Architect

Why do you need an Architect.

There is a lot to know about building and there is a lot that can go wrong. Architects undertake seven years of training and just as doctors know about bodies so architects know about buildings, how they work and how to design them. They are the only people trained to have an overall view of the construction process. The importance of this knowledge and expertise is recognized in law because only those who meet the standard can call themselves an Architect. A register is kept by the ARB. Architectural Consultants and people who draw plans are not Architects. 

All architects have different ways of working, and designing, they will be having to make thousands of decisions on your behalf and it is important that you have full confidence in whoever you choose. Because there are no fixed fee scales we all have different ways of charging.

Architects have to be insured.

Architects have to keep their knowledge up to date so that you benefit from the latest developments.

Architects get paid only by you, so that you can have full confidence in their recommendations and you benefit from any manufacturers discounts that may be available.

Why you might want us to be your Architect.

If you have not worked with us before then we prefer that you talk to other architects because it is important to us that you feel comfortable with whoever you choose. On the RIBA site you can find the names of other practices local to you.

Design and Implementation. We aim to give you a one stop solution by carrying out planning, environmental and structural calculations in house so that, as far as possible, you do not have to employ anybody else (see Party Wall Surveyor).

We are members of the Royal Institute of British Architects and are an RIBA Chartered Practice.

How much do we charge?

Because we lay such importance on meeting our potential clients we do not charge for the first meeting. However if you feel you have had good advice from us, you can make a small donation to our supported charity. After the meeting we will send you a written quote of our charges for your project and these will be (as far as possible) bottom line figures so that you can include us in your budget for the project.