Hiring an Architect

Introduction:

When embarking on a construction project, whether it’s a small-scale endeavor or a larger undertaking.  The question of whether to hire an architect or architectural technologist often arises. While it may be tempting to cut costs by bypassing their services.  It’s essential to recognize the invaluable value that an architect or architectural technologist brings to the table. In this blog post, we will explore why an architect or architectural technologist is a wise investment.  How they add significant value to your project, and the potential risks of relying solely on builders or DIY approaches.

Design Excellence: Maximizing Space and Aesthetics

• Architects and Architectural Technologists are skilled professionals with expertise in creating functional and visually appealing spaces.
• They have the ability to translate your vision into a well-thought-out design that optimizes space utilisation and enhances overall aesthetics.
• By considering factors such as building regulations, construction techniques, and materials, architects ensure a design that is both practical and compliant.

Budget Optimization and Cost-Saving Measures

• Architects or Architectural Technologists possess extensive knowledge of construction costs and are adept at finding ways to optimize your budget.
• They can suggest cost-saving measures and value engineering techniques to maximize your resources without compromising the quality or design intent.
• Their expertise can potentially save you substantial amounts in the long run, offsetting their fees.

Project Management and Coordination

• Architects or Architectural Technologists take on the role of project managers, overseeing every phase of the construction process.
• They liaise with contractors, engineers, and other professionals involved, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient progress.
• By managing timelines, budgets, and quality control, architects reduce the burden on you and ensure smooth project delivery.

Risk Mitigation and Problem-Solving

• Construction projects often encounter unexpected issues or complications. Architects or Architectural Technologists possess the skills of skilled problem solvers, effectively addressing these challenges.
• Their experience enables them to identify and resolve issues promptly, minimising disruptions and costly mistakes.
• Architects or Architectural Technologists act as advocates for your interests, ensuring that the project stays on track and potential risks are mitigated.

Design Accountability and Legal Protection

• When builders offer in-house architects or suggest bypassing professional design services, conflicts of interest can arise.
• By appointing an independent architect or Architectural Technologist, you establish clear accountability for the design and construction of your project.
• Architects or Architectural Technologists carry professional indemnity insurance, offering you protection in the event of design flaws or errors.  You may not be able to make a claim if your appointment is with a builder that has no design insurance.

Why not just save money and go straight to a builder?

Understanding Fees

If you’re considering hiring an architect for your construction project, you might be hesitant about the additional fees involved. However, it’s essential to recognize the potential benefits that an architect can bring to the table.  Especially if you lack experience in overseeing construction and managing contracts.

While it’s understandable that you may want to save money by taking on these responsibilities yourself.  Hiring an architect can actually be a wise investment. Their expertise in overseeing the work and acting as a contract administrator can not only save you time but also prevent costly mistakes. In fact, the money you spend on an architect can quickly be recouped.  Potentially saving you tens of thousands of pounds in the long run.

Example of Saving

To illustrate this point, let’s consider a scenario. Suppose you’ve received a quote from an architect for £4,000 to provide contract administration and site supervision for a five-month house extension project. Once construction begins, the builder informs you that the insulation in the cavity walls needs to be upgraded to meet new building regulations, resulting in an additional cost of £3,000 (including VAT).

Here’s where the architect’s role as a contract administrator becomes invaluable. They can review the detailed quote provided by the builder and compare it to the information given during the tendering process. By doing so, they can point out that the insulation requirement was already included in the contractor’s original cost.  Saving you £3,000 in additional fees.Similar situations can arise throughout the project, potentially amounting to substantial savings.

Considering the overall cost of your construction project, the £4,000 you pay the architect to oversee the work is a relatively small expense. Without the architect’s technical knowledge and understanding of construction, your extension costs could easily escalate from an estimated £100,000 to £150,000. The larger the project, the higher the risk of cost overruns, with even more significant sums at stake. For example, in a recent large-scale project, we were able to save a client over £120,000 that the contractor was attempting to claim.

Conclusion:

While it may be tempting to forgo hiring the services of an architect or architectural technologist to save costs, it is essential to recognize that the value they bring to your construction project cannot be overstated. From design excellence to budget optimization, technical expertise, and risk mitigation, architects or architectural technologist safeguard your investment and ensure the success of your project. By investing in their services, you gain peace of mind, knowing that professionals are overseeing every aspect, allowing you to focus on the final outcome—an outstanding space that meets your needs, adheres to regulations, and stands the test of time.  If you are interested in getting the most out of your project contact us for a quote today!