We’ve all got some plans, hopes and dreams for our homes. Whether you want a simple extension to your kitchen to create a little bit more usable space or are planning a huge overhaul to a listed building that you want to renovate and create a home from, choosing the right architect for you who you can collaborate with on the project with constructively will make turning your vision into a reality that much easier. Keep reading to find out more about how to choose the ideal architect for your needs.
Understand an Architect’s Value
First of all, it’s worth bearing the value of hiring an architect in mind. Architects in Birmingham may not always be absolutely necessary for every project; however, they can make a lot of valuable contributions, including negotiating complicated building regulations and planning procedures on your behalf, coming together with a specific design for your project that maximises things like storage, space and natural light, researching different finishes, fixtures and materials to find the best options for your home, and designing bespoke woodwork and furniture. When you hire the best architect for you, they will make a big difference to your project. Visit this architecture firm in the West Midlands to find out more.
Create a Brief
Before you find the right architect for you, it’s important to create a brief. Ideally, this should be in place before you even start approaching architects. Most architects will want to know what you are looking to create so that they can determine whether or not the project is one that they want to take on. While you don’t need to have a firm list of everything that you want for the project, it’s worth getting some ideas together when it comes to things like the materials you prefer, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want, the architectural styles that you like, and whether you want an open plan type of design.
Get Recommendations
When it comes to hiring the right architect for your project, word of mouth is one of the best ways to do this. A simple Google search that targets architects in your local area is a great place to start, along with social media. You may be able to find great architects and designers who are on Instagram showcasing their work. If you find one that you like the look of, you’ll usually be able to get their contact information on these platforms and get in touch with them.
Alternatively, you might also want to explore your local area and find some homes that you like the look of – if they are fairly new, then you may be able to ask the owner if they would recommend the architect that they worked with. One of the main benefits of finding a local architect is that they will be familiar with designing homes that fit in well with the local area, and they might already be familiar with the local planning authority, along with local tradespeople who you will be able to hire for the project.
Once you’ve found a list of architects that you like the look of, invite them to the site to discuss your project. It’s a good idea to speak with at least four architects to see their design proposals and get to know them a little bit better to see if they would be a good fit for your plans.
What to Look for in an Architect
Before you finalise your decision and choose the right architect for you after interviewing some that you, there are a few qualities that you should look for to help you pick the right option. Some of the main things to look out for when you are choosing the right architect include:
Listens to You
During the interviews with different architects for the job, you will be able to discuss your plans and brief, coming up with your ideas and how you are going to turn your vision into a reality. When you’re discussing your must-haves and other requirements, see if they are listening to you, or steering you away from your plans.
Experience with Planners
When you choose an architect for your project, it can make a big difference if they have successful previous experience of dealing with local planners. While it can be a lengthy and sometimes contentious process to get planning permission for certain projects, regardless of the size of the complexity of your project, it can be worth having somebody who is familiar with your local planning authority in your corner.
You Can Work Well with Them
Since your architect is somebody that you will trust to design your dream home, you should find somebody who you feel you can easily approach about anything. Whether or not you feel confident enough to approach them about your plans, or changes to your plans in the future should be one of the main deciding factors to consider when you are interviewing potential architects for the job.
You Admire Their Previous Work
The previous work on their website is one of the quickest and easiest ways of seeing if you like an architect’s work. The website will be the main selling tool, and a good architect should have a good selection of project photographs for you to browse through. This will help you get a better idea of the calibre of the work that they produce the architectural style that they specialise in, materials that they use or are familiar with, and construction systems they are familiar with.
Respects Your Budget
Finally, designing your home or making big changes to your current property is going to take up a huge chunk of your budget overall, which is why you need to find an architect that respects that. Be upfront with your architect from the beginning and look out for somebody who is realistic with you when it comes to what you can achieve with the money you have available to spend.
Whether you want to build a complete house from the ground up or have big plans for an existing property, choosing the right architect is crucial to turning your vision into a reality.
