FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it worth using an architect?
‘Architects combine both construction knowledge and design and can add significant value to a project by designing within complex shaped sites, repurposing redundant buildings and resolving complex circulation problems so that a project works more efficiently.’
-Andrew Klemz, MWA Partner, Architect
Why Would Someone Need An Architect?
‘An Architect is there to guide you through the entire building process from conception to completion. Giving you advice every step of the way.
An Architect will come up with ideas that you might never have considered yourself. They will ask you questions about how you currently use your home and your aspirations for the new design, which they will translate into a project brief. This kind of analysis will allow them to come up with solutions that solve your problems both now and in the future.’
-Andy Bray, MWA Partner, Architect
Can I Design My Own Home?
‘Designing your own home is possible as long as you meet all of the current planning policies, building regulations and health and safety legislation.
The ability of an architect is to satisfy all of the constraints of the planning system, meet the construction details and at the same time produce a great piece of design. An architect is also able to bring together the relevant specialist consultants at the appropriate time, coordinate the designs and provide details of trusted local contractors.’
-Adrian Rouse, MWA Partner, Architect
What Should I Look For When Appointing An Architect ?
‘Find some examples of their work that you like. Look for someone who is on the same wavelength as you, who is a good listener and understands your requirements well.
For Example, if you feel that creating a sustainable building to help the environment is important, find out if this is something that is also important to them. Check if they are a qualified Architect via the ARB Website.’
Marianne Smith, MWA Associate Architect
What Key Issues Do Architects Face?
‘The key issues faced by architects involve balancing matters of client brief, available budget, existing context, site or building constraints and opportunities, energy & ecology, planning and building regulations limitations and requirements.’
-Howard Waters, MWA Partner, Architect
Do I Need An Architect For A Small Extension?
‘Small extensions have to work hard to provide all of the accommodation needed and often have to fit into small irregular site.
An architect’s skills can help you resolve these problems.’
-Andrew Klemz MWA Partner, Architect
Do Architects save you money?
‘Any good architect will save you money – not least because a superb design will add value to your home. Architects use their knowledge to specify products and materials that can save you energy, lower maintenance costs and provide the performance criteria that you require as a homeowner.
Architect’s can provide you with accurate and detailed construction drawings and specifications which enable a building contractor to provide you with a fixed price for your project and avoid additional costs for unforeseen items.
Architects are trained to think outside the box and can provide alternate cost-effective solutions that might actually lower your construction costs.
Architects know what will add value and what won’t’
-Andrew Bray, MWA Partner, Architect
How Much Value does an Architect Add?
‘An architect will bring your dreams to life with an added wow factor that you may not have considered.’
-Adrian Rouse MWA Partner, Architect
What Are 3 Important Qualities Of An Architects?
‘• A good designer.
• A good communicator, especially through presentation of their ideas.
• A good listener.’
-Marianne Smith, MWA Associate Architect
What to expect from an architect consultation?
‘You should expect to receive initial advice that would help you to establish whether your brief and aspirations are generally feasible. The architect would follow up with a written fee proposal and the practice's terms & conditions. This would also give an indication as to the approximate project timescale and would highlight key issues for further consideration and an indication of other consultants who may need to become involved...e.g. tree specialist, ecologist, structural engineer etc..’
-Howard Waters MWA Partner, Architect
What Make You Become A Good Architect?
‘An interest in people and places and how to fulfil basic needs whilst creating something special ’
-Andrew Klemz, MWA Partner, Architect
How Much Do Architects Charge?
Fees will vary depending on the location and complexity of the project and the level of the service expected from the Architect. Some Architects provide a free initial assessment to talk through your initial ideas and explain more about the process involved.
Architect’s typically charge for their fees in one of the following ways;
• time charge / hourly rate, which can include a fee cap
This type of fee provides ultimate flexibility in the scope of service, for example at the start of a project, as you are only charged for the time actually spent preparing design work.
• fixed lump sum fee
This type of fee will be defined based on a specific scope of works or services which the Architect is being appointed to undertake.
• percentage of construction cost
A percentage fee gives the client a reasonable indication of total architectural fees for a full service from start to finish, whilst also allowing for some flexibility if the overall project scope is increased.
-Andy Bray MWA Partner, Architect
How do you know if an Architect is any good?
‘A great architect listens to your requirements and then challenges them to ensure they have understood the reasons why you requested them.’
-Adrian Rouse, MWA Partner, Architect
What questions should I ask my architect?
‘Do they have design experience relevant to your project.
What are the various project stages and what will be involved, for example, to obtain Planning permission and Building Regulations approval.
How much will their fees be.’
-Marianne Smith, MWA Associate Architect
What Does An Architect Do On An Initial Visit?
‘On a first visit, the architect would have an open discussion about the client's aspirations for the project and to identify key limitations so as to manage the client's expectations.
A walk-round of the building and site would take place whilst discussing accommodation, budget and the orientation of the site....aspect & prospect.’
-Howard Waters, MWA Partner, Architect
Is It Hard To Be An Architect?
‘regulatory and other hurdles are a significant constraint on the role of an Architect but having a satisfied client with an attractive building/space is its own reward.’
-Andrew Klemz, MWA Partner, Architect
Should I Tell My Architect My Budget?
‘In order to advise you properly, your architect will need to know how much you have to spend, so they can tailor their designs in line with your budget.
Architects work with other cost consultants and can arrange a budget estimate for you at an early stage of a project to ensure the design meets your budget requirements.
This is the only way to guide you on how best to invest your money to ensure you get the very best results within your budget.’
-Andy Bray MWA Partner, Architect
What Does An Architect Do?
‘An architect solves problems by generating amazing environments suitable for the intended use while meeting all the current regulations.’
-Adrian Rouse, MWA Partner, Architect
What To Do Before Meeting With An Architect?
Prepare a brief detailing your requirements and what you wish to achieve from the project. If you are not sure about some aspects, any information will help as your architect will be able to assist you with this once you meet.
Find some examples of the sort of architecture that you like, from the architect’s own website if possible.
If you are considering building an extension, take some photographs of the existing building to show them.
Consider how you might finance the building project and related professional fees.
-Marianne Smith, MWA Associate Architect
How To Get The Most Out Of An Architect?
‘To get the most out of your architect you should be as open-minded as reasonably possible in terms of exploring ideas and opportunities. You should be realistic about budget and also about the restrictions imposed by the planning system. You should also provide as much information about the building or site with regards to hidden services, known faults, legal covenants and difficult neighbours(!)’
-Howard Waters, MWA Partner, Architect
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Email: Enquiries@mw-architects.co.uk
Phone: 01488 73131
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