WHO WILL DESIGN YOUR NEW HOME?
In the first of a new series, we focus in detail on one aspect of the self-build process — this month, choosing a designer
Tpeople he probably of have house the thought build the design aspect most that is about start a when project. they Indeed, decide a re- to cent survey found that 29% of self-builders designed their own home, with their primary motivation for doing so to create a unique design*. If you don’t have the confidence or desire to do it yourself there are plenty of options available, with the majority of self-builders employing a professional to realise their vision. “Choosing the right person to design your new home is probably the most important decision you will make,” says Beverley Pemberton, designer at Design and Materials. “Before your meeting with your designer you should ideally know what you are hoping to achieve, so make a ‘wish-list’, including a list of your ‘must haves’ and ‘would likes’, and make sure you know what your budget will be.”
Architect
(and the Architects istered Registration Not in search one-off Royal all gain architects with online Institute house [RIBA]) membership the Board and Architect’s design, specialise of and contact British (ARB). reg- so of your right Architects’ fit local for your practices fees project. vary for the depending and the on work the required individual — from sign drawings around £3,000 from a for small depractice to £50,000 and beyond for a recognised architect to provide designs and a supervisory service. Make sure you ask to see examples of their work and try to agree a fee schedule upfront. A designer can only call themselves an architect if they have completed the seven years’ worth of training to become chartered
Architectural Technologists
Another is technologist. CIAT choosing (Chartered option an According for architectural Institute designing to of Architectural they “specialise Technologists), in design, underpinned by building science, engineering and technology applied to architecture within projects, playing a pivotal role in project and design management.” Many are more than capable of carrying out the same work as an architect too, and
Other Designers
A provide ers. anyone quick There’s from a online litany nothing calling search of to design- them- stop will selves a house designer, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some talented people working like this. Some architectural designers begin training as an architect, but don’t go through the formal process of becoming chartered. (For instance, they may have completed an architecture masters, undergraduate too.) and Alternatively, perhaps course in a they may not have undertaken qualifications, but instead had experience in industry. Some may refer to themselves as a draughtsperson. If you opt to follow this route it’s essential that you see examples of previous work, ask for proof of insurance and establish any fees up front. some self-builders find them to be more grounded in budget issues. (Visit ciat.org.uk for more information.)
Package Most will some designers, offer employing package a Companies while design companies some their service own will — freelance fore it’s passed the design onto in-house out bestructural engineers. Increasingly, these companies are providing a completely bespoke service which is included in the total price of the build — not having to pay for the design up front is considered a major bonus by some self-builders.