67e6ac23

EXTENSIONS IN THE NEW FOREST

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:42:06 GMT

EXTENSIONS IN THE NEW FOREST. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PLANNING?

Planning an extension within the New Forest National Park can be notoriously tricky. So what are the rules, and where do they apply?

Based in Salisbury, Esdon Architecture is just a few miles from the edge of the New Forest, and as a practice we’ve been fortunate to work on a number of renovations and extensions within the National Park over the years. While every project is different, there are some key principles that homeowners should understand before getting started.

The 30% Rule

As a general rule (and, as always, there are exceptions), extensions within the New Forest National Park (NFNP) are limited to 30% of the existing habitable floor space.

Crucially, “existing” doesn’t necessarily mean what’s there today. Habitable floor space is assessed as:

the size of the property as it existed on 1 July 1982, or
if the property was built after that date, as originally constructed.

This can make designing an extension feel a bit like a game of Tetris. When space is at a premium, every square metre matters, and careful planning is essential to make the most of the allowance.

Small Dwellings

If a property has an existing floor area of less than 80m², it is classed as a 'small dwelling'. In these cases, extensions are restricted so that the total floor space cannot exceed 100m², regardless of the 30% calculation.

Village Exceptions

An important exception to the 30% rule applies to properties located within one of the four main New Forest villages:

Ashurst
Brockenhurst
Lyndhurst
Sway

In these locations, larger extensions may be permitted, subject to normal planning considerations such as design, scale and impact on neighbouring properties.

Further Guidance

More detailed guidance — including additional exemptions — can be found in the New Forest National Park Authority’s Planning Information Leaflet: Domestic Extensions and Replacement Dwellings (January 2022), available via the NFNPA website.

01160-Planning-info-leaflet-domestic-extensions-and-replacement-dwellings-REVjan2022-TO-WEB.pdf

A Recent Project

This summer, we were delighted to secure planning permission for clients who had purchased a traditional but uninhabitable cottage just within the National Park boundary. The approved scheme creates new upstairs bedrooms, a family bathroom and ensuite, alongside a ground-floor extension to form a modern family living space — all while carefully working within the planning constraints of the NFNP. Works are now underway on site, with completion scheduled for summer 2026.

Planning an extension in the New Forest?

Get in touch with the team at Esdon Architecture and we will be happy to chat through your proposals.

OUR LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 13:09:09 GMT

OUR LITTLE BLACK BOOK

‘We don’t know any contractors, can you help us find one’ or ‘we had a bad experience on a previous project, can you help us bring together a build team?’ or ‘we’re new to the area, can you put us in touch with……?’

Yes, we can.

Over the last 8 years running Esdon Architecture we have amassed an extensive ‘Little Black Book’ of trusted trades, consultants and professionals that we can put you in touch with as part of our services.

One of the paramount challenges of bringing a build project to life is having the right team in place to make it happen. Be it a Planning Consultant to assist with tricky planning policy for a controversial scheme, an Ecologist to work out Biodiversity Net Gain, or an Historic Building Surveyor to assess the historic significance of your property, we can bring together the right experts.

We work closely with local interior designers, structural engineers, kitchen designers, carpet fitters, decorators, estate agents, surveyors, builders, plumbers, roofers and electricians to name but a few. Over the years we have built a network that supports and benefits our clients from start to finish.

The value of our Little Black Book is much more than just people we know, it is the culmination of working relationships that we have built over time, which ultimately saves our clients time, stress and very often money as well. When you hire an architect with a well-established network, you’re not just hiring their design expertise you’re gaining access to an entire ecosystem of trusted professionals, and confidence that your project is in safe hands.

Navigating Modern Living Needs in Listed Homes

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 11:35:55 GMT

Navigating Modern Living Needs in Listed Homes

Over the years we have been fortunate to work on numerous listed building projects across Wiltshire and the South. One common factor linking our listed building clients is the desire to maintain and preserve these wonderful old buildings, whilst also living in the modern world. Listed homes stand as an enduring testament to our rich architectural heritage, yet, preserving these historic dwellings whilst accommodating the practicalities of modern life presents Architects and homeowners with a complex, often daunting and sometimes costly challenge.

