Architect v Technical Architect

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todayisagreatday
todayisagreatday Posts: 260 Forumite
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in In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving
I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, hoping there is someone who can help!

We have a purchased a detached bungalow in Shropshire. We want to remodel it completely (not knock it down as structurally there is nothing wrong with it). This is likely to include putting an upstairs in as well as extending and reconfiguration of downstairs, making the most of the gorgeous views etc and whilst we have lots of ideas, trying to figure out where to put stairs and how to make the most of what we have got is blowing my mind. We will also need a detached double garage building and possible office space encorportaed into this design.

After visiting Grand Designs and the Build It show we had quotes ranging from 10% up to 16% of the cost (our build cost is around £120k).

We have looked at some local architects and have come across one who is a Technical Architect and a member of the Passivehouse Trust. They work on a fixed fee basis but are significant cheaper, as is a couple of people I've found on the Charted Institute of Architectural Technologists website.

The property isn't in a conservation area but we are adjacent to the Llangollen canal.

Anyone share any advice? If anyone has any local recommendations too feel free.

Comments

  • teneighty
    teneighty Posts: 1,347 Forumite
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    Whether you use a registered architect or an architectural designer is really down to personal preference. When looking for suitable designers personal recommendation is always the best route.

    If that is not possible try to arrange site visits with a few local architects/designers, most should offer a free initial site visit and consultation. From that you can assess their experience and design style, it is pointless appointing someone who specialises in traditional period properties if you want an ultra modern look and vice versa. Obtain fee quotes, preferably fixed fee or failing that percentage, not time charge.

    As you seem not to have very strong views on your project it might be best to commission a feasibility study to explore the options available and likely budget requirements.

    It is always best to get someone who is professionally qualified, such as CIAT or others and carries professional indemnity insurance. They generally have a more professional approach and you have more protection if things go wrong.
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 33,813 Forumite
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    You came across Evolved Design?
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • todayisagreatday
    todayisagreatday Posts: 260 Forumite
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    Yes! Evolved Design is one of two we have contacted and arranged an initial consultation. I'm hoping when we get the right person we will know! We have 2 others we have on our list to email.

    We have lists of our wants, things we like and dislike and pictures of ideas. We just need some inspiration now.
  • System
    System Posts: 178,093 Community Admin
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    Something like this, you should base on previous work done and the person you feel most comfortable working with. Architect or technologist doesn't particularly matter if they have a track record of doing the type of work you want, just make sure they have an association to some kind of membership body (architects will be ARB registered and technologist CIAT)
    Then at least they should have relevant insurance and operate under a code of conduct.
    Tbh those type of shows you aren't going to get the best quotes from anyone, you would be better making enquiries outside of these places
  • todayisagreatday
    todayisagreatday Posts: 260 Forumite
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    the_r_sole wrote: »
    Something like this, you should base on previous work done and the person you feel most comfortable working with. Architect or technologist doesn't particularly matter if they have a track record of doing the type of work you want, just make sure they have an association to some kind of membership body (architects will be ARB registered and technologist CIAT)
    Then at least they should have relevant insurance and operate under a code of conduct.
    Tbh those type of shows you aren't going to get the best quotes from anyone, you would be better making enquiries outside of these places

    Thanks I agree. The Technologist is CIAT and the others ARB. I checked at both those websites thanks. I wish we had local recommendations but we have moved area and know no-one. The tradesmen we have used we have found from the local Facebook group (carpet fitter, plumber, aeriel man) some better than others.

    We have looked at online portfolios and asked for examples of their work so I'll see how we get on.

    I did find an interesting article.

    https://www.self-build.co.uk/who-should-design-my-house/
  • J_B
    J_B Posts: 6,443 Forumite
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    todayisagreatday wrote: »
    We have a purchased a detached bungalow in Shropshire. We want to remodel it completely (not knock it down as structurally there is nothing wrong with it).

    We did the same to a bungalow in Shropshire in the mid 80's

    It would have been a lot simpler (and probably no more expensive??) to knock it down and start again.
  • System
    System Posts: 178,093 Community Admin
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    todayisagreatday wrote: »
    Thanks I agree. The Technologist is CIAT and the others ARB. I checked at both those websites thanks. I wish we had local recommendations but we have moved area and know no-one. The tradesmen we have used we have found from the local Facebook group (carpet fitter, plumber, aeriel man) some better than others.

    We have looked at online portfolios and asked for examples of their work so I'll see how we get on.

    I did find an interesting article.

    https://www.self-build.co.uk/who-should-design-my-house/

    As an architect I find that article quite insulting! Seems like the author doesn't have day to day experience of what domestic architects do, how they operate or how they charge...
  • todayisagreatday
    todayisagreatday Posts: 260 Forumite
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    Sorry! I didn't mean to insult anyone.
  • System
    System Posts: 178,093 Community Admin
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    todayisagreatday wrote: »
    Sorry! I didn't mean to insult anyone.

    Don't worry, wasn't aimed at you - just shop around, if you're new to an area have a look on your local planning portal and see who is listed as the agent for similar type of applications
  • todayisagreatday
    todayisagreatday Posts: 260 Forumite
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    the_r_sole wrote: »
    Don't worry, wasn't aimed at you - just shop around, if you're new to an area have a look on your local planning portal and see who is listed as the agent for similar type of applications

    That's really good advice. Never thought of that thank you!
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