Artichect - initial consultation fee

newbie2013

Hi,

We are looking to build an extension and are looking for architects so decided to contact a few to see who we could work with.
Some do not charge, yet some do.
I understand the fee is to cover travel costs and to make sure the client is serious, but we only live 2 miles away from their offices and we just wanted to speak to them to see if we get on etc. is it unreasonable to ask if they would forgo the fee, and we would happily pay it, should we decide to hire them.

The first consultation is to discuss how they work and their approach etc - no plans etc at this stage.

Is this unreasonable?

MX5huggy

It's not unreasonable, but I would say it not the best start to quibble over fees. From their point of view they are trying to weed out time wasters your offer does not do this, if you said can we have the fee off the design fees if we go with you then that maybe a more acceptable arrangement.

alternatively arrange a free meeting in their office to establish if you get on.

newbie2013

MX5huggy wrote: »

It's not unreasonable, but I would say it not the best start to quibble over fees. From their point of view they are trying to weed out time wasters your offer does not do this, if you said can we have the fee off the design fees if we go with you then that maybe a more acceptable arrangement.

alternatively arrange a free meeting in their office to establish if you get on.

I did get the impression they were trying to weed out those who just waste time and speak to lots of architects, but from my point of view, I don't have the time or inclination to do that - I have a spec, I just want the job done, but get on with the person!

I did contact their offices about meeting there, but they are out visiting clients and it is a struggle to get a meeting at the office.... which could mean they are really busy, or that they just want to go out to meet clients and get paid to do that....

DRP

I met an arch tech and an architect at our place for the initial assessment - no charge.

newbie2013

DRP wrote: »

I met an arch tech and an architect at our place for the initial assessment - no charge.

It is difficult as a few do not charge, but when speaking to them, they want to impose grand designs, when all I want is a garage !

Some are down right arrogant.
It is difficult

Furts

newbie2013 wrote: »

It is difficult as a few do not charge, but when speaking to them, they want to impose grand designs, when all I want is a garage !

Some are down right arrogant.
It is difficult

Leaving aside your double posting..hence some comments are elsewhere!

If all you want is a simple piece of work, and the architects are "Grand Designs" types are you searching in the correct place? You may only need the services of a technician/extension designer such as those who advertise in the local Parish Magazines and freeby booklets put through letter boxes.

newbie2013

Furts wrote: »

Leaving aside your double posting..hence some comments are elsewhere!

If all you want is a simple piece of work, and the architects are "Grand Designs" types are you searching in the correct place? You may only need the services of a technician/extension designer such as those who advertise in the local Parish Magazines and freeby booklets put through letter boxes.

I did not know I double posted... sorry, . no wonder I get notification to a separate thread!

Nope, not looking in wrong place - just search yell - architects 20 miles from home.

MX5huggy

Yell - there's a blast from the past.

What furts is saying is an Architect is over kill, it's like getting Lewis Hamilton to drive you to shops. If you don't need any design doing then find a member of CIAT, RICS or CIOB who will draw what you want.

newbie2013

MX5huggy wrote: »

Yell - there's a blast from the past.

What furts is saying is an Architect is over kill, it's like getting Lewis Hamilton to drive you to shops. If you don't need any design doing then find a member of CIAT, RICS or CIOB who will draw what you want.

I see. unfortunately, The build I am looking to do (side extension) would require an architect. I tried to local RICS but he said it would need to be an architect.

teneighty

Search for "architectural designer" or "architectural technician" NOT "architect"

lush_walrus

newbie2013 wrote: »

I did not know I double posted... sorry, . no wonder I get notification to a separate thread!

Nope, not looking in wrong place - just search yell - architects 20 miles from home.

Yell is not the place to find an architect. The best is to go via RIBAs website where all registered architects will be listed. Have a quick look on their websites.

With regards to those advising to go for a cheaper alternative 'architectural' anything this is not the advice I would give. If you opt for an Architect (ie someone who is qualified) you are employing someone who has been educated formally for 7 years and their work is covered via the architects registration board (ARB). If anything goes wrong you have the backing of a governing body that has a process and compensation scheme. Any dispute and you have somewhere to turn for independent advice, who will take on your dispute and call the person or firm to account. Any architect has to abide by the requests of ARB and behave in an acceptable manner. Despite the advice, it is not about whether you wish to have a grand design or something run of the mill.

That is not the case with someone who is not qualified. You could set yourself up as an architectural this that the other without any education, any qualification and there is nothing to say they have any insurance to cover the work. It may be cheaper but do you want to take the risk with quite an expensive piece of work.

Anyway, onto your question. Before meeting them ask to see some examples of their work, what form of work they generally carry out and work out moving forwArd how you wish to form the fees. Most will work to a set fee up to planning for something simple and not very controversial with time changes for work outside of an agreed scope.

Here is a link to RIBAs (Royal institute of British architects) is guide for householders and how to find an architect. If you want help from them ask they are paid for by architects through membership to help the public (rather than ARB who govern architects).

https://www.architecture.com/findanarchitect/assets/documents/workingwithanarchitectforyourhome.pdf