From centuries-old cottages and grand manors, to the more contemporary yet culturally significant properties, each listed building possesses a unique charm and character. There is certainly no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to the conservation of a listed building. Architectural features from exposed timber beams to period fireplaces, and historic engravings serve as tangible reminders of bygone eras however, in modern times, we require homes that integrate modern amenities (central heating, security systems etc). Energy efficiency and functional modern layouts are not always easy to facilitate in listed buildings. Balancing the preservation of historical integrity with the practicalities of contemporary living requires Architects and homeowners to tread a fine line, respecting the past while embracing the present.

Listed homes are subject to stringent preservation regulations aimed at safeguarding their architectural significance and heritage value. These regulations dictate which alterations are permissible and often pose significant hurdles for homeowners seeking to adapt their properties to modern living standards. Obtaining Planning Permissions and Listed Building Consents can be a lengthy and intricate process, requiring Architects, Heritage Consultants and Planning Consultants to adhere to regulations that preserve the home's character. We always recommend early involvement with Conservation Officers and Historic Buildings experts to ensure a collaborative approach and planned works.

As well as regulatory processes, preserving listed homes also present considerable technical challenges and structural considerations. Many properties suffer from age-related deterioration, outdated infrastructure, and incompatible building materials and techniques, necessitating extensive renovation and restoration work. Retrofitting listed homes with modern utilities, such as heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, while preserving original features requires careful planning and expert input, all of which can come with considerable associated costs. Working with expert contractors, familiar with listed buildings is a must when undertaking this sort of project. In addition, the issues of energy efficiency, insulation, and sustainability, balancing the desire for comfort and convenience with environmental stewardship and conservation principles must also be addressed.

Despite the inherent challenges preserving listed homes, Architects are increasingly turning to innovative solutions and adaptive strategies to bring together preservation requirements with modern living needs. We are seeing pioneering approaches that are mindful of the past while embracing the future. By embodying sustainability, advancing technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration, Architects can guide the way towards a more successful coexistence between history and modernity in listed homes.

ARCHITECTURAL APPRENTICESHIPS

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 08:17:49 GMT

ARCHITECTURAL APPRENTICESHIPS

Embarking on an Architectural apprenticeship is a relatively new way to qualify as an Architect, and one that holds a lot of promise both for employers and apprentices. As with other types of apprenticeship, the Architectural apprenticeship involves on the job practical training in the work environment, together with academic training at university.

There are two types of Architectural apprenticeship currently available, both of which require that 20% of the Apprentices time is spent on formal off the job training and both of which take 4 years to complete;

- Level 6 Architectural Apprenticeship – includes Part 1 qualification and is equivalent to an undergraduate degree; and

- Level 7 Architectural Apprenticeship – includes Part 2 and Part 3 and will take the apprentice right up to qualification.

Take a look at the link below to see the list of universities currently offering RIBA validated apprenticeship schemes

Universities offering architecture apprenticeship training

It is anticipated that the Architectural apprenticeship schemes will have a positive impact on the social inclusivity of the Architectural profession as a whole and will allow students to study/continue to study whilst maintaining financial independence.

Here at Esdon Architecture we are fortunate enough to have our very own Level 7 Architectural Apprentice, Shane working with us. Shane joined our team in 2020 and began his Level 7 Apprenticeship with Oxford Brookes University in September 2021.

Here’s what Shane has to say about his apprenticeship so far:

'The apprenticeship route at Oxford Brookes brings you in as a researcher, rather than a traditional student, which is very demanding but the value in terms of time management and practical knowledge is unrivalled. I would highly recommend the route if someone were wanting to accelerate their practical knowledge of the industry and is passionate about research led design.'

