An architect is a protected title. Anyone that calls themselves an architect and is not registered with the ARB or RIBA Accredited, is breaking the law.

The best way to find out whether you can make your plans come to life is to consult an architect who has a deep professional knowledge of what is possible within the constraints of the planning system, your budget, and currently available technology. The best way is to meet with an architect at your property to discuss your thoughts and aspirations.

he honest answer is…it depends. The overall dimensions will affect the figures together with the style, for example, fewer external walls more windows, flat or pitched roof(s), and single or two storeys, finishes, internally and externally and your choice of fit out.

 How much you pay an architect depends on a number of factors. An architect will potentially work out a fee based on a percentage of an estimated construction cost, the time it will take them to do the necessary work in the preparation of the survey, forming sketches of ideas, the planning and if required a building regulation application and contract administration.

It’s true, not every job requires an architect. Having said that an architect will bring experience and potential to explore and discuss alternatives, options etc., for example, what you want isn’t necessarily what you need.

The most common things that go wrong with extension and new build projects are the costs, delays in the process, the wrong contractor, and aspirations beyond the means.

These are the key steps you will need to go through in your building project. It’s really important that you do them in the right order. Firstly, you need to appoint a consultant and agree on services and fees for the various stages whilst acting on your behalf. Once appointed, the normal process would be for the consultant to take a brief from you on your aspirations and ideas potential budget, and time frames. The next stage would be to complete a survey to allow the consultant to formulate the ideas discussed and any other potential considerations. When the initial thoughts have been discussed, the sketches would normally be drawn up and submitted for planning.  This can either be as an outline, permitted development, householder or full planning application. Depending on the scale of the proposal; not sure what would be approved, to one-off houses and some larger developments. Post-planning approval the next stage would be to submit for building regulation approval. Planning is what you can build, building regulations are how you can build it. Some clients want contract supervision for the construction and on-site stage(s) which means the consultant can prepare a standard form of contract and administer a contract This means in general terms, obtaining tender prices for the works, obtaining a standard form of contract and completing it for yourselves and the contractor to sign, regular site visits and controlling the invoicing from the contractors (interim certificates), practical completion certificate (when you move in) and the final certificate where you settle the final account with the contractor.

There are many factors that will influence how long it takes you to complete your project. Primarily these may include the planning system, the availability of a contractor, the supply of materials, the weather and so on.

Getting good advice and a sound architectural plan right at the start will give you the best chance of hitting your timetable and preventing unnecessary costs.

These include 'inter alia':

AM2 Architects, Bernard Architect Ltd, Guy Taylor Associates, Benoy Ltd. RPS, UMC Architects Ltd, William Saunders, MO Architects, Studio-G Architecture LLP.

When you are starting off on a new home or extension project your architect will lead you through the process of making your aspirations, within reason a reality.

The most common types of development are extensions. These are generally single-storey rear extensions that increase the size of the kitchen/dining area and may incorporate some internal alterations to facilitate the aspirations.  Other types may be two-story rear extensions that extend across the rear of a detached house. Obviously, extensions can be at the side and sometimes the front and be single or two storeys.

Follow these 10 simple rules to ensure that you get the most out of your architect….

1               Is there a charge for the first visit?

2               Are they an architect or architectural technicians?

3               What can you offer in the way of architectural services?

4               The time frame for the first meeting,

5               The charge for the architectural services

6               Can you recommend a builder?

7               Have you experienced this type of work before?

8               Have you worked with planners before?

9               Can you complete the drawing and make the building regulation?

10             At what do we pay the fees to you and others?

An architect is a protected title. Anyone that calls themselves an architect and is not registered with the ARB or RIBA Accredited, is breaking the law.

Ask your architect. We know the best local builders in your area and which ones will be most suitable for your project. These would normally be willing to visit your home and other you to review other works in the area that are similar. Alternatively, you can ask friends and neighbours whom they have or would employ. Word of mouth is very useful.

The best way is to have a detailed conversation with your architect. Your architect will have lots of experience in similar projects and will be in a good position to guide you on your journey. This may be simply to rearrange what you already have or practical solutions to what additional space may be required to meet your aspirations.

Most of the time, YES! Ultimately, an experienced architect will ‘hold your hand’ and lead through the process step by step and will interpret your thoughts and ideas to fruition whilst offering other concepts that may never have been considered previously.

Such as:

-        what do you want it for?

-        Why do you want it?

-        Can you afford it?

-        Is it for you or to sell after the work is complete?

-        Is there more than one option?

-        Would it be easier to move to an already completed property?

-        The shape, scale, look, feel, style……

-        Do you have a contractor in mind, either through recommendation or acquaintance or is it self-build?