The services that an architect typically provides include concept design development, preparation of construction documents, and construction administration. Architects also provide a wide variety of additional services including feasibility studies, architectural programming and project management.

The reason it's important to get an architect involved in a project as early as possible is because architects work on buildings and planning every day. We do it for a living. We know what to do with a site or home, whether it be vacant land or a parcel with an existing building that needs to be demolished. We know how to guide you through the policy and rules maze that is getting buildings approved so that your project can be as successful as possible.

Many of our private clients and even some of our professional clients feel in the dark with regards to how much it should cost to hire an Architect. The information below is intended to de-mystify the world of Architects fees.

THE BASICS

The three main methods for Architects calculating fees are;

- Percentage basis

- Lump-sum agreement

- Time charge basis

1. PERCENTAGE FEES

The fees are procured as an agreed percentage of the construction costs. This method is very common in larger projects. Both client and Architect MUST agree an understood scope of service and budget for the project before fees can be estimated. The nature of the work and procurement route will also define the percentage agreed.

2. LUMP-SUM AGREEMENT

Lump sum fees are best utilised on projects where the scope of works required from the Architect is easy to define. It is again important to define exactly what works, tasks, outputs will be completed for the agreed fee as additional works and or revisions will be charged in addition to the agreed scope of service. This method is very common for smaller projects, often for private clients who wish to complete small changes or extensions to their own home. This method can also be utilised for specific packages of works. Investigating the site through feasibility studies for property developers is also a good opportunity for lump sum agreed fees.

3. TIME CHARGE BASIS

The hourly rate time charge is becoming increasingly rare for Architects to work under. Although this is the most accurate way for the client to know exactly what they are paying for, this method has an intrinsic fear of fees running away with themselves. The positive is that you pay for exactly what you are getting. Time Charge Fees are often utilised for revision charges. If a client wishes to amend the design following the release of a package of drawings and the knock on effects are difficult to define, then time charges would be applied until the requested revision is resolved. Time charges are also utilised for consultancy such as additional requested meetings on site, during the design phase and or on an ad-hoc basis.

Your role is at the core of the design process. Everything we do is to achieve the vision established with you. You know you want something that looks great and performs well but you may not know what your needs entail or you may not have fully formed your vision. We empower you with the correct advice and knowledge to make important decisions that are key to the success of your project.

We welcome your input as that's the fun of the design process. Exchanging ideas and sharing knowledge is something we love. You can be involved in the process as much as you like. We are open to any and all requests and suggestions from you (we have even been asked to install a roof top open air bath for one of our clients), knowing that they you the experts when it comes to how the space will be used. We truly consider our clients valuable members of our team and enjoy the collaboration we have with our clients to bring about inspiring end results.

If you have specific ideas, it often provides a great starting point for the design process. When we design for projects, we start the process by asking you a lot of questions. We ask things like: Who lives in your home? How do you envision the new or remodeled home will be used? What types of feelings do you want the new space to invoke? What do your family’s future plans look like? We don’t want to just design you beautiful spaces, but also spaces that will be used and enjoyed, and that will serve you well for many years to come! We can only do this with extensive input from you.

In addition to helping you to design your project, in many projects we take on the role of ‘lead consultant,’ becoming responsible for coordinating the works of all the other design team members into one cohesive package of information. Generally, you as the client will directly appoint each of the individual consultants, however we will let you know what other disciplines are required, and make introductions to those with whom we have good prior experience. We also like to meet new people so if you have contacts or know someone you would like to work with we are more than happy with this too.

For domestic renovations and extensions the main design consultants required are:

- Building Surveyor

- Structural Engineer

- Building Control Inspector

- Party Wall Surveyor

- Principal Designer for CDM

Other consultants that may be needed:

No two projects are identical, from differences in the brief of the project, to the condition of your property. Depending on what is involved, other consultants may be considered, such as:

- Planning Consultant

- Mechanical & Electrical Consultant

- Energy Consultant

- Cost Consultant

- Lighting / Audio Visual Consultant

- Landscape Architect

- Interior Designer

We are here to guide you through the design process smoothly and introduce the right disciplines if required for your project.

When starting your project, there are different stages to the design and building process.

We work with the RIBA Plan of Work and go from Stage 0 to Stage 7, and each Stage serves a different purpose.

Stage 0 – Strategic Definition stage

At this initial stage, the fundamentals of your project are explored, and all the pros and cons are weighed up.

Stage 1 – Preparation and Brief

This is the stage in which the initial brief is decided and is where the client requirements are considered further to prepare for the project.

Stage 2 – Conceptual Design Stage

This stage sets the Architectural concept for the project. Proposals are prepared and regular design reviews are held in order to make sure the design is on the right track.

Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination

This stage is mainly about testing the architectural concept to make sure that everything prepared in stage 2 is correct, before the detailed information at stage 4 is needed. This is normally the stage at which your planning application is submitted.

Stage 4 – Technical Design Stage

This is where the information required to construct the building is prepared. This normally the stage at which the Building Regulation Application is submitted.

Stage 5 - Construction

This is where your project will really begin to take off and is the construction phase. We will keep track of the construction work and make sure it is all at the agreed contract.

Stage 6 - Handover

This then leads on to stage 6, probably the most exciting stage for someone completing their own project. This is the stage in which the building is handed over to the client, any building contracts are concluded, and the aftercare is initiated.

Stage 7 - In Use

The final stage, stage 7 is where the building is analysed to ensure it is operating effectively and to the clients’ desire and to pick up any defects that may have occurred in the early life of your project and work to resolve them.

We know that this can be daunting for clients who are new to this process, and we are here to guide you through every step of your project with minimal stress.

Planning Permissions are more about the external appearance of the building and making sure any landscaping considerations are in keeping with the local environment. Ultimately, Planning Permissions are there to avoid architectural ‘eyesores’ and oversized extensions being built that would be ‘out-of-keeping’ in an area.

Building Regulations set the minimum standard for the design and construction of buildings to ensure that any work has been done correctly. They cover safety standards for the construction of everything from staircases and chimneys to the heating efficiency of boilers and providing access facilities for the disabled. You may need building regulation approval to cover work on your home both internally and externally.

Both are legally required and must be submitted to your local council before beginning any work. Failure to comply could lead to a fine.

Most planning applications are decided within eight weeks, unless they are unusually large or complex, in which case the time limit is extended to 13 weeks.

We can provide with an idea of the likely timeframe in consultation with the local planners.

If the planners can't decide your application within eight weeks, they should obtain your written consent to extend the period for maybe making design alterations. If they have not done so, you could appeal to the Secretary of State but appeals can take up to a year to decide and it may be quicker to reach a compromise with the planners if it can be achieved.

If the planners turns down an application or don't make a decision within the timeframe allowed, you can make an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate and have the matter resolved by a Planning Inspector.

We can guide you through this process.

There are other permissions other than planning and building regulations applications which may include:

- Utility Connections

- Nature Licences

- Conservation and Listed Building Permissions

- Environmental Permits

- Protected Species Permits

- Highways Permits

- Section 106 Agreements

- Party Wall Agreements

- Footpath/Highway Diversions

There may be others and we carry out an initial assessment with yourselves to understand what may be required and what help from specialists may be required.

The short answer is no.

The long answer is that the role of the structural engineer is an integral part of the design team solving the technical aspects to ensure structural integrity of your vision - essentially making sure the design is structurally sound once complete.

They work out and produce complex calculations that must be submitted to Building Control to prove compliance with the Building Regulations making sure things like beams and columns are in the right place and the correct sizes to suit the design. This also enables the builder to accurately quote for the correct structure in the building.