Architectural Designer Recommendation

meggles

we're looking at buying a 1860's end terrace in need of some major renovation. we haven't yet put in an offer, as we would only be interested in the property if we would be allowed to go ahead & could afford to do the work.

we've contacted 4 architectural designers - in order to get a rough idea of planning permission possibility, and rough idea of cost, feasibility, etc. All 4 have emailed back stating their qualifications and that they'd be available for walking around/in the property. one of the three will charge per hour, but deduct that from cost if we use him later down the road.

how do we choose which one to use? we're not committing at this point - just want a rough idea if we could hope to get planning permission/rough costs.

we've asked around, and no one we know has used an architectural designer - so no recommendations that way. any idea how to narrow down?

DVardysShadow

Ask for examples of previous work?

Meet them. Engage the 2 or 3 frontrunners to attend the property separately for an hour and discuss with you?

bigblackdog

you could visit your council and ask to see recent planning applications , make a note of any designer who seems to be 'on the ball' regarding what you want , then contact them .
it wont cost anything , only your time looking over the planning applications , nothing to lose

choille

Ask people you know for recommendations.

This is our line of work & most of it comes from personal recommendations.

Also we don't charge for initial consultation, unless drawings have to be produced, so that builders/contractors can then work out their costings.

I would ask what work they've done locally & then contact the client & ask how they got on.
Ask how long they've done their job - how many years experience.

It is a big thing & some architectural consultants impose their 'ideas' on you. A good one will explore both your ( in the case of a couple)views/ideas, give you all the alternatives that are possible & you'll work out together what will work best for you both (in the case of a couple).
A good one will also insist that they meet both members of a couple.

Have a look at your planning office - a good consultant will be busy & have many applications in there.

All the best.

fluffymuffy

meggles wrote: »

we've contacted 4 architectural designers -....

we've asked around, and no one we know has used an architectural designer - so no recommendations that way. any idea how to narrow down?

Why not use an architect?

meggles

from what I've read (on this site & others) - its worth getting opinions of architects, architectural designers, etc. welcome to other opinions

fluffymuffy

meggles wrote: »

from what I've read (on this site & others) - its worth getting opinions of architects, architectural designers, etc. welcome to other opinions

But anyone can set themselves up in business as an "Architectural Designer" whereas Architects are qualified, registered and insured.

choille

Architectural Technicians are people who draw plans that will work & are used to planning legislation ie what is allowable & acceptable & know the whole process. A designer maybe someone who will just faff about with colour swatches & talk 'themes'. There has been some so called designers 'persuading' people to knock down walls that are structural thereby weaking the whole house & maybe next door's house too & also not complying with Building Regulations. If you are going for structural alterations you will need someone who knows about altering buildings & the impacts on the rest of the structure - if major works, then you may also need an Engineer to certify the drawings.

meggles

morning - the (4) that i have contacted thus far are all 'Chartered Architectural Technologist'. from what i've read on their site, and others, it appears that this is sufficient. any opinions?

fluffymuffy

meggles wrote: »

any opinions?

Yes - avoid anyone who uses the term "Architectural" - they only use that word because they are not allowed to call themselves Architects. There's not much work about and real Architects (who are trained in both design and construction) are no more costly that the pretenders. Architects are registered with the government and face prosecution if working uninsured. Why have four quotes which don't include a real Architect?

See the government's ARB website for more info and access to the Register - http://www.arb.org.uk/news_and_information/information_for_the_public/default.php

a_j_mair

fluffymuffy wrote: »

Yes - avoid anyone who uses the term "Architectural" - they only use that word because they are not allowed to call themselves Architects. There's not much work about and real Architects (who are trained in both design and construction) are no more costly that the pretenders. Architects are registered with the government and face prosecution if working uninsured. Why have four quotes which don't include a real Architect?

See the government's ARB website for more info and access to the Register - http://www.arb.org.uk/news_and_information/information_for_the_public/default.php

Sorry but that is alot of nonsense

Chartered Architectural Technoligists are registered with the RICAT the same way an Architect is registered with the RIBA

Joe bloggs cannot call themself a chartered architectural technologist

As for architects you will often find they are the ones that come up with the airy fairy ideas and have less concern as to feasibilty and clients own ideas, you often find they will try to push there own ideas on to you from my experience.

A technician is the one that will draw up the ideas and is often more aware and concerned with regards to structure etc

As for fees Architects, ball park figures may be around 6/7%
Aritectural technoligist may be mor 3.5/4%

obviously all practices are different

In summary I would have no concern in appointing a Chartered Architectural Technoligist to do some work.

You need to meet them on site discuss your ideas and the possibilities.

You will more than likely get a gut feeling of the one most suited, once you have decided in your head then check up with council to see if they are an active agent etc, do some searches on line before appointing them

Hope this helps