What to Expect When Working with an Architect

If you have never worked with an architect before, it is natural to feel uncertain about what the process actually involves. How long will it take? When do you need to make decisions? What happens if something goes wrong on site? Understanding what to expect at each stage makes the whole experience considerably less daunting, and helps you get more out of the relationship.

The first meeting

The process begins with a conversation. A good architect will want to understand not just what you want to build, but how you live, what matters to you, and what you are hoping the finished project will give you. Come prepared to talk about your ideas, your priorities, and your budget. The more honest and specific you can be at this stage, the better placed your architect will be to help you.

This is also your opportunity to assess whether the relationship feels right. As we discussed in our article on finding an architect, the working relationship matters enormously. A first meeting should feel like a genuine two-way conversation, not a sales pitch.

The design stage

Once appointed, your architect will begin developing the design. This typically involves an initial survey of the existing property, followed by a period of analysis and design exploration. You should expect to see options rather than a single solution, and you should feel free to respond honestly to what you are shown. The design process works best when Clients are engaged and candid, rather than simply approving whatever is presented.

This stage can take longer than Clients sometimes expect, particularly if planning permission is required. A planning application alone can take eight to thirteen weeks for a decision, and that is after the drawings and supporting documents have been prepared. Patience at this stage pays dividends later.

Decision making

One of the most important things to understand about working with an architect is that decisions made early in the process are far less costly than decisions made late. Changing a layout on a drawing takes hours. Changing it on site takes days and costs significantly more. Your architect will guide you through the key decisions in a logical sequence, but it helps enormously if you are available and responsive when input is needed.

Do not feel pressured to approve something you are not comfortable with. A good architect will welcome questions and will take the time to explain the thinking behind their proposals. If something does not feel right, say so early.

The tender process

Once the design is finalised and the necessary permissions are in place, your architect will prepare a detailed package of drawings and specifications for contractors to price. This is known as the tender process. They will invite a number of suitable contractors to submit quotes, help you evaluate those quotes, and advise on which represents the best overall value, not necessarily the cheapest.

This stage is worth taking seriously. A thorough tender process, managed well by your architect, gives you a much more accurate picture of the true cost of the project before work begins.

Construction

The build phase is where everything comes together, and also where things can go wrong if not properly managed. We always recommend retaining your architect throughout the construction phase. They will make regular site visits, review progress against the drawings, and deal with any issues that arise. On a construction site, unexpected things do come up. Having your architect involved means those issues are resolved quickly, correctly, and in line with the original design intent.

Your architect will also administer the contract between you and your contractor, reviewing and certifying payments at agreed stages and managing any changes to the scope of work formally, so that costs remain controlled and there are no surprises.

Completion

At the end of the project, your architect will carry out a final inspection and compile a snagging list of any items that need to be addressed before the contractor is formally signed off. A completion certificate from building control will also be issued at this stage, confirming that the work meets current regulations. These documents are important and should be kept safely, as they will be needed when you come to sell the property.

A final thought

The Clients who tend to have the best experience are those who stay engaged throughout the process, communicate openly with their architect, and trust the expertise they are paying for while not being afraid to ask questions. A renovation or new build is one of the most significant investments most people make. An architect’s job is to make sure it goes well, and the relationship works best when it is a genuine partnership.

If you like this project and would like us to help you with yours - we will be happy to advise on time scales, costs, and details –

info@vorbild.co.uk or use our online form to contact us.