Frequently Asked Questions
I am often asked questions by clients who have maybe not worked with an architect before or who are feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole process and trying to understand who does what and when they should be doing it!
I have prepared two explanations of key aspects of the design and construction process and working with an architect.
Of course, there are countless questions that you might have and so please do not hesitate to contact me.
From concept to completion: How does the design and construction process work?
Why employ an architect?
If you would like to work with an architect firstly make sure you are actually talking to an architect!
In the United Kingdom, the title “architect” is protected by law. This law only protects the title “architect” and does not cover titles such as “architectural designer” or “architectural consultant” and all architects need to be registered with the Architects Registration Board.
Most architects do the job because they are passionate about what they do and their interest in delivering quality projects is the most important consideration for them.
So why use an architect? There are a number of very good reasons why using an architect to help you imagine, plan and build your dream project is a good idea.
Training
Architects complete one of the longest and most demanding routes to qualification of any profession in any industry.
During this time they will have taken exams, carried out numerous design projects and worked with a number of different practices on a range of projects.
Creativity
Architects are the only members of the design team who are responsible for the atmosphere, feel and look of a space.
They can employ numerous methods to describe and analyse spatial qualities to communicate with clients consultants and builders.
Knowledge
Throughout their training and during practice architects will have tackled a great number of problems and complexities which are an inevitable part of the construction process.
They are also committed to maintaining a level of training whilst in practice called Continued Professional Development.
This keeps them up to date with the latest developments and ideas in construction.
Construction process
Architects are trained to oversee the development of a project from initial site assessment up to the point that the client is handed the keys to their new building and beyond.
They will be experienced with working alongside other consultants and once a project is on-site they will be able to act as Contract Administrator, making sure that work is carried out in line with the contract and help with any problems that crop up.
Professionalism
Several measures are designed to reassure clients during the design and construction of a project.
The ARB and RIBA expect members to conduct themselves according to a strict code of conduct which is set out in writing.
Architects must adhere to this or risk losing their right to use the title “architect” and practice in the United Kingdom.
Insurance
All architects must, as part of their professional obligations, carry Professional Indemnity Insurance at an appropriate level.
From concept to completion. How does the design and construction process work?
Questions relating to the design and construction process come up a lot.
An architect can be engaged at any point during a project but quite often they are involved at the very earliest stage even before a clear idea of the brief has been established.
This is a guide to the design and construction process for a reasonably complex project. Simpler projects may not require the same number of steps but in general, they will follow the same approach.
1. Contact me
The first thing to do is to contact me to arrange a site visit and to have a chat about your project and ideas.
2. Site visit
During the initial site visit, we will have the opportunity to discuss ideas in a little more detail, develop your brief and outline your objectives.
This is also a chance to take some site photographs and get a general sense of the site and any obvious constraints.
It may not always be possible or practical to visit the site and so at the early stage it is sometimes preferable to communicate ideas with photographs or videos.
3. Fee proposal
Once I have an idea of the brief and the complexities of the project I will issue you a fee proposal that will clearly describe details of services and fees alongside clearly defined work stages. I will also point out any special considerations or obvious constraints to the project.
4. Contract
If you agree to the fee proposal the next stage would be to formally appoint me with a contract that would explain the terms and clarify the process. This is required by the Architects Registration Board.
5. Site assessment
Once the appointment is in place we would organise a site visit to carry out a measured survey and site assessment.
Sometimes it will be necessary to have a topographical survey carried out by a specialist. This will depend on the complexity of the site.
6. Concept
At this point, I will draw up a set of plans and elevations that will describe the existing site and buildings. Once complete this will allow me to develop a design concept in line with your brief.
7. Client review
You will be sent the concept design and following your comments, I will further develop the drawings adding more detail describing the finish of the building and adding three-dimensional or colour studies.
At this stage, more complicated physical models are sometimes constructed to give a tangible sense of the feeling of a space or building.
8. Pre-application review
It is often advisable for the proposal to be issued to the LPA for pre-application consultation.
This allows me and the client to gain a greater understanding of the likelihood of the council's support for an application.
It will also help to steer the development of the project before a formal planning application is submitted.
9. Planning application
Taking into consideration input from the client and the LPA at the pre-application stage the drawings will be updated and prepared for a formal planning application.
Once the submission is deemed valid, the LPA have eight weeks to consider the application although sometimes this can be longer if the scheme is complex, they can also request an extension of time for various reasons.
10. Conditions
Hopefully, after waiting the statutory eight weeks the council will send a planning granted letter!
The permission will come with conditions and it will be necessary to check them to understand what the council is asking.
Alongside standard conditions, there may also be requirements to sign off material samples or other concerns.
If the project is not successful at securing planning permission it is possible to review the planners' comments and make an appeal.
11. Building control information
Following a successful planning application, any building will need to conform to UK Building Regulations.
Ordinarily, at this stage, I will add additional information to the planning drawings and also add a building control specification which details those parts related to life safety, sustainability and buildability.
Usually, at this point, other consultants are appointed. On a small domestic project, this will mean a structural engineer but could also include M&E consultants and other specialists.
Again, this will depend on the complexity of the project and would have been discussed before this point with the client.
12. Tender package
At this stage, clients decide how much input they require from me. If requested I can prepare additional information to assist the contractor and issue the drawings for tender. I can also assist with the appointment of a contractor.
13. Construction
If the quality of the finish and build is especially important, you can appoint me to act as a Contract Administrator during the construction phase of the project.
I will also be able to assist with problems that come up on-site as they happen and check the quality of work and adherence to the contract.
14. Completion
The project is now complete and you are installed in your new building!