How to find an architect or designer online
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 an architect or architectural designer online?
Comparison websites
There are a few comparison websites for architects, draughtsmen, architectural designers etc. These include Local Architects Direct, Bark and My Builder 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:
Always give a phone number - it’s far easier to communicate over the phone than via email
Give as much information about your project as possible. 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.
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.
If possible, meet two or three of them on site (we offer free initial design consultations). 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.
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.
Recommendations
If you would prefer not to use a computer to find the person who’s going to design your home extension, 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.
How we can help
Our team at The Practical Planning Company is highly experienced in all aspects of architectural design. If you’re based in the East Midlands and you’d like to book in with our Nottingham team for a free, no obligation design consultation where we can chat about your home renovation project, please give us a call on 0115 874 8570 - or hit the button below.
If you’re not quite ready to get started, or you’re based elsewhere in the UK, please feel free to check out the rest of our Advice Centre - and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook for tips and inspiration.
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5 things you need to do when planning a home extension