What’s more, government funding for Apprenticeship schemes mean that employers who do not pay the government apprenticeship levy pay only 5% of their apprentices training fees and the government pay the remaining 95% (subject to funding bands). If you’d like more information on government funding of apprenticeships, check out the following link

Employing an apprentice: Get funding for apprenticeship training - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

SALISBURY CIVIC SOCIETY AWARDS

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:41:52 GMT

SALISBURY CIVIC SOCIETY CONSERVATION AWARDS 2022

A GREAT START TO 2023

In January we were delighted to be presented with a Commendation from the Salisbury Civic Society Conservation Award Scheme 2022 for our involvement in the extension and renovation of a listed building in Salisbury City Centre. The Society's award scheme was set up in 1993 with the aim of the Conservation Award Scheme to recognise excellence in the treatment of existing buildings or their settings.

"Previously used as a bakery, this house had a fairly complicated history of outbuilding to its rear, which when the current project started had settled down to a very undistinguished extension used as a kitchen ,followed by a storage building which partly blocked the access to the unexpectedly spacious garden beyond. The extension was in brick, like most of the house, but not an attractive brick. The new extension sought to make a clear contrast with the house by using dark zinc and cedar cladding, with generous windows and a partly glazed roof, in an obviously contemporary approach."

"The result is a new kitchen, much lighter than the previous one and connected more successfully to the main house, with much improved access though a previously blocked former window opening. At the far end a large area of glass incorporated the garden visually into the sequence of spaces. The storage building beyond, previously in brick, had been made much narrower and clad in timber, to make it much less obtrusive. New hard landscaping linked together the various elements to the rear of the main house."

- Salisbury Civic Society

Have a scroll through the photographs below to see more of this project.

WHAT IS THE RIBA PLAN OF WORKS?

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 08:46:31 GMT

RIBA PLAN OF WORK

WHAT IS THE RIBA PLAN OF WORK?

‘The RIBA Plan of Work was initiated in 1963 to provide a framework for architects to use on projects with their clients, bringing greater clarity to the different stages of a project. It has evolved over the years to reflect changing trends in project approaches and has become an industry-wide tool’ – RIBA

Put simply, the RIBA Plan of Works provides the project team with a road map for consistency and gives clients essential guidance for undertaking a building project (be it their first or 100 ^th ).

The stages were overhauled in 2013, and the outcomes of these are set out briefly below together with a useful illustration from RIBA (at the bottom of the page) showing how the stages sit together.

STAGE 0 – STRATEGIC DEFINITION –determining the clients best means of achieving their goal.

STAGE 1 – PREPARATION AND BRIEF – developing and layering the detail of the project brief until approved by the client.

STAGE 2 – CONCEPT DESIGN – the beginning of the design process. Getting the design concept right to ensure that the look and feel is moving forward in line with the client’s vision, brief and budget.

STAGE 3 – DEVELOPED DESIGN – spatially coordinating the design before focus turns to preparing detailed information required for construction and manufacture. At this stage the design should be such that all but the most minor alterations to the design are ironed out before Stage 4, and to make sure that the planning application is based on the best possible information.

PLANNING

STAGE 4 – TECHNICAL DESIGN – putting together the information required to construct the building. (Tender).

STAGE 5 – CONSTRUCTION. There should be no design work other than responding to site queries in Stage 5. In most projects there will be some overlap with stages 4 and 5.

STAGE 6 – HANDOVER AND CLOSE OUT – by stage 6 the building will be in use and the focus will move to rectifying and defects and completing tasks required to conclude the building contract.

STAGE 7 – USE – this stage lasts for the duration of a building’s life. The work of the project team concludes with the closing of the building contract. If a client is considering what to do when a building no longer meets their needs, this essentially re-starts the process back at Stage 0.

If you are interested in finding out more about the RIBA Plan of Works check out this link to the RIBA website;

https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/riba-plan-of-work

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A BUILDING PLOT

Wed, 11 May 2022 15:01:47 GMT

WHAT ARE THE KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER ONCE YOU HAVE IDENTIFIED A SITE?

