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When choosing an architect, it's essential to be well-informed. From the language and jargon used by different practices to their fees and scope structures - there are many elements that need considering in order for you to make a smart decision.
With fifteen years of experience as a top London architect firm, we have put together this all-inclusive guide on how best to choose your perfect match.
Join us now and learn about three crucial things worth keeping top-of mind when selecting your ideal professional partner for any kind project or vision.
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Consider the long term connection
Building a home from the ground up is an incredibly rewarding experience, one that you will likely remember for many years to come.
To make sure it runs smoothly and produces spectacular results every step of the way, consider establishing a long-term connection with your architectural team before starting out on your journey together.
Doing so helps create trust between both parties so they can work appropriately as well as enjoy themselves in what can sometimes be tedious or strenuous processes.
Before officially appointing them, however, take some time to research who exactly you'll be working with throughout - this could differ greatly from those who have helped during the pre-appointment stages.
Unfortunately, a beautiful home is not built in a day. Projects take time to complete, and you will be working closely with your architectural team from inception to completion and liaising back and forth with regular communication.
Make sure you choose a practice who you feel you can easily communicate with, rely on and build a connection with in the long term. It will prove invaluable throughout the journey and help to make the process itself just as enjoyable as the end result.
Scenario Top Tip: Find out which team members you will actually be working with on your project, as this may differ to who you have been liaising with during the pre-appointment stage.
Keep quality, budget and timeframe in mind
When planning a project of any size or scope, it is important to keep three fundamentals in check: quality, budget and timeframe.
To ensure you get the best outcome with minimal stress throughout the process – choose an architectural practice that demonstrates expertise in navigating this tricky balancing act between all factors involved.
For extra assurance on their success rate within your area specifically, take advantage of modern technology by visiting your local council's website - where applications are made available through search criteria based on the architect’s name
Without a doubt, these three elements and the subsequent trade off between them will form the key parameters of your project, regardless of its scale or scope. The only way to ensure you will enjoy the journey as well as the end result is to keep all three under control - which is often a very difficult balancing act.
Make sure you choose a practice that you feel is able to strike this fine balance and deliver a high-quality project that aligns with your budget and timeframe. Most importantly, choose a practice that you believe has the intention, as well as the knowledge and experience, to keep the control in your hands and not theirs.
Scenario Top Tip: You can check to see if your architect has been successful with planning applications in your area. Visit the “Planning Applications” page of your local council’s website and enter the architect’s name in the search criteria to view their previous planning track record and success rate.
Think about how your architect translates your language to vision
To ensure that your project is accurately interpreted and successfully realised, take the time to evaluate an architect's ability to translate your vision into a tangible outcome.
Consider the previous work of the top architects in London in terms of its style; are they able to effectively communicate what you want? Previous reviews from clients provide insight into how well architects understand individual needs and ambitions.
Ultimately, instead of simply looking for someone who can take orders and execute them exactly as told, you should be seeking out an interpretive artist – one that can transform the needs and wants of their clients into creative architectural designs reflective of their individual style.
Comparing the best London architects can be an overwhelming process if you aren’t sure what you need to look for. Rethink your home as more than just a structure, take the time to choose an architect who understands you and can bring out the best in what will be both a physical and emotional investment.
The decision may seem daunting but if done right it could provide many years of comfort and satisfaction for yourself - transforming a place into much more than four walls; make yours truly something special.