Do I need an Architect?

A great question that's surely at the forefront of many would be remodelers minds! Here we break down the benefits of using an Architect and the circumstances in which you might not require one.

First of all, architects have over 7 years of professional training and in most cases you can expect a highly professional service from them. In our opinion for the level of expertise an architect can provide on your project, we think there isn't a job too small that wouldn't benefit from an Architect's input. However their level of knowledge and service does come at a cost, and in certain situations another route may be more beneficial.

A jack of all trades:

Architects have a fantastic broad understanding of most aspects of the built-environment. Since they oversee projects from inception and planning to tender and construction, an experienced Architect will have seen it all. From the get-go most Architects should be able to answer questions on pricing, design, construction, timescales, potential pit-falls and opportunities. Throughout your projects lifecycle they will be able to advise you on upcoming stages of work, different consultants you'll be required to appoint and how long each stage will last and cost. Their broader understanding of the processes at work on any given project, from planning to engineering, means they are extremely well positioned to be the problem solvers for any issues that may arise from conflicting interests between different parties.

Professional qualifications:

By being a member of the ARB and RIBA, Architects have a very high level of professional conduct they're required to adhere to. To maintain their membership, Architects are obliged to develop and up-keep their understanding of the built environment. Every year they're required to have at least 30 hours of training to keep them up to speed with aspects of the industry such as legislation, materials and technology. Their professional memberships also impose duties on them to uphold and maintain the reputation of the profession. This includes a duty of care to the industry, Clients and any other parties they come into contact with, such as public institutions and other professional bodies. Before appointing an Architect you should check the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) register for company chartership and the Architect's Registration Board (ARB) to check the practice has at least one qualified Architect.

Design:

Obviously design plays a major role in most property remodeling projects and is often regarded as the cornerstone of the Architectural profession. Whether it's re-fitting a bathroom or planning a brand new office block, this aspect of the business is what most Architects train to do. For that reason, if design is critical to your projects success, I think choosing an Architect from the outset is hugely important.

Project Management:

Managing a team is an Architect's bread and butter. It's not the most romantic aspect of the job but it's how they control the process of delivering the project according to their Clients vision. Sitting in the middle of many different players as the jack-of-all-trades coordinating the inputs of many different consultants is where Architects problem solving skills and creativity come to the fore. But unlike design, I believe this aspect of the job can be done equally as well, if not better, by a design and build contractor. For this reason, if you're not hugely bothered by the design quality or finish of your project, a design and build contractor is perhaps the route for you.