The term Architect is protected by law and can only be used by professionals. They must have completed the necessary training and be registered with the ARB (Architects Registration Board) or RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).
Architects are held to a higher set of standards than professional bodies require for a “designer”, who may have no formal training. An architect is there to advise and support you in all facets of a build.
This includes creative and practical aspects of construction, architects have a firm grasp on a design and can envisage the reality this will bring.
Why Architects Are Needed
Paying for an architect generally means the end result will be better. A good residential architect can offer years of experience in the domestic sector, designing bespoke homes for private clients.
They help with making the best use of space, analysing the sun’s path to maximise natural light, creating flow and connections throughout a property. Architects are aware of local planning policies, to guide you through the process and improve approval chances.
Architects can bring together other specialists and work with them, to ensure that a project is delivered successfully. They could be arborists, ecologists, or structural engineers to coordinate the building fabric.
A Sound Relationship
Ensuring that you have a good relationship with your Architect is crucial. You will be working together to build your dream home, which can take time to complete, so a good rapport is as essential as their credentials.
Having a clear brief for your architect will help, on the spaces you would like to create, how you will use them. Consider what you really dislike about current rooms, what would suit your future needs.
Discussion within your family can assist, to bring a consensus between partners, or with other family members. An architect will help more if they don’t need to appease two vastly different opinions.
An architect can also help with understanding costs and setting your budget. You need to know what is included, when VAT applies, whether external works, or other consultant’s fees are costed in.
Having clear parameters sets the rest of the process up for success, although you do not need to have made every decision at an early stage.
Ongoing Design Guidance
When creating the initial design, an architect should ask clients to think broadly about their build, rather than focusing on specific details. Each phase of the design process will refine decisions, until the final project is reached.
Focusing on details too early can lead to poor spaces, which don’t connect well. You can also feel overwhelmed by trying to tackle every problem at once, better to let an architect guide you through a project in bitesize chunks.
Once your design is complete and statutory approvals are complete, an architect will provide you with final costs. Your build can proceed, one of the biggest endeavours you may ever embark on.
Good architects are there to assist with choices on an important task in life, to save as well as cost you money. By all means read more on how an architect will help, to turn your vision into reality.
