ArchitectJulian Owenexplores what you need to consider when engaging with an architect to make your build a triumph

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Looking to downsize and build a new home on her own land, Fiona Henderson approached Fiddes Architects (www.fiddes architects.com)to help take her ideas from a concept to a buildable reality. “Following an initial chat with our architect Eoghain, he came out to my house and took the time to find out how I lived in it and how I used it,” says Fiona. This informed the finished result, which is perfectly tailored to her needs

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Creating the design is one of the most enjoyable (and less stressful) stages of your building project. To get a first-class result that makes the most out of your budget, you may well want to collaborate with an architect. Even for a modest extension, there are hundreds of design decisions to be made, let alone for a whole house. Luckily, many of the minor choices and more technical stuff can be safely left to the designer. Your job as captain of the ship is to steer the architectural plans in the right direction and keep it on course throughout the journey. Here are a few golden rules to help you and your team along the way.

Choosing an architect

Firstly, you need to decide what type of architect you need. Assuming that you are selecting from a list of competent professionals, you will find that there are big differences in the level and quality of service offered. Some –often the cheaper, less qualified ones – will have a brief discussion with you, then go away, speedily draw up a scheme and present it to you a few weeks later expecting to be paid on the nail, with maybe a few very minor amendments. You should not engage this type of designer unless you already have your own very well worked out plans and just need someone to draw them up. In which case you won’t have to read the rest of this article.