Important Questions to Your Architect Before Starting a Project

2. Hiring an architect is not a legal requirement and it is possible to successfully complete even major projects without one. Designing, building and making changes to your home is both exciting and intimidating, particularly for the majority of homeowners who have little-to-no experience in undertaking such projects.

3. Is there a charge for an initial meeting? Different architects offer different things in initial meetings with potential clients. Most will agree to a short, one-off introduction free of charge to discuss the project, your budget and their ability to deliver, but you should expect to pay for more detailed advice. If in doubt, ask if there’s a cost before arranging anything.

4. Might you at any point affirm that you are an registered architect? The benefit of choosing a registered architect is that their ability to deliver the service you require is guaranteed. They must comply with certain responsibilities - including health and safety and the need to maintain Professional Indemnity Insurance - and are subject to random checks.

5. Do you have a signature style? In short, don’t expect a modern architecture practice to produce design packed with elaborate period detailing. The best way to get a feeling for how an architect handles a certain style is to ask to see past projects in their portfolio that are similar to what you want. Be sure to establish how much of the design was the architect’s creation, as opposed to the client’s.

6. What services do you offer? You will need to understand the extent to which the architect can manage your project. Others want us to take it further, producing detailed drawings with technical specifications for the contractor to build from. Some want the full service, which involves managing the contracts between the contractor and the client on site and acting as their liaison.

7. What is your track record of successful planning applications? If you foresee issues securing planning permission, make sure you ask your architect for their track record in getting plans approved. A local architect may be your best bet here as they may be more familiar with your local authority’s planning policy and attitudes, as well as having useful contacts in the planning department.

8. How would you charge? How architects charge depends on the project’s complexity and the services requested from them. Some will charge you a fixed price sum, some lump sums at regular intervals, others an hourly or daily rate and some as a percentage of the total project cost.