What Can an Architect Do For You?
If you’re wondering whether or not you want to hire an architect for an upcoming project, these insights into what architects do should help
Michael Schienke
21 June 2016
RIBA Architect of the Month, February 2022. Houzz UK Contributor. Chartered Architect, director and founder at Vorbild Architecture Limited. The company was established in 2010 and specialises in a "one-stop-shop" services including land search, budget advice, planning application in the UK and France / Monaco, interior design, tender package, site supervision, contract management and full architectural and interior design services, as well as specialist services like : site and property search, feng shui consultation, presenting our projects with 3D and VR designs - inside and outside, client supply sourcing, furniture design and sourcing and landscape design.
RIBA Architect of the Month, February 2022. Houzz UK Contributor. Chartered Architect,... More
When speaking to a new client, it makes it easier to discuss a project if the client knows as much as possible about what an architect does and where we, as a profession, can really add value. To help inspire you before your next project, here are the top 10 things to know about the services an architect can provide, to make sure you make the most of yours.
We’ll hold your hand
People often think only of the monetary value a good architect can add to their home, by creating a more coherent design, or adding a new room, for example. But architects also know the design and build process back to front.
As such, we can guide you through all aspects, from the initial brief, through permissions needed, which consultants to ask for advice and ultimately which finishes to choose.
Discover the dos and don’ts of adding value to your home
People often think only of the monetary value a good architect can add to their home, by creating a more coherent design, or adding a new room, for example. But architects also know the design and build process back to front.
As such, we can guide you through all aspects, from the initial brief, through permissions needed, which consultants to ask for advice and ultimately which finishes to choose.
Discover the dos and don’ts of adding value to your home
We’ll often come up with good ideas you may never have imagined
Architects design spaces from the inside out. If you ask us to draw an extension, we’ll do that, but we’ll also discuss how you intend to use the space, or even how you use the whole property, to make sure the extension and the way it looks and feels makes sense for you.
For example, the idea behind this design was to make the extension separate from the main building yet connected. The glazed “joint” – the long roof light – also allows more light to flow into the back of the existing house and gives a rare view of the back elevation from within the extension.
Architects design spaces from the inside out. If you ask us to draw an extension, we’ll do that, but we’ll also discuss how you intend to use the space, or even how you use the whole property, to make sure the extension and the way it looks and feels makes sense for you.
For example, the idea behind this design was to make the extension separate from the main building yet connected. The glazed “joint” – the long roof light – also allows more light to flow into the back of the existing house and gives a rare view of the back elevation from within the extension.
We’ll help you with your room layout, too
While an architect’s main training is to look at the whole house on a “grand” scale, we also know how to look at every detail. So with a kitchen, for instance, we’ll make sure it functions efficiently for you and you can seamlessly move from one task to another without going backwards and forwards.
While an architect’s main training is to look at the whole house on a “grand” scale, we also know how to look at every detail. So with a kitchen, for instance, we’ll make sure it functions efficiently for you and you can seamlessly move from one task to another without going backwards and forwards.
We can unlock potential in your house
This may sound a little broad, but my point is this – we’re not just drawing: most of our time at university was spent being trained to think of spaces, how they’re used, and how to make them interesting and imaginative.
This may sound a little broad, but my point is this – we’re not just drawing: most of our time at university was spent being trained to think of spaces, how they’re used, and how to make them interesting and imaginative.
We can help you work to your means
This function is much more common in mainland Europe than in the UK, where cost consultants or quantity surveyors have taken over this part of the architect’s expertise. Still, many architects can help you with forming your budget right from the start, so you can feel more in control and work out whether you can afford that more expensive kitchen you always wanted!
Find out how to budget for your home redesign
This function is much more common in mainland Europe than in the UK, where cost consultants or quantity surveyors have taken over this part of the architect’s expertise. Still, many architects can help you with forming your budget right from the start, so you can feel more in control and work out whether you can afford that more expensive kitchen you always wanted!
Find out how to budget for your home redesign
We think “outside the box”
We like to encourage creativity. That “wacky” idea, which at the beginning everyone smiled about, could actually be brilliant, and we’ll be the first to think it through practically.
Our ability to look at a house overall, think and preempt how you might use it or, more importantly, how you could make even better use of it, can lead to us suggesting completely different points of view to someone solely looking at one room in isolation.
We like to encourage creativity. That “wacky” idea, which at the beginning everyone smiled about, could actually be brilliant, and we’ll be the first to think it through practically.
Our ability to look at a house overall, think and preempt how you might use it or, more importantly, how you could make even better use of it, can lead to us suggesting completely different points of view to someone solely looking at one room in isolation.
We can re-create a look you like even if it seems tricky
If you look at this picture, the fireplace wall is clad in marble. The inside, where the fire is, is clad in bricks. Architects know how to use various building and finishing materials and we know where to seek out specialist suppliers for more in-depth advice when required.
If you look at this picture, the fireplace wall is clad in marble. The inside, where the fire is, is clad in bricks. Architects know how to use various building and finishing materials and we know where to seek out specialist suppliers for more in-depth advice when required.
