Will any old Architect do?
[ 2 Min Read ]
Are you looking for an Architect and don't know where to start? Do you need some tips on how to not only find an Architect but the right Architect for you and your project? If yes, then all you need to do is carry on reading this blog post.
Choosing the right Architect is crucial to the success of any building project and can add so much value to your project. It is also essential for more ‘niche’ projects such as HMO conversions to work with an Architect that is experienced in the niche as working with ‘any old Architect’ that doesn’t understand or often work on HMO projects could turn out a complete disaster.
Unfortunately we see this quite often when potential clients ring us up midway through a project after they begin to realise that their Architect or in some cases non qualified Architect / designer is just not up to scratch and they are seeking an Architect with experience in that niche to rescue their project.
Where can you find an Architect?
Ask friends, family and peers for recommendations but please clarify whether they have personally worked with the Architect they are recommending and they are not just an Architect they follow on instagram for example. It always amazes me the amount of people who don’t hesitate to give out recommendations of people they have never worked with.
Search the Architects Registration Boards Online Directory, which lists every qualified Architect in the UK. To practice as a fully qualified Architect and call yourself an Architect by law you must be registered with the ARB as 'Architect' is a protected title in the UK.
Search the RIBA database, however please note that not all Architects are RIBA registered as this is an optional membership. Our Director Emma is a Chartered RIBA Architect.
Search Google or Bing Maps for local Architects.
Look out for Architects on social media.
How to find the right Architect?
Once you have shortlisted potential Architects that you would like to contact to discuss your project with, here are some pointers to consider when making initial contact. Most Architects will happily discuss potential projects with you for free over the phone to discuss your project further.
1. Check your architect's credentials
In the UK, all qualified Architects must be registered with The Architects Registration Board (ARB). You can access the Register of Architects on their website for free and check that your Architect is registered. This ensures that they have had the education, experience and practice to work as an Architect. Be wary of non-qualified draughtsmen and designers offering architectural services by throughly checking their experience.
2. Design ethos & project type
All architects have different approaches to design. It is possible to gauge an Architect’s approach to design from their website / social media most of the time and from initial conversations with them. You should ask yourself whether you like their design approach and does it suit you and your project? If you desire a particular outcome such as a sustainable or passive home, it would be best to find an Architect that specialises within that sustainable architecture for example.
3. Personality
In some professions, personality is not relevant as long as the job is done successfully. In my opinion Architecture is not one of those professions as an Architect has the ability to be a key member of your power team and someone you can build a long term relationship with and work on one project after another with. In order for your Architect to design your project successfully, they will have to get to know you, your priorities and values and so on in order to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your building project. So it is important that you get on well with and feel comfortable with your Architect to get the most out of their service.
4. Who
It can often be the case that the Directors / Partners have the majority of the correspondence with clients, however behind the scenes there can be someone less experienced and more junior working on your project on a day to day basis. Therefore I would recommend finding out from the start who will be working on your project and in what capacity to avoid any confusion. At Portfolio Architects, our founder Emma personally designs each and every single project and is supported by a small team to deliver drawings for multiple projects at the same time.
5. Establish availability & interest early on
If you have a particular timescale in mind it is best to share this with your potential Architect during the initial discussions to avoid wasting anyone's time. Similarly, Architects don't always take on every project and may not be interested in your project due to the size, type of project or location for example.