Finding a local architect or designer who’s right for you

There’s an architect or designer out there for everyone.

Whether you’re planning a big Grand Designs project, or a simple loft conversion, there is someone out there who will be within your budget; someone you’ll develop a great working relationship with; someone who has the right level of expertise for your project; someone who can guide you through the process.

But, how do you find that special someone?

First of all, let’s look at architectural designers vs architects - what’s the difference?

Architectural designers (us!) offer architectural services, but do not hold that same qualification as an architect and therefore cost a fraction of the price (or should do, anyway). We would always recommend choosing a designer who has at least Part 1 of their architecture degree, experience on site and can prove their credentials with examples of work. For any home improvement project such as home extensions, loft conversions, etc. an experienced architectural designer will be more than suitable.

Architects are registered with the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB), with many also members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). They tend to charge 15-20% of the build to draw up plans and administer the contract between the builder and the homeowner which isn’t something that’s necessary on standard residential projects.

Comparison websites

There are a few comparison websites for architects, draughtsmen, architectural designers etc. These include Local Architects Direct, Bark and My Builder (three sites we feature on) and they can all be tailored to your specific location, only providing you with the details for local professionals - our team, for example, covers Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire. All you need to do is simply type in your postcode, your phone number, a bit of information about your project and you can expect your phone to start buzzing within the hour!

Some top tips for using these websites:

1. Always give a phone number - it’s far easier to communicate over the phone than via email

2. Give as much information about your project as possible -

   • Is it a kitchen extension, loft conversion, garage conversion etc.?

   • Is it for a dining room, a gym, or a utility room, for example?

   • Would you like a pitched or flat roof?

   • Would you like the outside to be brickwork or rendered?

   • Would you like to have Velux roof lights?

   • And so on…

   The more information you give the easier it is to talk through your project with the architects and designers who get in touch, and the easier it is, therefore, to get an accurate quote for your architect plans.

3. Be proactive. You’ll receive a list of contact details for architects and designers in your area. Give them all a Google and do a bit of research. That way, you can contact the individual, or company, you like best, rather than waiting for them all to contact you.

4. If possible, meet two or three of them on site (we offer free initial design consultations on site). That way, you can find out how the information they provide differs, what they would charge you, and get a feel for how you’d work together. Remember if you need planning permission, you’re going to be in contact with this person for at least 12 weeks. A good working relationship is essential.

Recommendations

If you would prefer not to use a comparison website, then word-of-mouth is always a reliable and easy option. Talk to your friends, neighbours, family and colleagues. Have they had an extension done recently? Do they know somebody who loved the architect they worked with? Do they know of anybody locally?

If somebody you trust can vouch for a professional, then you’re on to a winner.

Look local

Alternatively, simply Google “local architectural designer (or architect) near me”. Again, do your research - look at their websites, reviews and latest projects (we post our latest work on our social media as well as our website). And pick up the phone - emails can disappear into junk folders and as we said above, it’s much easier to discuss home extensions and other projects over the phone.

How we can help

Our team at The Practical Planning Company is highly experienced in all aspects of architectural design, planning and building control. If you’re planning a project, and you’re looking for a local professional to work with in and around the East Midlands, please get in touch.

This is our passion so we’d love to hear from you.