Architects and Architectural Designers Near Me

What does an architect do?

An architect is a professional who designs and creates building plans, ensuring the building is functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. They collaborate with clients to understand their needs and create designs that meet their requirements. Architects also consider building codes, regulations, and sustainability principles in their designs. They may oversee the construction process to ensure it aligns with the design intent.

Do I need an architectural designer?

If you are looking at a house extension or building a new home from scratch, chances are you are going to need the help of a residential architect. They have extensive knowledge of architectural design, construction methods and building materials, not to mention a strong appreciation of ergonomics – warmth, light and flow within a property. Architects will also be far more capable of seeing the bigger picture – carefully balancing aesthetic appeal with structural safety. With their local knowledge, your architect will also often help to obtain planning permission and building regulations approval.

How do I find a local Architect?

You can find a local architect with Houzz in two ways:

Answer a few questions about your project to get matched with a local architect for free. Enter your postcode above to get started.

Browse through our list of the best architects where you can find their profiles, reviews and photos of past work.

After choosing either option, you can reach out to the architects you want to discuss your project. You can request and compare quotes before hiring the right architect for you.

What happens after hiring an architect?

After choosing a residential architect, you will usually start with a consultation to discuss the project. Preferably at your property or building site where the work will be done. Give as clear a picture as possible of the kind of home you are trying to create to your architects. Chat through your goals, projected budget, scope of work, schedule and feedback, together with any very specific requirements you might have. They will explain their process to you alongside any other on-site visits up to and including the build stage, depending on whether they will be involved at that stage. From there they will produce the designs and plans required for your project.

How much does it cost to hire an architect?

The cost of hiring an architect can vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project, experience, reputation, and location. Architectural fees are typically structured as a percentage of the project’s total construction cost, ranging from 8% to 15%. For example, if a project has a construction cost of £500,000 and the architect’s fee is 10%, the fee would be £50,000. It’s advisable to discuss fees and payment structures with architects during initial consultations.