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Looking to make some pretty drastic interior changes, and perhaps ad a very small part glass extension to our 1930's semi. Looking for someone to do the designs/drawings.
Had a look online, but most are large companies. What is the best way to find someone to do this? I really want some good designs, as outside space is limited and the building in a conservation area.
Thanks,
Simone
Try the RIBA website: http://www.architecture.com/
Go to find an architect,which lets you list by area and project criteria.
TBH we've generally had poor experiences. Used people recommended for ideas and/or to cost out our ideas and been very dissapointed. We'd hired them on a fixed cost basis for initial consultation. Being a cynic what seems to be the case is they are mainly interested in larger jobs where they can charge a percentage of the job cost which adds up to a far larger amount than charging by the hour for their time would be.
From what you say you already have a good idea of what you want. I'd suggest you find a good builder, ask him to come and have a look and then have him recommend / use an architect / structural engineer as appropriate.
I was afraid of that, people not interested in small jobs! I am just thinking that with space and money being tight a great design is very important. We had one lady architectural designer around and she would charge £1350 all in for plans and getting it through planning and building regs. Not too sure if she is the one for us though.
Is that price about right?
Seems cheap, including vat?
I found ours using Google, and looked for local work.
Where in the country are you?
Sounds like you need an Architectural Technician - [url= http://www.ciat.org.uk/en/members/find_a_practice/ ]CIAT[/url] - from your brief description of the works it sounds like you pretty much know what you want, and just need someone to draft them up for you, an Architectural Technician will do this for you & deal with planners etc. Jambalaya is right, a builder is a good start and normally have a drafter/technician that they use if you want to take it further. Ask around your friends in the area for recommendations.
I have a friend who is an Architect. He will consider freelance work. My email is in my profile if you're interested.
£1350 is not likely to get you a great service! But thats not an architect. could be all you need??
If you want good ideas and then have it followed through in a way that suits you and your budget. try and go by recommendation either by friends or a GOOD local builder. www.architecture.com or speak to the planning department they will know some architects or technologists. Speak to more than one, ask to see examples of stuff they've done and choose the one you like and think you can work with.
We'll add value to projects but we're not necessarily all good at what we do........ especially when it comes to smaller projects. there are also a lot of folk out there who used to work for bigger companies got shunted and think its easy to set up and do smaller projects some will be very good some will be very bad same as any other profession/job.
competition is fierce at the moment but you do get what you pay for.
There are plenty of small practices / single practitioners out there who work solely on domestic projects.
Whereabouts are you in the country?
If you know what you want then it's just a case of measuring up, drawing and specing it. £1,400.00 would be around what I would charge for similar.
You should note that Planning and Building Regulation submissions don't contain all the information to complete works. Things like paint colours, flooring, sanitary fittings, kitchen fixtures and more are nothing to do with the Planners or Building Control.
Generally speaking, on a job like this you're going to be paying for someone's time. The more you need / use them the more it will cost you.
Also remember that this is your home and you know how you want it to be. A design is only as good as the information it's based on.
We are in norwich.
Just spoken to my husband and we may stick to just structural changes. Opening up the kitchen and dining room by removing a wall, and adding an extra bathroom by removing the wall (above the other one) and taking a bit of space from two bedrooms. I know that removing walls is expensive, especially if the are structural.
We have had a loft conversion (bedroom up there only) about 10 years ago and the guy who did the drawings was quite good, we may get him again. I can't really remember how much he charged, but don't think it was over £500. He was the only one that managed to get it done as others said it could not be done due to lack of space on the landing and low roof.
Perhaps the first step would be contacting a structural engineer or builder and get some idea of cost and what bits will need supporting.
I am an architect. If you´re interested contact me and I can send you some pictures of my work.
I have only come across 1 reasonable architect in my career and certainly no one I would let loose on anything I own.
However watch grand disappointments for a reason not to to it yourself.
Possibly get in a small 'design and build' builder with a good reputation and a contract administrator to referee stupid decisions that will inevitably happen (especially if women are involved)
I project managed (in part) a job for a close friend last year, I had continually charge her stupid tax to get her to understand she didn't have a clue what she was talking about - this stupid tax was much less than going through with her 'really great ideas'however.
Happy to help
Plum