homebuilding.co.uk 129The Build essenTials
5 things to do before
commissioning
a designer
Don’t get in over your head at the beginning of
the project; here are the things to think about...1
Create a design brief
Having an indication of what
you want to achieve and why (do
you need more space or light,
for example?), the number of
bedrooms, bathrooms and an
idea of what architectural styles
you like before approaching an
architectwillhelpsteerthem
intherightdirectiononce
youdomeet.A goodarchitect
willdiscussyourlifestyleand
drawinformationabouthow
youinteractasa familyand
howyouliketoliveinyour
hometooptimisetheirdesign.
A preferencewithregardsto
materialscanalsohelpnarrow
downproceedings,butdon’tmeet
withanarchitectwithanideaso
setthatyoubecomeunresponsive
todifferentandnewideas.5
Projectcompatibility
Whenresearchingarchitecturalpractices,takea lookat
previousprojects(inmagazines,onwebsitesorviasocial
media)andlookoutforarchitectswithexperiencedesigning
newhomesorextensionsyouhopetoemulate(i.e.traditional
styleorstrikinglycontemporary).
Thefirstmeetingwithanarchitectcanseema littlebit
likea firstdate;everyoneis ontheirbestbehaviour,tryingto
gaugeif theworkingrelationshipwillbea positiveone.Tryto
findsomeoneyouwillfeelcomfortablesharingnewcreative
ideaswith.“Likeanyrelationship,you’llknowwhenyou’ve
foundtherightperson,”saysBrynJones.3
Budget realistically
“A good architect will do their utmost to suggest ways to deliver your dream
home on the right budget,” says Bryn Jones of Base Architecture. Finding an
architect who can work to your budget is essential for a successful project, as is
being realistic about your budget – and what you can afford – and communicating
this to your architect from the start.
“Architects also work on different fee structures so it’s important, before you
commission any firm, to make sure you are absolutely clear about what you’re
paying for and how much the bill will be,” Bryn continues. “Some architects charge
a fixed price while others go by a percentage of the build price but, of course, if
that goes up so can their fee.”4
Do your research
“Research is key to finding the best architect for your
build,” Bryn Jones advises. “Ask friends, neighbours and
colleagues for recommendations and search the internet
to look at other projects. If you’ve seen new builds or
renovations taking place in your area that you admire, find
out who is delivering that project. Social media is also useful
to get some ideas of an architect’s standard of design.
“Word of mouth is by far the best, and the most honest,
appraisal you’ll get. You can always ask for references and
a reputable firm will be happy to put you in touch with a
previous client.”2
Consider the level of service offered
Consider what level of service you are looking for before
commissioning an architect or designer: are you looking for a
practice which can provide both the initial design and Building Regs’
drawings, do you need a specialist designer for a Passivhaus home, or
perhaps you would like to retain your architect to manage the project
throughout? This will impact how you approach different practices.image:
getty images
For more information on
finding an architect visit
http://www.homebuilding.co.uk
/how-to-choose-an-
architect