Looking for a very good architect

sayahu

Hi I'm looking for a 'very good' architect, but how will I know that the person I've gone to is very good?

I went in to the planning office with what I thought would be an impossible idea but was told that if I had a 'very good' architect and very detailed drawings they could not see why my application would be turned down.

So is there a site that does reviews or something?


PLEASE HELP

Doozergirl

I hope you've got deep pockets because whatever it is you've got planned, it sounds expensive.

You need a local architect that knows the planners. I would start from there and give them a quick explanation of what you're looking for and ask if they have
Anything similar in their portfolio.

Very good is a wide term, especially when it's being used by a planner. Did you ask them if they knew a very good architect? The obvious choice would be picking someone they already like.

Out of interest, what is this Grand Design you are planning?

ormus

http://www.fosterandpartners.com/Practice/Default.aspx

try these peeps. itll cost you a bit though.

henchard

Went through this ourselves. For many projects you do not need an architect. There are many people who offer plan drawing services who are not architects. However, if you do really want an architect (we did due to the sensitive nature of our extensions) we did the following

1. Ask around
2. Check out who is around locally by searching on line.
3. Check the RIBA website
4. Draw up a short-list then contact them and ask if it is the type of project they would undertake.
5. Visit each architect and ask to see types of similar work they may have done (make sure that the initial discussions are not charged for), ask them to explain their fee structure clearly. Make it clear you that you are seeing several other architects before making a decision. You'll be amazed how many show themselves up at this stage as not being enthusiastic!
6. When you have whittled down your choices ask those architects if they can arrange for you to visit schemes they have done and speak to their clients.
7.Remember local architects will charge less for travelling time, should have better contacts at the planning department and also be 'tuned into' local builders and prices.
8. Make your choice based on the architect's work, other clients impressions of their work and your gut feeling. You need to have a rapport with the architect who is going to interpret your wishes (rather than impose their own).

pinkmami

We got a very good one by word of mouth. Spent weeks trying to get hold of him & took time to make the plans but those who have used him say they've had no probs & no rejections.

Have a look though the planning section of the council & see who submits the most plans.

Our plans were very precise & that is what the planning dept need. We paid about £1000 in 2008 for our plans for a very large extension.

System

instead of checking the riba website, use arb - riba is an entirely useless organisation that you have to pay into to be able to call yourself chartered - arb is the architects registration board, you can search that to see qualified architects, many do not see the value in paying riba anything...
look for either someone who's work you like and/or someone that comes recommended - if you are asking for a complete fee proposal make it clear that you are asking other comapnies for fee proposals too, it will put a few noses out of joint if you approach someone for their design skills and then appoint someone based on their fee proposal! if it is someone you like try to negotiate the fee if it comes in too high

sayahu

Thank you all for your advice,

I want to add an extension and also have a wall to wall dorma.

The problem is that I live in an upstairs flat of a house, the downstairs flat has a side extension and a conservatory.

I want the room to above the side extension, it will not be much space but atleast I can have storage in our little 'house' once the attic is gone.

I did ask for a name but was laughed at and told thats not how it works.

I have checked an not found any details of any one having done something similar, so I can see that it will most likely be a struggle.

busy_mom_2

My council were wonderful, most building inspectors work on the side to do plans.
I originally got riped off. Builder recommended architect he came did plans, changed me a fortune and I submitted them for planning permissions. I sent the same copy for the building regs approval and basically got laughed at. Building inspector came round, discussed all what I wanted to do and put me in touch with a colleague who charged me half the price for detailed plans. I then had to pay for the structural engineers report to calculate the size of the beam (I am taking the whole of the back of the house down at the rear) now just waiting for the approval, builders quotes and away I go.
The inspector explained he couldn't inspect his own plans but worked closely with the colleague to ensure they got exactly what I wanted and he would approve of. They also gave me list of all the recommended builders.

iamcornholio

You don't need a good Architect, you need a competent designer - who may or may not be an Architect.

You will also have issues with Party Wall agreements, and leasehold/freehold ownerships with extending a first floor flat, so your designer needs to be conversant with these - as they could be more important than the design

Look at the planning applications at the local council and note the names of the various designers who seem to have done some good, well designed, well set out and well detailed drawings

sayahu

The party wall lease/freeholder is not a problem as the downstairs flat is owned by my brother, and we should not touch the neighbours wall due to the garden in between.

Thankyou busy mom, its seems like an excellent idea as that way I should be almost gauranteed permission.

Thankyou Iamcornolio, I've looked at local applications but local to me I have not seen the same name come up twice. So now I'm extending my search a little further away.

Anyone on here from Barking and Dagenham planing / building department? any contacts or links?