Architect

If you’re seriously considering a new build, then Builder Guide can find you the right architect to design or design and project manage your new home.

But it’s not solely new buildings; architects are also employed to design and oversee the construction of extensions and alterations to existing buildings.

Working alongside a number of construction professionals, such as engineers and surveyors, the construction team involved in the build will work to detailed drawings and specifications drawn up by the architect, who is a professionally trained designer.

Regardless of the size of the project, an architect will discuss with their client individual objectives, specific design requirements and last but not least the budget available to get the job done. It’s their job to advise on a project’s practicality, prepare feasibility reports and design proposals, sort out all the necessary applications for planning and building control departments and generally oversee the whole project from start to finish to ensure that financial budgets and deadlines are met.

Overseeing the project from start to finish

There are essentially five different stages which see a project through from beginning to end, which are:

• The design brief – at the start of the project the architect will meet with the client to discuss expectations, requirements and the budget. This is often referred to as the design brief.

• Design phase – after initial discussions, the architect will then analyse the design brief and look at the condition of the building site before developing ideas through plans and sketches. Then concept design drawings will be drawn up.
•   Design development & building approvals – by this stage, concept design drawings will be compared to the initial design brief in order to develop the technical details of the project. Detailed drawings and specifications will be prepared for the builders and drawings will be lodged with the local authority for approval.

• Construction – once a builder has been engaged the architect and the builder will work together to make sure the project is constructed in line with the drawings and specifications.

• After construction – once the work has been completed the architect will follow up any issues with both the client and the builder.

Professional requirements

Architects undergo extensive specialised training, which usually incorporates an advanced degree and an internship before earning a license to practise their craft. In the UK, architects are registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) – the statutory regulator of architects – which maintains a public register of more than 33,000 qualified professional architects. It takes at least seven years of advanced learning and training before one is qualified for registration.

Some architects – known as chartered architects – are members of RIBA. The Royal Institute of British Architects is the professional body of architects both in the UK and internationally. It’s not a legal requirement to be a member of RIBA to practise architecture.