Do I Need An Architect?
Unless your project is very simple it makes sense to at least talk to an architect for advice before you get going. Generally, architects begin to offer a full service for projects with a budget of £50,000 or more, but for a smaller fee an architect can help you get the best out of your project in the early stages, regardless of size and whether they are needed later on. Most architects offer one-off consultations, and these can be incredibly useful. They will give you guidance on all aspects of your project from design and cost through to planning and construction. In a short space of time you can gain valuable insight to help you realise your project. If you need planning permission it is likely that you will need an architect.
How Do I Know If Someone Is A Qualified Architect?
The title 'architect' is protected by law (Architects Act 1997), so that only those who have undergone rigorous training, and fully qualified, can rightly use it. Watch out for companies styling themselves as 'architectural' designers or similar wording as this is generally an indication that they are not eligible. All architects must be registered with the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects Registration Board (SLIARB), with most taking up SLIA membership also. If an individual is without either credential then they may be operating unregulated, providing you with no guarantees of their ability to deliver the service you require. You can check if a person is a SLIA member on our directory.
How Do I Pick The Right Architect?
Clients often appoint an architect who is known to them or who has been recommended, or whose work they admire. This can be a sensible approach, unless you need a range of particular skills and services to match your requirements more precisely, in which case a more structured process of selection is recommended.
Look for a practice with experience of your type of project or one that shares your aspirations. Check how many similar projects they have built, their contacts with the local planning department and their track record of approvals. Follow up their references to find out about how well they communicated, how responsive they were to changes, and how effective they were at managing the budget.
Speak to each firm on your shortlist, describe your project and ask if they have the capacity to take it on. If so, request literature that outlines the firm's qualifications and experience. Visit their website. Ask to see a portfolio of work, or to visit finished buildings. Above all, get to know your intended architect. It is important to ensure that you are compatible. Your architects must convince you of their creative thinking and their ability to get things done.
Should I Expect To Pay For The First Meeting?
Architects are not obliged to offer their time for free, but generally don't charge for an initial conversation. This will take the form of a short meeting to discuss the project and the architect's ability to deliver it. Anything more than this - i.e. detailed design advice - you should expect to pay for. What's offered in initial meetings may differ from architect to architect, so it's best to ask if there is a charge before arranging a meeting.
How Much Does It Cost?
Architects' fees will vary depending on the location and complexity of the project and level of service expected from them. Some architects will base their charges on a percentage of a total project cost, others as a fixed price lump sum or on a time charge basis. How much or how little you commission an architect is up to you - from an initial design discussion through to the final delivery of the project on site.
How Do I Maintain Control Over The Quality Of The Build?
The contract administrator is the individual responsible for administering the construction contract. Unless you appoint someone to this role, this will become your responsibility. Appointing an architect as your contract administrator provides quality control over the build. They can carry out regular inspections, deal with queries, instruct any additional work required, monitor progress on sire, keep track of cost, value works and certify payments due to the builder.
What Is The Project Process I Will Go Through?
All projects go through more or less the same process, starting with the initial briefing; through to design development; preparing documentation for planning permission where required; producing the technical drawings for building regulations and construction purposes; tendering and finally construction and hand over All projects go through more or less the same process, starting with the initial briefing; through to design development; preparing documentation for planning permission where required; producing the technical drawings for building regulations and construction purposes; tendering and finally construction and handover
