A typical engagement - Part 2

Should a client decide to proceed with Gruhe Architects, we first sign a contract. This should go in the project file (and may never be a need to refer to it again), but it is an important document that contains a minimum of specific matters (that as architects we must include as set out in the ARB Code of Conduct), including our responsibilities, the clients role; our scope of work and fees. Although lengthy, it is designed to be as clear and comprehensive as possible to protect both our client and ourselves.

We must state at this point that we prefer to work on a survey of the site (or building). There are great benefits in using the 3D survey that works with our Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) package - better accuracy and flexibility of use are a couple of them, however that is another blog of its own.

Going back to ‘A Typical Engagement – Part 1’, if the sketch design process has not taken place or a project would benefit from some alternate ideas / further investigation of a design, we offer an Options Appraisal which is a process of sketch proposals using the same brief but exploring other practical, value adding solutions which the client may have not considered before.

Having carefully considered the options, a preferred solution is picked and finalised prior to being taken forward and detailed on CAD to be prepared for a statutory submission.

The applications are numerous and specifically designed with relevance to the size, type and location of a project, or simply to obtain endorsement toward a much larger scheme.  

Once submitted, the registration process (following payment) can take a little while. Following validation, the council decides on the lengths of time depending on the size / scale of the application - 8 weeks / 13 weeks. 

While we check the progress periodically and respond to any queries, the council may raise, there have been instances when the planner has requested further information or an alteration to the design. Where we have felt that such a request is unfair, could compromise the intentions of the design or has failed to recognise the merits of the submission, we have prepared detailed responses (always aiming to achieve approval for the vision of the original scheme).

There are an array of planning application forms, which all have a specific relevance of course.  We can advise you in this regard and will expand further here next time.  In the meantime all application forms can be found on your local council’s website and the Planning Portal (https://www.planningportal.co.uk).

A typical engagement - Part 1

When a client contacts us regarding a new project, we arrange to meet. This is useful to work out their intentions / requirements , and to offer some initial guidance, however this is also important in order to gauge whether a working relationship between us is possible. A building project is not always straightforward and requires mutual understanding and respect to be able to overcome unexpected challenges that can often throw a few spanners in the works!

At our introductory meeting which is usually at the site (but since Covid times, has often been online), we walk through / discuss the existing context or building, and then discuss the aspirations / project brief. If a brief is not set, this is something we offer to help with. We can share some of our previous project drawings and explain the different levels of work based on the RIBA work plan, as well as (if required) the process a typical project follows.

We also offer an extension of the first meeting which provides a quick understanding of the site opportunities / constraints (on a straightforward scheme), and a schematic / sketch (the bones of what could be achieved) . On occasion, the next step possibilities are relatively resolved to considerable detail that it can be taken to a final sketch or CAD drawing.

We leave the next stage to the client - should they wish to proceed any further, we follow a formal RIBA appointment.

Is your 'architect' really an Architect?

Did you know that just as every medic isn’t a Doctor… every designer isn’t an Architect?

An Architect has to have University qualifications gained over a minimum period of seven years to gain a qualification that is equivalent to a Master’s Degree. It also means that they have trained on the job as the University qualifications for architecture require set periods of experience gained in Architect’s practices.

Chartered Engineers, Chartered Surveyors and Chartered Technologists play ‘related’ roles in the building design industry, however they do not have the same training.

We often see local advertisements from ‘an architectural designer’ or someone offering ‘architectural services’, and it may come as a surprise to know that using the term ‘architectural’ or ‘architecture’ in a company name or job title does not require any qualifications or ability whatsoever.

Unfortunately the deregulation of the planning system by Prime Minister Thatcher in the early 80’s which saw the closure of many public sector architect departments which had employed thousands of architects across the country, then moved to ensure service providers competed on a level playing field. This saw the controversial abolition of RIBA fee scales, creating a situation where clients unknowingly made choices on the designers of their buildings mainly based on price rather than on the quality of their previous work.

Engaging an Architect can save you money by costing far less than the value added and not just to the project but its surrounding area too.

An Architect needs to be registered on the Architect’s registration Board (ARB) to use the title ‘Architect’. Always check the ARB register (https://www.architects-register.org.uk/) to make sure your ‘architect’ is an Architect!