Extension: How to find reputable architect to draw up plans?

[urquattroGus]

Novice Newbie Question

I want to extend my modest three bed house quite extensively, how can I find a reputable architect to draw up some plans? And with good practical knowledge and or style...

Located is Essex.

Is there a register somewhere?

I have tried word of mouth locally but without too much luck really.

Edited by urquattroGus on Tuesday 20th March 09:37

[Equus]

urquattroGus said:

Is there a register somewhere?

Both the RIBA and the ARB maintain registers of their members... and you've got to be ARB registered to call yourself an Architect (it's a legally protected title)

It depends whether you actually want a Chartered Architect to do the work, though - they can be an expensive and unnecessary luxury on something like a straightforward domestic extension. Architectural Technologists are arguably better trained for that sort of work - their training, as the name suggests, is in building technology, and is more directly related to UK legislation and construction techniques, whereas Architects are trained to operate at a more overarching level, with (in theory) a capability to design any sort of building, anywhere in the world.

As they gain experience, the two streams tend to merge, so that in their later careers you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference in knowledge and capabilities between the two, (and there are good and bad practitioners in both disciplines, of course), but if they're under the age of 30-35, give me an Architectural Technologist every time, for practical building design!

There's nothing like personal recommendation, but obviously you've tried that already.



ETA: Essex is on the southern edge of my 'patch', so give me a shout if you can't find anyone you're happy with - but I'm sure there will be someone more local.

Edited by Equus on Tuesday 20th March 10:01

[Europa1]

Try your local council's planning portal and look at the plans of houses in the area where planning permission has been applied for: most of the plans will have the architect's name on.

[Equus]

^^^ Unfortunately, you can only view Planning drawings on the Planning Portal (simplified drawings that are intended to illustrate the basic arrangement and external appearance), so they won't necessarily give you a good indication of the quality of the actual construction drawings.

It's certainly one way to find the practices that are active in your area, though.

[Fizzsimba]

Ive got a couple of architects that I use in Essex , pm me and I’ll send you their details.

[Lee540]

Equus said:

urquattroGus said:

Is there a register somewhere?

Both the RIBA and the ARB maintain registers of their members... and you've got to be ARB registered to call yourself an Architect (it's a legally protected title)

It depends whether you actually want a Chartered Architect to do the work, though - they can be an expensive and unnecessary luxury on something like a straightforward domestic extension. Architectural Technologists are arguably better trained for that sort of work - their training, as the name suggests, is in building technology, and is more directly related to UK legislation and construction techniques, whereas Architects are trained to operate at a more overarching level, with (in theory) a capability to design any sort of building, anywhere in the world.

As they gain experience, the two streams tend to merge, so that in their later careers you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference in knowledge and capabilities between the two, (and there are good and bad practitioners in both disciplines, of course), but if they're under the age of 30-35, give me an Architectural Technologist every time, for practical building design!

There's nothing like personal recommendation, but obviously you've tried that already.



ETA: Essex is on the southern edge of my 'patch', so give me a shout if you can't find anyone you're happy with - but I'm sure there will be someone more local.

Edited by Equus on Tuesday 20th March 10:01

Good post!

[urquattroGus]

Thanks everyone for the replies, some good info here