It often makes sense to contact an architect for advice before you start your project. Architects usually offer a range of services for projects with a budget of £50,000 or more, but many also offer a service to help you get the most out of your project in the initial stages.
An architect can help you get the best out of your project in the early stages for a smaller fee, regardless of size and whether they are needed later on.
You could take advantage of the one-off consultations most architects offer, which can give you advice on all aspects of your project. The consultation could help you gain a professional view of many aspects of the project, from design and cost through to planning and construction.
Only people who have had strict training and have gained the right qualifications are entitled to use the title ‘architect’ as it is protected by law, (Architects Act 1997).
Many companies who call themselves ‘architectural’ designers etc. are more than likely not fully qualified architects.
All architects are registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and most also have RIBA membership.
You can check if a person is a RIBA Member in this official directory.
All RIBA Chartered Practices:
View the full Code of Practice.
To get the most out of the architect you employ, it is a good idea to create a very clear brief which should explain the needs and functions of your building, and how you intend to use and manage it. Your architect can then help you create the final brief. They will need to know:
You can also use the RIBA’s free ‘Find an Architect’ service which can help you create a shortlist of practices that match your brief. Visit the Find an Architect webpage or email clientservices@riba.org to find out more.
Looking for a practice that has a lot of experience of the type of project you want from this database is a good idea.
You can check how many similar projects they have built, their contacts with the local planning department and their track record of approvals. You could also follow up their references for customer feedback.
Once you have created a shortlist, you could speak to each practice, describe your project and ask if they are able to take it on. You could ask to see a portfolio of work, or to visit finished buildings.
Architects generally don’t charge for an initial consultation which will usually be a short meeting to discuss the project and their capacity to deliver it. You should expect to pay for anything more than this, such as detailed design advice.
You and your architect should agree on the architectural services they will provide, and the cost, in writing before the project starts.
Architects can advise you about the approvals needed for your project, but you can also find out more from the government’s planning portal website.
The architect can also advise you on any health and safety obligations and how you can comply with them.
With planning approval in place, your architect can recommend the right form of building contract and will create drawings with technical specifications that describe your agreed proposals, for selected builders to cost.
The RIBA publishes a number of contracts suitable for domestic and commercial projects. Find out more on the RIBA Contracts webpage.
Appointing an architect as your contract administrator allows them to make regular inspections, deal with queries, instruct any additional work needed, monitor the progress on site and keep track of cost.
Most projects start with the initial briefing, then go to the design development stage, then the documentation for planning permission where required stage. The next stage involves creating the technical drawings for building regulations and construction purposes, and then the tendering stage is next. The final stage is construction and handover.
Here are some articles designed to help homeowners make informed decisions about their building projects.