Hiring an Architect

Whether you want to convert a property, add an extension or build a new house from scratch, hiring an Architect is essential. Here are the basics on how Architects work and why you might need one.

What is an Architect?

Architects are essential for all building projects

An Architect is a highly skilled and trained professional who designs buildings and organises space. By law, Architects in the UK need to be qualified and registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) which means that they are properly qualified, have Professional Indemnity Insurance (PI) and comply with set standards.

Architects work on both commercial and residential projects and are responsible for designing, obtaining planning permission, hiring contractors and overseeing the construction process.

Architectural Technician Peter MacQueen, from Lune Architects in Buckinghamshire, says: “The kind of residential projects that we work on are extensions, conversions and building new properties. It’s quite a broad range of projects. At the moment we are doing a lot of work on barn conversions.”

What does being an Architect entail?

You need to train for seven years to become an Architect, which shows just how specialised the job is. Architect Claire Haigh, of Claire Haigh Associates in Brighton, explains: “You spend three years on an architecture degree, a year out in an office, two more in design work back at college and then a final year out in practice before taking a Chartered exam so after that you really know how to run things on site and you’ve been through the whole process.”

Once qualified, an Architect will:

• Liaise with the client; listen to their requirements and offer ideas and solutions for the project.
• Produce designs and blueprints of the work, using 3D designs created by AutoCAD software.
• Draw up a letter of agreement with the client.
• Help the client obtain the relevant planning consent and building regulations certificate.
• Take into account environmental factors and possess a good knowledge of materials and building practices.
• Manage the construction phase; this may involve contract administration, (hiring builders and contractors to carry out the work).
• Some Architects will also provide a project management service which means they work on site and ensure everything runs to time and budget.

How do Architects work?

The process begins with consultation to find out what the clients requirements are. “You need to be a good problem solver to be an Architect,” Claire points out. “You also need to be good at listening to people and trying to visualise what they want. When you first meet a client often they think they know what they want but they discover they don’t really until you start asking them about their lifestyle and needs.”

Typically, a contract will be drawn up as soon as the client’s requirements have been established and the site has been inspected. According to RIBA, this ‘letter of agreement’ needs to include:

An architect will know about
planning permission
and building regulations

• Details of the project and exactly what services the Architect is going to provide.
• A statement about how fees and expenses will be calculated and paid.
• Information about any other consultants who will work on the project.
• Details of the Architects Professional Indemnity insurance cover and period of liability.
• An agreement about what will happen if a dispute arises.

During the design period an Architect will refine plans until you are absolutely happy with them. As Peter points out: “The design process can be drawn out; we just worked on a project which we went through 15 different design phases.”

Your Architect will then apply for planning consent and the building regulation certificate on your behalf, or advise you on how to do this yourself. If you are successful in obtaining planning permission then the construction phase can begin. Many Architects will offer help with contract administration and even manage the whole project for you if you like.

How to hire an Architect

“That first meeting between the Architect and client is a two way process, you have to get on well with each other,” says Brighton Architect Claire. It is also essential to make sure that your Architect is on the ARB.

You could hire a Chartered Architect, who will be a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, the Royal Society of Architects in Wales or the Royal Society of Ulster Architects. Members of these bodies work to a strict code of conduct and provide good quality service.

Adrian Dobson, the RIBA’s Director of Practice emphasises the benefits of hiring a RIBA certified Architect: “They can offer creative and technical design skills; professional knowledge to navigate the various regulatory processes and project management expertise,” he says.

How much does hiring an architect cost?

According to RIBA, there is no standard method of payment for an Architect’s services. They will either charge a percentage of the construction cost, a lump sum, or as Peter explains: “We will cost the work depending on how much time we spend on the project.” You should consult an Architect to find out exact prices.