Is it normal to feel underwhelmed by the drawings our architect has done for our new house?

We’ve just started work on our first self build. We had a designer draw up what we asked for, but in reality, it just doesn’t look that great. What should we have expected? We feel we could have got a lot more for our plot.

Building your dream home is a fantastic opportunity and you should not be disappointed with the end result. You really need to pick your architect wisely, as at the end of the day, it’s the design that will remain for your lifetime, long after you have forgotten about build costs. I always suggest interviewing a few different companies about your project at the outset to make sure they are the right fit. ere is a world of difference in what designers and architects bring and they are not all the same. At my practice, before we start work on any project, we spend a lot of time getting to know our clients so we understand them and the lifestyle they want. We then start sharing ideas and design influences, so that when we get to work, we already know we are on the right track.

Our first ideas are never presented as a fait accompli, but as a starting point for further development. We also make sure that the design and costs are tested thoroughly before we submit for planning. is way, clients are certain of what they are going to get before work starts on site. Designing in 3D also helps.

We always make sure clients fully understand the whole process that goes into making the project a reality – simply drawing up plans is not enough. In this day and age, with the complexities of construction, you really need design flair, cost control and a full understanding of procurement options from your architect. Without this, you’ll likely be left disappointed with your result.