In the second of our series on the subject of purchasing a building plot, we take a look at the key points to consider once a potential building plot had been identified, but before agreeing a purchase (aside from all the necessary legal checks that your solicitor will carry out for you).

This is by no means an exhaustive list, rather a good starting place for what to have in mind when reviewing a site:

1. Does the plot already have planning permission? This will be central to the value of the land. If there is planning permission already in place, check how much time there is left on this permission. A meaningful start will usually have to have been made within three years of permission being granted. If there is less than 6 months left to run on the planning permission (without a substantial/meaningful start to works having been made) then this can affect the ability to obtain finance. Not to mention that it wouldn’t allow much time to complete a purchase and make a meaningful start. It is worth keeping in mind that just because a piece of land has been granted planning permission before, there is no automatic guarantee that if this is to lapse, the same permission would be granted again;

2. If there is no planning permission, it is important to consider why not. Has a previous application been unsuccessful, or has no application ever been made? If you are considering a plot without planning permission, is it possible to make the purchase conditional on obtaining the required planning permission? Your solicitor will be able to advise on this to make sure that you are fully protected in this situation;

3. Beware land banking (buying land without planning permission, on the assumption that one day you will be able to get planning permission). However attractive (cheap) this may seem, be sure to get expert advice on viability first. Remember that if it is a large organisation selling, consider that they would ordinarily rather build themselves, than sell.

4. Make sure you get a measured land survey of the plot. This will check the topography of the land, the exact boundaries of the site on the ground, and check any rights of way, flood risks or overhead power lines, all of which can affect what you are able to do with the land;

5. What is access to the site like? This will be crucial for the end user and also during the construction process. Your solicitor will clarify what the ownership specifies but you should also check what this looks like on the ground. A ransom strip owned by a third party can end up being very expensive;

6. Is the plot already connected to services? If not, costs to connect will depend on proximity to mains/the highway. It is important to get quotes for connection in advance of a purchase as there is the potential for these to be sky high;

7. What are the ground conditions/sub soil like at the site? This will affect the type of foundations (and development costs) as well as disposal of surface water and sewage. Having a report prepared by an expert early on is highly recommended; and last but not least

8. Trees. Are there trees on the site, are any of these protected by TPO’s? If there are big trees consider that in the warmer summer months the root systems have the potential to dry out the ground and can cause structural damage to foundations. Equally check whether there appears to have been trees recently removed from the site. This can affect ground stability.

Sometimes it can seem like finding a good building plot is like searching for hen’s teeth, but try not to be put off. Good building plots exist, and are worth the wait when they do turn up. Happy hunting!

If you would like to discuss any of the above in more detail then do please get in touch info@esdon-architecture.com or 01722 415005.

FINDING A BUILDING PLOT

Wed, 04 May 2022 10:41:40 GMT

FINDING A BUILDING PLOT

HOW TO GO ABOUT FINDING A BUILDING PLOT

We work with both developers and private clients, and one of the most common complaints we hear from both is how difficult it can be to find the right piece of land to build on. Be it for a one off bespoke home, or a multi-unit development, tracking down the right plot can be the trickiest part of the process.

Here are a few tips that we have heard over the years:

1. Try to be as flexible as possible. It can be very tricky to find a plot if your search area is small and you are only looking for a particular style of build. If you aren’t flexible on location try to be flexible on design, or conversely if you are fixed on a particular style of building then considering a wider search area could be beneficial;

2. As well as mainstream sites like Rightmove and OnTheMarket, check out specialist plot advertising sites such as www.PlotBrowser.com from Self Build and Design or www.Plotfinder.net from Homebuilding & Renovating. These are more specialist sites advertising building plots;

3. Whenever the government are disposing of any assets (letting or sales) these are listed on their asset disposal website www.gov.uk/find-goverment-property . This can be searched by location and there are all sorts of interesting properties that may not make it to other sales sites;