We can help you to invest wisely in your home
Think of engaging an architect as an investment in your house. The more you can improve your property, maximise the available space or even get permission for a larger extension, the more you stand to increase its value.
We can advise you on what to spend, or not to spend, your hard-earned cash and whether it’s worth the investment. We’ll offer advice from start to finish on a project – choose recommended and tested builders, and even obtain suitable materials and finishes, perhaps from sources of which you weren’t aware. If your architect is also a good designer, this will in turn appeal to future buyers and to your estate agent when it comes to selling and increasing the asking price.
Think of engaging an architect as an investment in your house. The more you can improve your property, maximise the available space or even get permission for a larger extension, the more you stand to increase its value.
We can advise you on what to spend, or not to spend, your hard-earned cash and whether it’s worth the investment. We’ll offer advice from start to finish on a project – choose recommended and tested builders, and even obtain suitable materials and finishes, perhaps from sources of which you weren’t aware. If your architect is also a good designer, this will in turn appeal to future buyers and to your estate agent when it comes to selling and increasing the asking price.
We can “turn on a light”
Yes, architects can be fun to work with as well as to talk to about your future home!
The initial stage of each project should always feel like a light switching on – it should be exciting, with an “anything goes” brainstorming session. After all, some ideas might sound crazy and expensive at first, but if the idea is good and, most importantly, achievable, why not pursue it? We’re playful at heart and that’s part of the secret to good design.
I always recommend our clients explore as many ideas as possible and encourage them to let us draw them, just for the sake of it. Exhausting all possible ideas at the outset makes sure everyone on the team is certain the best idea has won.
Yes, architects can be fun to work with as well as to talk to about your future home!
The initial stage of each project should always feel like a light switching on – it should be exciting, with an “anything goes” brainstorming session. After all, some ideas might sound crazy and expensive at first, but if the idea is good and, most importantly, achievable, why not pursue it? We’re playful at heart and that’s part of the secret to good design.
I always recommend our clients explore as many ideas as possible and encourage them to let us draw them, just for the sake of it. Exhausting all possible ideas at the outset makes sure everyone on the team is certain the best idea has won.
We’ll obsess about the details to create the best result
Unsupervised builders may build as they see fit, and the end result might not be what you expected or what you dreamed of. An architect’s attention to detail can mean that, not only will your finished project match your expectations, it will also often exceed them.
Both the toilet and bidet in this picture are suspended on a frame, and the spaces above each have been transformed into niches with mirrored backs, with a spotlight in each to give a very smart effect. Architects can plan this sort of structure into your rooms for you.
TELL US…
What’s been your experience of working with an architect? Share how it went in the Comments below.
Unsupervised builders may build as they see fit, and the end result might not be what you expected or what you dreamed of. An architect’s attention to detail can mean that, not only will your finished project match your expectations, it will also often exceed them.
Both the toilet and bidet in this picture are suspended on a frame, and the spaces above each have been transformed into niches with mirrored backs, with a spotlight in each to give a very smart effect. Architects can plan this sort of structure into your rooms for you.
TELL US…
What’s been your experience of working with an architect? Share how it went in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Decorating
Where Do I Start When Renovating or Redecorating My Home?
By Eva Byrne
Keen to get going on a project but not sure where to begin? Read this practical guide to getting started
Full Story
Gardens
How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
By Kate Burt
As summers heat up, plants that need less water are increasingly desirable. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful options
Full Story
Architecture
21 Ways Designers Are Incorporating Arches Into Homes
By Kate Burt
Everywhere we look on Houzz right now, a cheeky arch pops up. How would you add this timeless architectural feature?
Full Story
Lifestyle
How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Want to ensure your home environment is clean and healthy? Start by assessing the quality of your air
Full Story
Gardens
Can I Have a Lawn-free Garden That’s Kind to the Environment?
Try these tips to help you plan a garden without grass that’s still leafy and eco-friendly
Full Story
Sustainability
How Can I Incorporate Biodiversity Into My Building Project?
By Kate Burt
If you’re renovating, you have a brilliant opportunity to plan in nature-friendly touches at the outset
Full Story
Lofts
How Do I Begin a Loft Conversion?
Wondering where to start when converting your loft? Ask yourself these questions to ensure you plan well
Full Story
Living Rooms
Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Living Room
By Cheryl F
It’s your main relaxation space, so what should you splurge or scrimp on in the living room?
Full Story
Architecture
Japan’s Riken Yamamoto Wins the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize
The architect is known for creating indoor-outdoor homes and buildings that foster a strong sense of community
Full Story
Working with Pros
How to Choose an Electrician
By Cheryl F
From what to ask to getting the best result possible, here’s what to know when you’re hiring an electrician
Full Story
The architects I have requested to work on my project either dismissed it as too small for them and the ones who did agree just came back with a drawing of a box stuck to the outside of the house- with not a single modern design or any of my ideas and obviously expected to be paid.
Its great to see this story has opened a discussion.
;-0