyond the cost of the fee, which itself is usually a relatively small proportion of the overall build cost. Beyond the design itself, an architect helps make sure the project is properly coordinated and compliant, covering Building Regulations, Planning legislation, the CDM Health & Safety regulations and the various consents your project may need. That oversight tends to save time, reduce risk and avoid expensive surprises further down the line.
Once you’ve gathered this information, you’ll be in a strong position to make a confident choice – one that sets the tone for a successful project and well-designed home.