4. Likewise, take a look at the Brownfield register. Local governments are required to keep an up to date register of Brownfield sites (previously developed but now left unused) that local authorities consider as being appropriate for residential development, or sites granted permission in principle;

5. If you find a plot that you are interested in that has planning permission for a property that you aren’t keen on, you do not necessarily need to be put off by this. It is not uncommon for a planning application to be submitted for the least controversial option in order to obtain planning permission in the first instance. In many circumstances a further application can be submitted in order to vary the original planning permission. It is worth noting that if you are looking at such a piece of land we advise getting professional advice on this before committing to any purchase;

6. Make your intentions known in the area that you are looking to buy. Land is often sold away from the open market, so this approach can help put you in touch with the right people. This is also key with estate agents and can help put you in the forefront of their minds should a suitable plot become available; and

7. It is possible to pick up a bargain at an auction, but on the flip side it is also possible for land to be sold for well over what it might achieve on the open market. If something seems too good to be true, there is often a very good reason.

Most importantly, make sure that you carry out all the necessary legal and planning checks before agreeing a purchase. If you are interested in this topic our next blog in the sequence, ‘What to Consider When Buying a Building Plot’ will be out shortly.

ENERGY SAVING AT HOME

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 13:53:11 GMT

TOP TIPS TO BEAT THE BILLS

ENERGY SAVING AT HOME

Having finally picked ourselves up from the floor after opening our renewal quote from our household and office energy provider (double the price???!!!) it feels like the right time to write something about small changes that we can all be making around our homes in order to reduce our energy consumption (and the bills too). Not only will it save us all a few pennies (ideally pounds) we’ll be doing our bit for the environment too.

We all know about avoiding the tumble dryer, or taking a shorter shower, or turning the tap off whilst we brush our teeth, so here are a few slightly different options:

1. Swap old halogen/incandescent style bulbs to new LED bulbs. According to Houzz.com the annual cost of powering one single incandescent bulb is £8.76 and a halogen bulb is £7.30. Compare that to an LED bulb which they estimate costs just £0.95 annually to power, it certainly adds up over an entire home. LED bulbs may be more expensive to buy in the short term but consider that they should last an average of 50,000 hours compared to 750 hours for an incandescent bulb or 1500 for halogen, that’s a big difference;

2. Check out www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk to see if there are any (largely free or very cheap) gadgets on offer in your area to reduce your water consumption. There are great options for home and garden. We love the Buffaloo which is inserted in the toilet cistern and reduces the amount of water used per flush. Or why not try a water saving shower head;

3. Stop that heat escaping. It doesn’t have to mean expensive new windows, doors or a replacement roof either. We have a draughty old house and keep as much heat in as possible by hanging heavy, thermally insulated curtains, even at the front door. It makes a world of difference. If you have a fireplace that you don’t use, block the base with an inflatable pillow, or have a cap fitted on the top, stop that heat going straight out the chimney! Another layer of loft insulation is fairly inexpensive and makes all the difference. The less heat that escapes, the less you have to keep the heating turned on to warm up the house. Moneysavingexpert.com reports that each degree we turn our thermostats down we will save around 4% on our heating bill, and if your rates are anything like ours, that’s nothing to be sniffed at;

4. Try turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby when they are not being used or you are out of the house. The Metro reported in April 2022 that the annual cost of leaving an unused games console on standby is £16.24 a year. It quickly adds up when you factor in other electricals. Leaving one large television on standby will set you back £20.00 a year (consider the extra cost if you have two or three televisions in the house). Even items like digital alarm clocks, microwaves or coffee machines all have a standby power cost attributable. A set of remote control standby plugs will allow you to easily turn off appliances in one go; and

5. Finally, a few little extras. Try using a silicone seal around the outside of a wooden floor to help seal a draught. Reflector panels behind radiators on an external wall will stop heat escaping through the walls and instead reflect it back into the room.

NET ZERO BY 2050

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 15:06:41 GMT

What does it mean for buildings new and old?

NET ZERO BY 2050.

