A Guide To Employing An Architect

House Plans. The Essential Guide To Employing An Architect

Why Employ An Architect?
Getting The Best From Your Architect

Whether you want to extend your existing home, restore an old property or build a new one, it makes sense to call in an architect's help.

By Sarah Jagger

What To Expect From An Architect

'The creativity, attention to detail and professional advice of an architect can be invaluable to the success of any build project,' says Hugo Tugman from architect-yourhome.com.

'From suggestions on how to make the best use of space and light, to fittings, materials and fixtures, the professional input can give the smallest of projects the wow factor.'

But architects don't just come up with the design; they can also manage parts or all of the build on your behalf, says Tugman.

'An architect can help you through the pitfalls of the planning process, the minefield of building regulations, obtain competitive quotes from contractors, deal with the builders, and even run the project to ensure your best laid plans are turned into reality.'

Finding An Architect

Any person practising as an architect must be registered with the Architects' Registration Board (ARB). The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) provides a list of registered architects.

Word-of-mouth recommendation is a great way to find an architect. Otherwise your local planning department - or builder - should be able to recommend reputable architects.

Choosing An Architect

Contact at least three firms that specialise in the type of work you want done - and ideally on the period of house yours is. Use www.architecture.com/useanarchitect to select a RIBA-registered architect by building project. Then meet with two or three to discuss the project and get some quotes and ask about their fee structure. Employing an architect is unlikely to come cheap but he or she should be able to maximise your investment, so will be cost-effective in the long run. Also, if your budget is low, you may find that your architect will work at an hourly rate.

Ask to see examples of their previous work and if possible, arrange to visit finished projects and talk to previous clients. Choose the one who listens to you, you feel at ease with and who you think will do the best job.

'You need to be sure of their creativity and ability to get things done, as well as your ability to work together,' says Richard Brindley at RIBA. 'Good architecture needs collaboration and dialogue.'