Do I need an architect?

What do architects do, why and is it useful for me?

The majority of people have only come across an architect at a party. You ask what they do, they say they're an architect and you say "oh that's really interesting". They can be perceived to provide a service that feels too grandiose or elite. However if that is the feeling you get, you've not found the right architect for you.

You don't need an architect to design your home

Your average architect. In this case, it's Nadia in the basement of the City of London mixed use project.

Simply put, in the UK you don't need an architect for your building project or home renovation. You can put together a planning application on your own; employ a structural engineer for structural drawings and calculations if there are walls to be removed or extensions to be built, which is a building regulations requirement; and then you can find a builder to build it for you, all without speaking to an architect.

Where an architect adds value is through their ideas and expertise. You know how you live and what makes a home for you, they can take that and show you different ways that this can manifest in a building. Architects will look at how you might be able to use the spaces you already have a little differently. They are a font of knowledge, example projects and materials you might not have thought of.

Architects want you to succeed

At the end of the day, the best building projects are those where everyone feels part of a team, in it to create the best project they can, together. Not only is this a much more enjoyable experience for everyone involved, it results in a significantly better building and a happier client. The team benefits from a design lead, usually the architect, who has experience and is able to help the process run smoothly because of this.

The Hammersmith project at the beginning of the construction process: the loft extension

Experience saves money

This may be obvious, but architects are working on a variety of building projects day in, day out and as such can provide a lot of peace of mind throughout your building project.

As a private client, you may have had previous building experience, but a lot of clients come to us having never used an architect or done their own project before. Architects can guide you through a building project from the very beginning of figuring out what your brief is, to applying for planning permission, hiring a builder and all the way through to turning the key and walking into your updated home. They are constantly upskilling themselves on different building materials, techniques and the industry at large. A part of their job is research and speaking to suppliers to be able to comfortably work with ever evolving materials.

They are well versed in coordinating and communicating with planning officers, consultants, builders and suppliers, removing the headache of doing so for you. All of this experience means that they have a list of pitfalls to watch out for at each stage of the project which will save you money overall.

Hammersmith project mid-construction: the ground floor extension

What do I do throughout the project?

The Hammersmith project nearing completion

Have fun, hopefully! The process should be exciting from the get go, with lots of ideas flying around. At the beginning of the project, there's decisions to make on forms, materials and styles, all of which the architect will guide you through.

As the project continues, usually you will be able to choose how much of a role you have in the building process, depending upon how comfortable you are. Some clients like to take an active role by, for example, speaking to consultants and specifying the fixtures and fittings they want, others want things handled for them. Most of the time your architect will be more than happy to lead the project for you and communicate with the various other parties involved, and will come to you with various decisions that need to be made.

Are architects worth it?

An architect is valuable for their expertise, ideas and saving you money in the long run. They provide new takes and broaden your mind on what your home could be.

You've got to remember that though stressful at times, building projects should be exciting and fun, especially for the average person who is not doing them often. An architect can really help that happen.

Come back for more blogs, take a look through our projects or send us a message if you want to speak further.

The completed ground floor extension of the Hammersmith project