Choosing an architect
Jane Duncan explains the ins and outs of finding the right person to help with your project
When tackling a proposed building project, you may be
uncertain as to whether you need an architect’s services, have concerns about
what an architect can do or even how much you need to know before you consult
one.
If you want a small non-problematic extension you may not
need an architect. A member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural
Technologists will provide you with a very good technical service – look for
CIAT after their name. If you require design input – whether for a site, a
refurbishment, an extension or a new building – you should look for an
architect.
All architects in this country have to be registered with
the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and adhere to a strict professional
Code of Conduct. Registered architects will have the letters ARB after their names.
Architects who choose to become Chartered Architects, in
addition, apply for membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects, in
which case you will see RIBA after their names. Chartered practices offer an
additional level of qualification and security, which includes the assurance
that their businesses are well run.
What can an architect
do?
It takes a minimum of seven years for an architect to
qualify in the UK, and with good reason. The qualification ensures that you
will employ a professional who can help you from the moment you conceive a
building project right through until completion, including:
- Assisting you in preparing your brief and understanding
what your options are throughout the project – even helping you find a plot
- Controlling costs from initial budgets to final accounts
- Providing design flair and spatial awareness, construction knowledge and contract management skills
- Managing the other consultants, suppliers and builders
- Understanding and guiding the project through the legal framework for planning, building control, health and safety and all the other relevant legislation
- Ensuring that you get great value and that the work is done to a reasonable programme to suit your needs
Contracting an
architect
There are many ways to find the right architect to work
with. The best is personal referral – so ask around locally and keep an eye out
for new homes you like in the area. If an architect has a good reputation their
work will speak for them – you can then ring and request an introductory
meeting.
Ask them to bring a portfolio or look at their website to
see the sort of work that they do. It’s not necessary to look for an exact
match – every project is different and bespoke – so just see if you like their
style and presentation.
If you can’t get a local referral RIBA has a great website
www.architecture.com that you can use to search for any practices that are
local to you. Alternatively, call RIBA (0207 580 5533) and ask for the client
services department.
Meet two or three potential practices and decide on which
one you feel most confident with. This will be an intimate relationship – you
may need to divulge some rather personal information – so you need to feel
quite at ease with whoever you choose.
Can I afford it?
If you choose the right architect you will get great value
for money, ensuring a cost-effective build. Consider that if, for example, an
architect charges £5,000 for a service, they should save you that much in
heading off problems by controlling the process, and ensuring you get the right
finished article. Think of this appointment as an investment – the more time
you can afford for your architect to put into your project the better the end
result will be.
Fees depend precisely upon how much you want the architect
to do for you, and how long it will take him or her. You can ask an architect
to find you a site, sketch some concept ideas to think about, give advice on
sustainability or access, obtain a valuable planning consent, develop a comprehensive
package of construction drawings and specifications for builders to price from,
and manage your building contract – or any combination of these.
Always ask your architect to advise you of their hourly
rates, and to give you a comprehensive fee proposal with a good estimate of
their likely charges throughout the various stages of the process, allowing you
to stop at any point.
Architects can charge for their services in a number of ways
– by hourly rates, by fixed lump sum fees or by agreeing a percentage of the
construction cost as a fee. There will need to be a negotiation between you
both to agree what’s best. The agreed fee will then be incorporated into a
detailed Appointment document for both parties to sign, so that you know what
you are getting and the architect knows what’s expected from your relationship.
Contacts
Jane Duncan Architects www.janeduncanarchitects.com
For the full feature buy the April 2010 issue of Build It
< more articles like this