Architectural services
Reading time: 9 minutes
Introduction
When choosing the right architectural specialist, there are some key issues you need to think about. In this article, we’ll take you through them step by step.
- Write down some key facts about your project
- Work out which type of architectural specialist is right for your project
- Get a clear understanding of payment structures
- Find out what an initial visit will include, and how much it will cost
- Ask these key questions
- View examples of similar work and speak to previous clients
- Look for success in dealing with planning and building regulations
- Ask who will actually be doing the work
Which type of architectural specialist is right for your project
There are several professional groupings that fall into MyBuilder’s architectural specialist category. Not everyone is a chartered architect, and it’s important you understand the main differences between these groups so you can choose the specialist that best suits your project.
In David’s view, if it’s a complex project that requires a lot of design input, you’d be better off hiring a fully qualified architect:
Obviously I’m a bit biased, but going to university for seven years, and getting those qualifications - I do think that is a good indication that the person is competent to do a good job. Gill Bloggs down the street might able to do a great drawing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean she can design a house!
That isn’t to say that a technician can’t do a standard extension, for example. I think the key thing is for the homeowner to clearly explain what they’re looking for at an early stage, so the tradesmen can see the scope and complexity of the work they’re quoting on.
Payment structures
Different architectural specialists will operate very different fee structures. Some will charge based on time spent, others will charge a single, flat fee (usually for smaller jobs) and others may quote a fixed total fee, with an initial deposit required upfront.
As David explains, he splits his fee payments to reflect what the different stages of the project are:
It would normally be three categories: The pre-planning/design stage - which can cover primitive development, because sometimes you don’t need planning permission. Another small fee on top of that would be if I were actually to submit it to planning, including more detailed drawings. And the third stage of the fee would be building control - which is a requirement before the build starts.
I normally prepare a sort of ‘fee timeline’ document, giving an overview of whole costings. And because my fee is a fixed price, that is not going to change.
David Hepburn of Hepburn Architects
In David’s fee document, he also suggests other professionals the homeowner might want to use:
These might include for example, structural engineers who I’ve used before and I trust. I’ll give a guide price of what these people are likely to cost, as well, just so the homeowner has a rough overall picture early on and doesn’t get any nasty surprises.
David Hepburn of Hepburn Architects
Whatever payment structure an architectural specialist suggests, never pay the full amount upfront. Full payment shouldn’t be made until the project is completely finished, and you’ve inspected it to make sure you’re happy with the work.
As David explains, he splits his fee payments to reflect what the different stages of the project are:
It would normally be three categories: The pre-planning/design stage - which can cover primitive development, because sometimes you don’t need planning permission. Another small fee on top of that would be if I were actually to submit it to planning, including more detailed drawings. And the third stage of the fee would be building control - which is a requirement before the build starts.
I normally prepare a sort of ‘fee timeline’ document, giving an overview of whole costings. And because my fee is a fixed price, that is not going to change.
David Hepburn of Hepburn Architects
In David’s fee document, he also suggests other professionals the homeowner might want to use:
These might include for example, structural engineers who I’ve used before and I trust. I’ll give a guide price of what these people are likely to cost, as well, just so the homeowner has a rough overall picture early on and doesn’t get any nasty surprises.
David Hepburn of Hepburn Architects
Whatever payment structure an architectural specialist suggests, never pay the full amount upfront. Full payment shouldn’t be made until the project is completely finished, and you’ve inspected it to make sure you’re happy with the work.
Key questions to ask
An architectural specialist needs to listen to your ideas, hopes and preferences, interpret them correctly and turn them into a practical, functioning structural reality. This means the ability to communicate is key, perhaps more than in any other trade.
An architectural specialist may be highly qualified and technically skilled, but if they don’t really listen to what you’re telling them, they’re not the right person for you. Thomas emphasises:
Can the architectural specialist adapt to suit your brief? It is not prudent to hire a yes man. Hire someone who asks questions about your ideas, and who puts forward ideas of their own that may spark design alternatives. A skilled architectural specialist will understand your requirements and work with you to achieve a design you are 100% happy with.
Thomas Agus of White Agus Partnership
According to Thomas, there are a few key questions you should be asking:
- Is the project feasible?
- Will my budget cover the work?
- Are there any alternative design options?
- What materials should I be using?
- What are the planning restrictions that might come into play?
- How and at what stage would you liaise with the builder on this project?
- Should I be engaging a builder now, or after plans are drawn up?
- What is your estimated timescale for the project?
- What other fees am I likely to have to pay? (for example, local authority/water authority/third party fees)
A specialist who communicates effectively should be able to answer all these questions at an early stage of the process.
Planning and building regulations
Your architectural specialist may need to prepare applications to your local authority for both planning consent and building regulations approval. That means you need to choose a specialist who has an excellent understanding of both these areas. Alexandre explains:
Before I start doing any drawings, I like to consider everything that’s relevant - so for example I go through all the planning policies. There’s no point in making drawings if then you’re not getting them accepted. We have a 97-98% approval rating for the jobs we do - so we’re really proud of that.
One thing a lot of homeowners ask is - ‘have you worked with this council before?’ or ‘do you know anyone on this council?’ But knowing that isn’t usually going to help them. We already deal with around 40 different councils - and what’s relevant is knowing how to get the planning policies sorted.
It doesn’t usually matter whether you have a friend who works in that particular office! I think the question people should probably be asking instead is, how much experience does an architect have of dealing with councils generally? Do they have procedures in place for that?
Alexandre Durao of Alex D Architects
Before I start doing any drawings, I like to consider everything that’s relevant - so for example I go through all the planning policies. There’s no point in making drawings if then you’re not getting them accepted. We have a 97-98% approval rating for the jobs we do - so we’re really proud of that.
One thing a lot of homeowners ask is - ‘have you worked with this council before?’ or ‘do you know anyone on this council?’ But knowing that isn’t usually going to help them. We already deal with around 40 different councils - and what’s relevant is knowing how to get the planning policies sorted.
It doesn’t usually matter whether you have a friend who works in that particular office! I think the question people should probably be asking instead is, how much experience does an architect have of dealing with councils generally? Do they have procedures in place for that?
Alexandre Durao of Alex D Architects