We’ve heard the phrase, but what does that mean for us all in practice? Figures suggest that around 38% of worldwide carbon emissions are generated by buildings, construction (including infrastructure), and our use of existing buildings. In the UK it is estimated that 28% of each of our personal carbon footprint is generated from activities within the home and 11% of the entire UK’s carbon emissions are generated from heating our homes and buildings.

In order to reach net zero by 2050 there is a lot that needs to be done.

First and foremost it is our reliance on fossil fuels that needs to be dealt with. The government recently announced plans to ban the installation of gas boilers in new build homes from 2025, and new installations of gas boilers from existing homes in 2035. So what are the alternatives? Electric boilers? Ground source heat pumps? Air source heat pumps?

Electric boilers are often considered to be a much eco friendlier option than gas boilers however, that all very much depends on where and how the electricity used to power the boiler is generated, not to mention that fact that running costs can be very high.

Alternatively, ground source and air source pump heaters do not require the use of any fuel at all, instead they take low level residual heat from the ground or air and compress this to a much higher temperature before being pumped into the home. These are great options, but unfortunately both are still very expensive to install (although at least in theory there shouldn’t be much or any heating bill once they are in). It is however worth mentioning that currently the output for ground source and air source heat pumps is much lower than that of a gas boiler, so the effectiveness of the heating depends a lot on the insulation of the building they are trying to heat. Excellent insulation and triple glazing will keep all that lovely heat in, but poor insulation and draughty doors will reduce the efficiency of the heating. As it stands, both ground source and air source heat pumps often require back up electricity boilers as well.

Insulation is key when it comes to future proofing our buildings and reducing our carbon footprint. Thankfully we are no longer restricted to horrible itchy rockwool. There are all sorts of excellent eco friendly alternatives available such as recycled wool, recycled denim and recycled newspaper to name but a few. One quick search online will turn up all sorts of alternatives. Or why not consider a green or living roof? Proper insulation, coupled with correctly fitted doors and triple glazed windows will seal the envelope of the building making any heating system more effective.

Let’s not forget the power of the sun either. Harnessing the solar power generated through the day has been done for years. Now too we are able to install storage batteries so that the power created on hot sunny days can be used to power us through the not so hot and sunny ones and the correct orientation of solar panels will maximise the power that can be generated. Better still, for a new build, consider the orientation of the building itself in relation to the sun, maximising natural light flowing in will reduce the need for artificial light, and can also be used for heat generation.

80% of buildings that will be standing in 2050 have already been built. In order to reach net zero by 2050 we will not only need to make eco friendly new builds, we will also need to retrofit existing buildings. As it stands this is likely to be expensive for individuals until the use of eco products and materials become more common place and we see the costs come down. There are some government grant schemes available (see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme ) and with any luck these incentives will become more widespread and easily accessible in the future too.

LIVING THROUGH YOUR RENOVATION

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 10:06:53 GMT

Top tips for living through your renovation.....

We bought our house in Salisbury in July 2015, about three months after we found out we were expecting our eldest son. The house was derelict, and although we are in the industry, actually living on a building site certainly came as a surprise. It has however put us in a great position to dish out advice on the subject.

Here are a few of our top tips to living through your renovation:

1. Move out if you can. Not necessarily for the entirety of the build, but definitely for the most disruptive bits. Better still, go on holiday for a few weeks. Sound a bit defeatist? Maybe, but it is the easiest option by far. This is particularly key if your project will mean that you lose the use of your kitchen or bathroom for any time. Our own renovation has been done in stages, some of the time was have lived there, and some of the time we have lived elsewhere, and living away helps keep those stress levels down. Keep visiting site to check on progress of course, but live away if you can;

2. If living away isn’t an option, think about how you are going to cook, wash clothes and clean yourselves. In the depths of winter we had no back wall in our bathroom (or kitchen for that matter, see images below) which made for hideously chilly, and not very private toilet trips. Is it possible to relocate your kitchen or bathroom during the building work? We were able to temporarily relocate our old kitchen to the dining room, at minimal cost, whilst the kitchen was out of action. No such luck with the bathroom, but having a working kitchen at least made the house liveable;

