frequently asked questions
there are certain project or service related questions which we're asked on a fairly regular basis:
Why should I employ an Architect or Interior Designer?
client centred service:
We provide a service that extends well beyond producing a set of drawings. Adept at identifying the needs and aspirations of our clients, we will bring our special skills, experience and knowledge to a project.
imagination:
Whether you are looking for tradition or innovation, boldness or understatement, we can lift your project out of the ordinary. When you use a chartered architect you are employing someone who has undertaken seven years training, the longest in the building industry. Anyone can alter a building but anyone styling themselves ‘building consultant’, ‘architectural designer’ or doing a ‘homer’ is unlikely to be an architect and does not have comparable skill or knowledge and may not be able to offer a comparable service.
We have been employed by clients in the past who have had planning and warrant drawings done as ‘homers’ and once the consents are obtained are left with drawings that a builder cannot build from and a draughtsman who is not willing or able to help further. The client’s have ended up employing us to help them complete the work making the cheap initial price a false economy.
value for money:
Not only do we pride ourselves on providing excellent service and value for money, our professional attention to detail will achieve value through the most efficient use of space and careful selection of materials and finishes.
reduced stress and worry:
Any building project can be stressful for the lay person; we can guide you through the complex procedures of planning permission and building regulations and monitor the builder’s programme of works through to completion. As members of RIAS/RIBA and registered with the ARB, we are also obliged to carry professional indemnity insurance.
How much will it cost? We assess on an individual basis but generally jobs are priced on a percentage of the construction cost or a lump sum basis where the scope of the work can be clearly defined from the outset. We do not charge for initial consultations/ fee quotes. We aim to tailor our pricing to individual client requirements, where the scope of the work is difficult to define, we can work on an hourly rate, an upper limit can be agreed and the client notified as this is approached. As far as we are aware our fees are highly competitive relative to other comparable practices. We also provide high quality services and have.
Architects drawings are sometimes complex and don’t communicate what the finished design looks like. How will I know what the finished design looks like?
Being able to draw and communicate our ideas to clients is something that we consider to be of paramount importance at archid. We can communicate ideas quickly through sketches and develop them as far as the client needs to gain an understanding of the design. We can build computer generated models, provide ‘walk-throughs’ and if required generate almost photographic quality renderings of what the finished design will look like.
I don’t want a complete Architect’s service. I’m just looking for ideas/planning approval/building warrant. Can you provide this service?
Yes, we will provide services required at the various stages of a project individually as per the client’s needs. For example; a feasibility study to see what may be possible with a site or building, a sketch design to assess a project’s viability or for costing by others, a planning application for a piece of ground to increase its value so that the client can simply sell it on, a building warrant for alterations to a property etc.
Many clients ask us to take a project to planning and building warrant stage confident that they can handle the build on site. We are happy to provide a service to what ever stage suits a particular client and will usually provide assistance as required thereafter charged at an hourly rate.
What is the smallest job you will consider?
We will consider any size of job from a small internal alteration or loft conversion to multi-million pound new build stand alone developments, we are happy to meet you and discuss your requirements.
Can I afford an Architect or Interior Designer?
- Our answer to this would be yes in that it is better to pay for the guidance of experienced building professionals than manage a building project yourself, especially if you have little or no experience in building.
- We can often identify savings on a job or more economic ways of achieving your project than you might identify.
- Dealing with the Planning Department and Building Control is a time consuming and difficult undertaking. If projects are not built in full accordance with both of these departments they have the right to demand that non compliant works be rectified or removed. This can add time and expense to the original project which could have been saved if an Architect had been appointed from the outset.