Architecture, the art of designing and building, has been a core part of our ever-evolving society for centuries. As one of the fundamental pillars of the construction industry, architects can turn simple ideas into reality, which is especially handy for self-build.
For years we have worked to emphasise the importance of hiring an architect for your self-build project….. but what is an Architect?
Not literally, of course, but what makes them different from a designer or an engineer? It’s not as simple as you think.
This article will help you define the meaning of the role of an Architect, and explain their fundamental role in designing your dream home.
WHAT MAKES AN ARCHITECT UNIQUE?
Architectural services can theoretically be provided by anyone, but only those on the ARB Register of Architects can use the title “Architect”. Any variation of this is not the same, only the title of “Architect” is governed for the client’s protection.
For example, anyone can call themselves an Architectural designer and provide a design for your project, but they may not be the best or most qualified person for the job, hold the correct insurance to protect you and your project or have the most up-to-date knowledge of the relevant regulations and processes.
Similarly, any company can use the term “Architecture” or “Architectural designers” but only those run by a registered architect can use the title in their name, just like Allan Corfield Architects.
When you hire an Architect, you benefit from their knowledge and connections, which they should integrate into your project from the outset. This can be as simple as considering how something will be built, or how to efficiently place services in your building in the very initial sketch design. These details can be small, and you might never even notice that these decisions have been made, but they could save you a lot of time and money.
THE TITLE OF ARCHITECT
The title “Architect” is actually protected by law in the UK, under Section 20 of the Architects Act 1997. The law states the title can only be used by people who have the appropriate education, training and experience needed to join the Register and become an architect. The ARB (Architects Registration Board) was set up to regulate Architects, not protect them. They are concerned with protecting clients/customers and upholding the standard and title of “Architect”.
Once a person is registered on the ARB, they must adhere to the standards set out in the Architects Code. The ARB ensures Architects are highly qualified, hold appropriate insurance, act in line with the ARB Architects Code Standards of Conduct and Practice, and keep their knowledge up to date through mandatory CPD (Continuing professional development).
These regulations only apply to the title of “Architect” – meaning other roles such as Architectural assistant, Architectural designer or Architectural technician are not protected or regulated.
This means they may not be suitably qualified for your project, hold the correct insurance or act with professional conduct. If you’re looking for an architect, the ARB Architects Register is a good place to start.
HOW CAN I TELL IF SOMEONE IS AN ARCHITECT?
OTHER PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS FOR ARCHITECTS
You may notice that some Architects or architectural practices have letters following their titles such as RIBA or RIAS or possess the title “Chartered Architect”. This means they are fully qualified and registered and are also a member of a professional body in the architectural industry.
The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and RIAS (Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) are examples of international and Scottish bodies that aim to support Architects. They also often have their own regulations for their Chartered Architects to adhere to as well as CPD requirements that they support through accredited CPDs, practice notes, bulletins etc to ensure their members are as knowledgeable as possible for your project.
Training to become an Architect in the UK takes around 7-8 years and is a three-part process. The most common route involves a four-year degree at university, with 6 or 12 months in placement, followed by a further two-year master’s degree back at university.
Candidates are then required to have a minimum of 24 months of practical experience before sitting their final professional examinations which involve various written submissions, two days of examinations and an interview with a panel of examiners. Only once all three certificates have been successfully gained is the candidate eligible to join the register.
WHAT CAN AN ARCHITECT BRING TO YOUR SELF BUILD PROJECT?
An Architect is responsible for the design of new spaces or renovations, but how do they go about doing this? Here’s an overview of their role in a self-build project.
To put it briefly, an Architect's role is to understand your requirements, visualise a solution to your needs, dreams and aspirations and communicate these with you in an accessible way that allows them to be brought to life.
Due to their years of training and experience, they can provide a service on whatever design challenge is in front of them. The Architect will take your initial project brief (this includes ideas, requirements and budget) and the site information, then will come up with various design options for you to consider.
One of their first roles in a project is often to assist with a feasibility study, which assesses your project from a design, environmental and financial perspective to analyse its feasibility. Once this has been carried out, they can begin on their conceptual ideas which develop through to technical designs and construction information.
They can also guide the client through the planning and building regulations process, advise on procurement routes, assist with on-site inspections, act as contract administrators in those projects which use standard forms of contract, and as principal designers under the CDM 2015 Regulations.
Architects can offer their assistance in other areas too, for example obtaining quotes from other consultants or contractors for a project, including ones they have worked with before. It really depends on the client’s individual project requirements; the services should be discussed, tailored and negotiated before an architect is appointed.
You can appoint an Architect using a standard form of appointment, of which many are available, or a bespoke appointment, depending on the amount or type of work you are carrying out. Whichever form is used, the ARB has guidelines on the minimum level of information that must be included in an Architect's appointment. If an Architect or practice is chartered, professional bodies such as the RIBA hold further guidelines on what should be included.
ARCHITECTS AT ACA
At AC Architects, we are proud to host a talented team of registered architects specialising in self-build projects. We are also proud to be supporting those who are working towards their registration. One of our Associate Architects, Iga Panczyna is also a passive house designer and offers additional services for those wishing to build passive.
We offer a free initial consultation to talk about your project. These have proven very beneficial in assisting our clients to decide on which Architect to work with.
By hiring a specialist self-build Architect, your project can benefit from the expertise of someone who is used to working on one-off homes and can guide you seamlessly through the different stages involved. These Architects can add that crucial personal touch to your project designs, planning a bespoke home which is tailored to all your requirements. You only build your dream home once, after all.