So you’ve got an expanding family and need more space or dream of that kitchen extension opening up onto the garden. You’ve saved some money and you know what you want build. Maybe you even have a builder in mind. Do you need an architect?
no.
You don’t.
Planning Permission
You can make a planning application without the involvement of an architect. You can do it yourself. There is no legislation stating that an architect needs to be involved.
Do you need Planning Permission
You will first need to establish if your project requires planning permission. Some building work is considered ‘permitted development’ in which case it is advisable to seek a certificate of lawfulness from your local authority. The government has some good guidance online to help you determine if your project needs formal permission. If you do need to seek full permission you can make the planning application yourself online. As long as the requirements are met in full (drawings are at the right scale, correct statements made, required elements from other consultants supplied such as tree surveys) then the local authority will register and consider the application.
However…
Knowledge
An architect has knowledge of the national and local planning system and will be able to ensure you put together the most effective package of information. The content of your application should directly relate to the complexity of the project, how contentious it might be and the local authority involved. The knowledge of your architect may even extend to experience of specific planning officers and emerging policy. In some instances your architect may recomend the engagement of a specialist planning consultant. Architects are experienced in working with local authorities during the determination period and this may also be very beneficial if trying to negotiate and issue or and the application to be more favourable.
Drawings
Drawings need to be accurate and legible. This is one of the special skills of an architect and takes years of training and experience to develop. Below is a sample of a client’s drawing in comparison with a professional drawing. I find client drawings very useful for developing designs together. A smart professional drawing is more suitable for a planning application.
Drawing by client- Good for communication during design development
Professional plan- more suited for planning applications.
Is good design important?
How big is the project? if it’s a really small change or amendment with limited scope for design input then one option is to work with an architectural designer, technologist or technician whose training is shorter and less focused on design which results in slightly lower fees. If there is any design input required at all it will really be worth engaging a registered architect who will look for every opportunity to exceed your expectations. This doesn’t doesn’t necessarily result in spending more but has the power to make you smile every day.
Cost Certainty
Are you concerned about the cost of hiring an architect?
Is the budget really tight? an architect will be able to provide you a fixed fee service which is agreed up front. The more detailed brief you are able to give the architect the more detailed quote you will get which will lead to increased cost certainty. Question the quote, make sure it covers all of your needs and if it is more than you can afford refine the services to fit your budget. You can walk away at this point.
Bear in mind that it is the building part of the project where unanticipated costs are more likely to come up, not during the design stage. A building project breaks down into three stages. Planning, detailed design/building regulations approval and construction. The longer you keep the architect involved the better quality and the more cost certainty you will have.
Building Regulations Approval
The second formal approval you need to make your building work lawful is building regulations approval. This is typically a set of technical design drawings covering all the details to demonstrate compliance to guidance. A good set of technical drawings is also essential if you want an accurate construction quote with any control over the selection materials and quality of the build.
Peace of mind
Finally, most of us are time poor. Hiring an architect will ensure that your exciting build will stay exciting. Your architect will steer and support you through the process leaving you free to dream about your new space.
Other great reasons for working with an architect can be found on the RIBA website.