Using an Architect for an extension

Stevie1

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone's has got any tips or advice regarding using and choosing an Architect to plan an extension.

I have a couple of names from RIBA plus another recommended to us by a builder we know. I want to make the right choice as we need someone like minded (style wise) and with a good understanding of using internal spaces as we need direction and help with that.

I am not sure what to ask the Architects before meeting with any [I'd rather whittle the list down over the phone as some charge for an interview/first meeting?!?]

Thanks:o

tracyburt

I would always go on recommendation and avoid anyone who charges to give an estimate. You definitely need to meet them in person to ensure it is someone who you get along with, and it can be useful if the builder gets on with the architect as it's not just the plans but the building specifications which are done, and if there are technichal queries the builder could liase direct with the architect and of course the buiding regs officer.

Have you thought about asking on mse if anyone from your area can recommend?

Stevie1

Thanks tracyburt. Which would be the most suitable forum to ask such a question?

Unfortunately, we don't know anyone that has used an Architect so have no personal recommendations to go with.

m_13

We used a Chartered Architectural Technologists who was half the price of an architect (fixed fee rather than a percentage) but came up with some really clever ideas for the space. He did all the drawings for the builders and building control and even spoke to them on the 'phone to resolve queries and then redid all the drawings (they made us have gluelam beams in the roof in case it twisted in the high winds). There is a trade association for them at http://www.ciat.org.uk.

RIBA used to run Architecture Week each year when you could have a visit from an Architect in return for a donation to charity but Ken Livingstone stopped it for 2008. I don't know that Boris' plans as for it but there is nothing on the web.

We asked our potential people about projects they had previously worked on, examples of their work and who they worked with in terms of builders. We looked at drawings, plans and photographs of similar projects. We also asked people whose extensions we liked who they had used. We then got proposals for three and chose the one we liked best. He lived nearby so dropping off and picking up drawings wasn't a problem (when we were on tight deadlines with building control and planning). However, we still paid for printing each extra iteration which did mount up.

When we met with our final three at the property we got an immediate feel for who was excited about what we were doing and who saw it as just another job. The person we chose challenged us and we ended up with three veluxes where we wanted two and it worked out better financially and looked nicer too. He also suggested we drop the windowsill on the windows either side of the french doors so you could see out when sat at the table. Little things like that made a tremendous difference along with the cathedral ceiling and moving a door.

Good luck with your project. We had no roof in January which I can't recommend the end product was lovely. We miss it