DESIGNING YOUR HOME
The design stage of your self build is critical to producing a high-quality home that meets your expectations. Julian Owen gives his expert advice on how to work effectively with your team to get the most out of the process
Choosing your house designer will kick start the process of translating your ideas, hopes and dreams into an actual building. All successful collaborations depend on good communication between a client and their design team. The tone of this relationship is usually set early on, so it’s worth preparing your approach to the first few discussions that you’re going to have, and be ready for the issues that are likely to arise.
Preparing to meet your designer
Any pro will tell you that one of the secrets to creating a design that fits comfortably around their clients is a well thought-out, clearly recorded brief. Your first meeting should cover this in some detail, and you can do some preparation to help it go well. If you have a partner or family who will live with you in the new house, it’s a good idea to thrash out any points of disagreement and try to resolve them beforehand.
I have occasionally been caught between two clients who have diametrically opposed views on what they want from their home. I’m quite happy to give practical advice on how to build their design, or the best way to approach the planners, but a robust discussion might be necessary behind closed doors so you can present a united front at that first meeting.
Another aspect of the project that might be a source of disagreement is the budget that you’re going to set. The architect can advise what you will get for your money and help you to avoid overspending, but you need to do a bit of homework with a financial advisor before you commit to starting the project.