If you’re starting a new building project then one of the most essential services you are from professional architects. According to a recent study, 32% of participants said they were interested in designing and building their own home and with lots of help available, why not? But, without a detailed plan, your domestic or commercial project won’t get very far but with an experienced architect by your side, your vision can be brought to life.
Architects play an integral role in creating a new building or changing a building’s structure as they are responsible for drawing up blueprints and coming up with the design. From understanding the technical side of things to being inspired by more creative aspects, the value they add to any kind of building is so important.
So, how do architects work and what can you expect from architecture firms? In this blog, we explain all you need to know and more.
What are the stages of hiring an architect?
To get your project off the ground you need a good architect who can interpret your ideas and design an excellent plan for the building. There are several stages that your architect will follow before the building work can begin but each of them is equally important.
Here are the stages of hiring an architect:
The initial design
When you first meet with an architect you will sit down and go over your initial ideas also known as the brief. This discussion will generally be quite informal as a chance to discuss the overview of your project before any work begins and you commit to hiring the architect. Details will include your budget, design ideas, inspiration, the purpose for the build and more.
You will generally discuss these over a couple of weeks while you try to arrive at a layout which meets your needs.
Drawing up a design
Once you’re happy that you and the architect are on the same page drawings can be made. You will need to confirm which type of materials are going to be used such as brick or stone and from there the architect will use this information and the other details you have provided to draw up a design. The plans will usually take a few weeks to complete depending on the type of work that needs to be done and once you have approved them you can apply for any necessary planning permission – this could take a minimum of 6 weeks.
Technical elements
As well as designing the shall of the building the architect will also design the technical elements including details like the sizes of doors, the amount of insulation in the walls and window placement. Structural engineers may also be involved in this stage to oversee structural elements such as beams and again these designs will also need to be approved before the building work can start.
Construction
Once all of the design plans have been approved and you’re happy with your architect’s initial work, construction can start. Your architect will keep a close relationship with your builders to ensure that your construction costs stay on track and will visit the site to review the ongoing work and check that everything is going ahead according to the plans.
At Integrated Designs & Associates, for over two decades we’ve built an excellent reputation for both the quality of our work and the quality of our customer service. Our amazing architects have experience working on a range of projects including basic extensions are more complicated design plans. Check out our past projects today and get in touch with our friendly team for more information.
How do architects get inspired?
The great thing about hiring an architect is that they can come up with innovative ideas that you’d never have thought of. Taking inspiration from everything around them and incorporating your ideas, the end results can be on a whole new level than what your first anticipated.
Here are just a few of the ways that architects get inspired:
The purpose of the building
One of the biggest inspirations will be the purpose of the building. For example, if you are building a cosy family home then the architect may be inspired by aspects of everyday life and creating a practical home that you can enjoy. On the other hand, for commercial buildings, architects may look at similar projects for inspiration and come up with something that will fit seamlessly into the surrounding commercial shops or offices.
History
Especially when designing a domestic property, history can be a great source of inspiration for architects. For example, building a very modern home in the middle of a quiet village may look out of place, so drawing on the history around them is a great way of designing something amazing. From the layout of the building to how it looks from the outside, you and your architect can use historical influences throughout your build.
Long-term prospects
Working on a building project is something that takes a lot of hard work and dedication so when coming up with a plan, the architect will consider the long-term aspects of a building. Constructing a house or commercial building is something that will be standing well into the future and this means the architect will need to draw inspiration on how it may look and feel in the future.
How do you know if an architect is right for your project?
Since hiring an architect is such an important part of the build, you must find exactly the right person for the job. Whatever your vision, choosing an experienced architect who you can constructively collaborate with will make your project a lot more successful.
Here, we share our top tips on how to choose an architect:
● When you explain your vision and ideas, take note of how each architect reacts. Hiring someone who is as enthusiastic about your build as you are is a good sign and knowing that they’re passionate about the work is great.
● Are they experienced in the type of work you’re looking for? It’s very easy for things to go wrong when you don’t hire the right people so always ask about their previous experience to get an idea of what they know and what they can offer.
● Reputation goes a long way in terms of finding an architect who is reliable. Architecture firms with high reputations should deliver high-quality services that will make your build a success.
Integrated Designs & Associates: Your Local Architects in Birmingham
Whether you’re building your dream home or starting a portfolio of commercial buildings, you need a reliable architect who can make your ideas a reality. At Integrated Designs & Associates, we have over 27 years of experience in architectural projects across the UK so you can rely on us to provide expert support from beginning to end.
Our fully trained team is ready to design, manage and complete your architectural work to the best possible standard. All projects are done with compliance in mind as well as staying aware of your budget throughout the duration of the work no matter how big or small.
Are you looking for an architecture firm in Birmingham? Look no further than our professional team of architects for various types of work including extensions, restaurants, commercial shops and more. Get in touch with us today for more information.