3. Don’t try to do too much yourselves. We took out our own central heating system and re-ran the new pipes (closely supervised) in the interest of saving a few pounds. It was fun, but it took us a long time and without doubt slowed down the whole process. It would have been quicker to pay someone else to do it. Think of this piece of advice especially when it comes to decorating, doing your own painting may seem like an easy, cost efficient thing to do, but the finish you’ll get from a professional job will be worth its weight in gold;

4. In the same sentence, don’t have anything painted until all the building work is finished. Brick and plaster dust get everywhere! The temptation to paint any room as soon as it’s finished is strong, but try your hardest to resist. There is nothing worse than beautifully decorating your front room, only to have brick dust to ruin the whole thing. It will double the job as you’ll have to do it all again. The same also applies to laying new carpets. Trust us, here speaks the voice of experience. Finally (and perhaps most obviously);

5. Don’t bring home your brand new puppy at the same time you embark on a huge extension!! You would think this is a given, but some people (I’m looking only at ourselves on this one) need telling. House training a puppy whilst trying to keep her off of a building site is not easy. Stay away….

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR ARCHITECT

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 10:48:45 GMT

IT'S NOT AN EVERY DAY TASK FOR MOST OF US, SO HOW TO GO ABOUT CHOOSING A GREAT ARCHITECT?

I THINK I NEED AN ARCHITECT. WHERE DO I START?

Appointing an Architect isn’t an every day occurrence for most people, and it can feel like a bit of mystery as to how to even go about it. Do I go directly to an Architect? Should I approach a builder first?

Here are a few of our most commonly asked questions that might help you get started;

FIRST OFF, DO I REALLY NEED AN ARCHITECT?

Unless your project is very straightforward, it will usually benefit from employing an Architect. Many Architects, ourselves included, offer free initial consultations to run through the services available and this will give you an idea as to what you will require. We offer a full service for projects with a starting budget of around £50,000.

You can either approach an Architect directly, or go through a builder. Either route is fine.

If you have approached a builder before contacting an Architect then they will be able to give you an idea as to whether you will need an Architect, and may even recommend someone that they have worked with before.

WHAT SERVICES IS AN ARCHITECT GOING TO PROVIDE ME WITH?

The answer to this question may vary between practices, but will largely follow this format; initial consultation and briefing, design development, planning (if required), detailed design and tender, construction and finally handover.

Check out our other Blog posts to see how we work.

I THINK I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION. HOW DO I FIND OUT?

You will be able to check on the website www.planningportal.co.uk and your Architect will also be able to give you more information.

RIGHT, I DO NEED AN ARCHITECT. NOW HOW DO I CHOOSE ONE ARCHITECT?

As with so many things in life, a recommendation is worth its weight in gold and asking around friends is usually a great place to start.

Couple this with carrying out your own research. Check out Architects websites that interest you and see which have experience similar to what you are looking for. You should also be able to find reviews online to get an idea of past client’s experiences.

It is a rigorous process training to become an Architect, and all Architects must be registered with the ARB (Architects Registration Board). RIBA Chartered Practices must meet strict eligibility criteria, are committed to design excellence and customer service. Keep an eye out for these during your search.

Once you have made a shortlist of Architects you would like to speak to, do just that, and get in touch. It is important that you have faith in the Architect that you appoint, their design and creative skills, and their ability to see the project through. Ask to see their portfolio of previous projects.

It is important that you have a good working relationship with your Architect, and the success of your project will depend on it.

HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO COST ME?

Architects fees vary depending on the type of project you are carrying out, the location, and the level of service required from them.

Fees are commonly calculated either based on a percentage of a total build cost, as a fixed amount, or based on a time charge.

Make sure that the scope of work and cost of Architectural services are agreed in writing before your project commences.

If there is anything else you'd like to know, then just give us a call.