why use an Architect?
I always recommend you don’t select who’s doing your drawings based solely on price. When you buy a new car, mobile phone, a TV or even a holiday, there will be cheaper ones on the market than the one you select. Its likely you’ll make that purchase based on quality, specification and value for money. There will certainly be a bit of emotion in that decision too! It’s very important to have a good relationship and understanding between you and your Architect. A good Architect will ensure there’s clarity over what you’d like to do, help you keep an open mind and be flexible on design solutions, which may vary from your initial brief. You also need to have confidence that the person you are trusting to prepare your design and construction information is trustworthy and knowledgeable, so select on quality issues such as demonstrable design skills, management expertise and track record. If fee cost is an important factor, this must be weighed carefully against these qualitative aspects to ensure that best value overall will not be sacrificed. Just as you would buying that car, mobile phone, TV or holiday.
Architects aren’t the only people who can prepare your design, drawings and specifications but they are the only ones who have a full training in design together with the technical knowledge, project and contract administration skills every project needs. The title ‘Architect’ is protected and to call yourself an Architect you must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). This is like a quality mark whereby any person qualified as an Architect has carried out the necessary 7 years minimum training and passed all professional exams. You can check if your designer is an Architect via the ARB website.
Architects provide a service that extends well beyond producing a set of drawings. Adept at identifying the aspirations and needs of their clients, architects will bring their special skills, knowledge and experience to a project not only providing value for money, but professional attention to detail will achieve value through the most efficient use of space and careful selection of materials and finishes. Whether you are looking for tradition or innovation, boldness or understatement, an architect can lift your project out of the ordinary. Many people will offer to alter your building. It takes an architect to maximise its potential and to do it with flair, imagination and style.
If you wish to explore how employing an Architect can add value to and help realise your project, please check the following links to the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) guides. I am a member and my business a Chartered Practice of these professional bodies.
Architects aren’t the only people who can prepare your design, drawings and specifications but they are the only ones who have a full training in design together with the technical knowledge, project and contract administration skills every project needs. The title ‘Architect’ is protected and to call yourself an Architect you must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). This is like a quality mark whereby any person qualified as an Architect has carried out the necessary 7 years minimum training and passed all professional exams. You can check if your designer is an Architect via the ARB website.
Architects provide a service that extends well beyond producing a set of drawings. Adept at identifying the aspirations and needs of their clients, architects will bring their special skills, knowledge and experience to a project not only providing value for money, but professional attention to detail will achieve value through the most efficient use of space and careful selection of materials and finishes. Whether you are looking for tradition or innovation, boldness or understatement, an architect can lift your project out of the ordinary. Many people will offer to alter your building. It takes an architect to maximise its potential and to do it with flair, imagination and style.
If you wish to explore how employing an Architect can add value to and help realise your project, please check the following links to the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) guides. I am a member and my business a Chartered Practice of these professional bodies.