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Why Use an Architect If you are planning to spend a goodly chunk of your hard-earned cash on extending and altering your home, or want to build yourself a new one, the key person you need is an architect. Building projects are time consuming, costly and complex, and if you want to avoid the stress and disappointment of a disaster then take my advice and employ a trained professional to ‘hold your hand’.The Clients Services team at the RIBA 0207 580 5533 will be able to locate a number of suitably experienced firms in your area, or visit www.architecture.com It is very important to interview several and choose someone that you really get on with, as the relationship is very important. Select the right person or firm and you will have an ally to help you through from start to finish, deciding what to do and how much to spend, via getting the consents in place, to picking the right builder and managing your contract. Architects have a plethora of skills at your disposal, far in excess of their expected ability to design something unique and interesting. Their training involves knowledge of accounts (managing your budget), the law (negotiating the planning and building regulations mazes), and administration (managing the contract between you and the builder). But the best part is that they will be there to support you all through the project and help you achieve your goals. Architects work hard for their money, and generally can be expected to save you at the least the value of their fees during the project. It’s best to get them involved as soon as you are thinking of starting the project. Most architects will visit you at home or in the office and discuss your requirements without charge or for a very small introductory fee. This can be the critical point in a project when you find out if your dreams can be realised. You may find that an architect will come up with ideas that you will not even have considered, as lateral thinking is part of their training. Once on board you should allow sufficient time for your architect to understand your needs, and a two or three hour meeting may be needed to agree the brief for the project to include your physical building needs, your programme and budget requirements. You will also need to understand and agree the terms of the architect’s appointment, and will be asked to sign an agreement which will set out what you are getting for your money. From this point onwards the project will follow a specific course which should be carefully explained by the architect. The RIBA issues guidance notes for clients to better understand the stages of work and your relationship with the architect. I also recommend you read a very clearly written and witty book “Do it with an Architect” written by Barbara Weiss and Louis Hellmann and published by RIBA Publications. You should expect to have a great deal of fun exploring ideas, some moments of stress during key points of the process, and give your architect the benefit of your valuable time. You will not regret it, and may end up with a long term friendship. By Jane Duncan Vice President for Practice at the Royal Institute for British Architects, and runs her practice Jane Duncan Architects in Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire. |
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