Max out your Architect!

Part 1: Which Architect?

This is the first part of a series looking at working with an architect throughout a project. I'm going to give you my top tips for how you can get the best from your architect.

I often get asked for advice on how to choose an architect. There are so many factors to consider and all architects are different, so how do you choose the one that will suit you? This post gives you my top 5 things to consider when selecting the architect who will turn your dreams into reality.

1. Is an architect really what you need?

Obviously as an architect I'm a little biased here and can see benefits for architects to be involved in all types of design work! However, there are often other designers or construction professionals who might be better suited for the particular type of work that you are looking at having done. Here are some examples where you would choose another building professional over an architect:

• Where you want a single structural opening, or a wall removing, perhaps to create a more open plan space. While it is beneficial to get an architects input to decide the positioning of an opening or which wall to remove, to create the space the best suits you, once these are decided then what you really need is a structural engineer to check structural stability and provide calculations for building regulations. It's important to note that any structural alterations require building control approval.
  

• If your property has damp, cracking, etc... and you simply want to solve the problem. For these kinds of defects the most knowledgeable construction professionals are building surveyors, who specialise in detection, analysis and remedial work specification. Architects will take these problems into consideration during a whole building refurbishment or large scale extension or conversion and will design solutions that can overcome these but we often seek the input of a specialist to advise on matters such as damp or structural movement. An independent surveyor who can advise on remedial works objectively, without the incentive to sell you their own companies chemical injection service or similar is preferable. They may cost a little more for the analysis and report but their recommendations are likely to be more effective and better value for you.
  

• When you want to be able to enjoy your garden space and create outdoor living “rooms” then a landscape architect or garden designer is the professional you need. An architect can help you to connect inside to outside, opening up with configurations of doors and windows and designing spaces inside to sit and contemplate views. While a landscape architect will design and locate garden features such as patios, ponds, external seating areas and choose planting that suits the soil, climate and level of maintenance you want while creating beautiful effects of colour, texture and pattern.
  

2. What kind of architect do you want?

Architects have similar training so develop ways of thinking that they tend to have in common, however, we are all human each with our own biases and idiosyncrasies. I believe that the most important thing about architecture is creating spaces for the people who are going to use it. For me people's enjoyment, comfort and ease of use comes first. Some other common primary drivers for architects are:

• Form: strong sculptural approaches to design often using unusual shapes. Think Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry. “Less is a bore.”

• Function: clear to understand spaces that are easy to use and move around in. Think Mies Van de Rohe and Luis Kahn. “Form follows function.”
  

• Technology: cutting edge use of materials that push them to their limits or integrate the latest technological advances. Think Norman Foster and Santiago Calatrava. “Machine for living in”
  

Consider which kind of architecture most moves you and discuss this with the architects you are considering. Ask which buildings they love and why to get an understanding of the aspects of architecture which are their primary drivers.

3. How involved do you want your architect to be?

Architects work in different ways and some will do the initial design and pass the rest of the project onto a team in their office, possibly outsourcing some work, while others deal with every aspect of a project themselves, or maintain a close eye on work done by an assistant or junior architect working alongside them. Ask your architect how they work and who works with them.

4. What have they done before?

An architects portfolio can show you what types of project they have experience of and areas of specialisation. All architects work to brief and within budgeting, legal and technological restraints so the designs may not show all that your architect is capable of in design terms, but they should give you some idea. Ask your architect what it is about the designs they are showing you that they are most pleased with and conversely what would they change about the designs if given the freedom.

5. Do you feel relaxed, comfortable and confident with your potential architect?

You're putting a lot of faith into your architect who is going to interpret your needs and desires, creating a life-size three dimensional semi-permanent representation of these that will cost a fair amount of money to build. It's probably best that you feel some kind of connection and that your architect “gets” you, as a common understanding is going to be key to delivering a built result that will suit you.

If you'd like to see if iarchitect is your best fit to design your project give us a call.

Has this been helpful? What criteria will you use to select your architect? Comment below.