Architect Lichfield Staffordshire (WS13): When most people in Lichfield think about an architect they visualise a person sitting at a drawing board or computer screen, designing some unique and interesting building such as the Sydney Opera House or the Tate Modern. In reality however, working as an architect is not quite so romantic, since the majority of their day to day work is far more routine and involves the design of office buildings, house extensions and new build homes, as well as putting in local authority planning applications for a host of different construction projects.
Lichfield architects will also be involved in locating suitable land for specific building projects, advising on the best materials for construction, and establish procedures for building and safety regulations compliance.
If you are thinking of doing a loft conversion, extension or other structural home improvement project, the likelihood is that you will need to employ the services of an architect at some point. Now, you might think that this is going to be costly, and if feasible might hope to manage without this service, however this would be a false economy.
Taking up to 7 years to learn their trade, by the time they have completed their training, architects know pretty much everything there is to know about materials, building and construction methods. Seeking their advice and design assistance from the beginning, can save you money in the long term, and although their services are certainly not cheap, you can usually recover most of this during the project. Inadequate planning and design can lead to expensive alterations and re-builds, and there can be a huge wastage of materials if these aren't calculated and ordered correctly.
What seems to happen in most cases, is that the homeowner first finds their builder, and then leaves it to the to find a decent architect who can help with the project. But, this isn't the only way to hire an architect, and isn't by any means, the best way. You'll discover that things run more efficiently if you first approach an architect to go through all of your requirements, you can then walk away with detailed plans, which takes advantage of their design experience and provides a list of specifications and materials, which the builder can easily follow.
As they'll be furnished with in-depth info about the quantities and types of materials required, this will make life easier for the contractor or building company and makes it possible for them to give a precise quote for the project, as they will not have to make rough guesses about what is required. They will also have clear instructions about what's needed, with guidance on the recommended ways to proceed.
A professionally qualified architect can assist you in several ways; from the design and planning of a new house, offering advice during the planning of an extension to your existing home or possibly even offer professional consultation on refurbishments that are needed to modernize a run down property in Lichfield.
From the very beginning of your project in Lichfield, an architect should be there to help you with designs and blueprints which match your budget, and at the same time comply with the appropriate building standards and regulations. If you have plans that were drafted for your project previously, you could ask a an experienced Lichfield architect to cast a professional eye over your drawings to check them for any issues that could compromise the structure, and make certain everything abides by the latest guidelines and legislation.
A selection of accurate and detailed technical building blueprints to enable your building contractors to construct or remodel your property in the desired way, will be prepared by the architect when your design has been agreed. To ensure the plans are being correctly followed, and check that the budget is being observed, the architect will collaborate with the building crew on a frequent basis. Working together with surveyors, engineers, contractors, and the local planning department, a decent Lichfield architect will ensure your building project or renovation goes as painlessly as possible from first stage planning through to it's eventual completion.
The main professional trade body for architects in Great Britain is RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects). In addition to implementing the training program for would-be architects, RIBA also provides information and guidance on the work and ethical code that all architects must follow to give their clients the best quality service. 5 yrs of full time study and a minimum of 2 yrs hands-on experience are necessary before someone can apply for RIBA membership and register their architect status with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Architects Fees and Prices - Architect's rates are usually based on a percentage of the total cost of the project, an hourly rate, a rate per unit area of the construction or a lump sum. Or possibly, a mix of these fee structures may be used in certain cases. Architect's fees for renovations are generally between fifteen and twenty percent of the project cost, whilst residential housing projects could run up slightly lower rates of around 12% to 20% of the total construction cost. For larger commercial construction projects a significantly lower percentage of four to twelve percent will be demanded in architect's fees.
Interior Designer or Architect? - Every now and again we are asked the question "in what ways are architects different from interior designers"? For some the answer would be very clear, but for others the two disciplines merge and crossover more often than not. In most cases, architects work on the overall design of a structure in relation to the shape - the outer shell, the external walls and the roof, while interior designers focus on the internal finish - the furnishings, the wall finishes and the floor surfaces. To confuse things even more, there are also 'interior architectural designers', who mainly deal with the internal structure of a building - the flow of internal space, the thermal attributes and the spatial planning, but must still be fully qualified. Their work should be aesthetic, but functional at the same time.
An endorsement by family, friends or neighbours is an excellent place to start when you're searching for an architect, but do not let this be the only factor affecting your choice. Word of mouth is often a good indication, and should be seen as a good starting place when you are on the lookout for an architect. To get an idea of prices you'll want to get at least 3 or 4 job quotes from your shortlist of possible architects.
Landscape Architects Lichfield
Apart from the regular type of architect who concentrates on construction and buildings, there is another kind of architect, referred to as the 'landscape architect'. Working in rural, suburban and urban settings, the landscape architect is involved in managing and planning open spaces. Within the extent of their work they'll be required to design both man-made and natural landscapes. Areas intended for both public and private usage may be the focus of their attention. Creating imaginative, pleasant and sustainable environments, landscape architects use their technical expertise and creativity to generate open spaces for people in Lichfield to enjoy. Landscape architects in Lichfield will monitor and design commercial sites, playgrounds, housing developments, zoos, cemeteries, malls and botanical gardens.
The Landscape Institute is the official association for landscape architects in the United Kingdom. It accredits both landscape professionals and university courses and is a charted body. In the UK, there are currently 15 accredited programmes. Membership of this institute is available to teachers, professionals and students, and there are over 3000 fully qualified members. (Tags: Landscape Architecture Lichfield, Landscape Architect Lichfield, Landscape Architects Lichfield).
What Are the Key Benefits of Hiring an Architect?
Hiring an architect can offer several advantages, some of which are:
- Cost-effectiveness: Architects can ensure that your project is completed within your timeline and budget. They can create a detailed plan that takes into account all of the necessary elements and can help you to find cost-effective solutions without inhibiting quality. They can also manage the construction process and oversee the work of contractors to ensure that everything is done according to the plan.
- Sustainability: Architects can incorporate eco-friendly materials and technologies that can reduce your building's environmental impact. They can also help you obtain certifications, which could increase the market value of your property.
- Time efficiency: Architects can create a detailed plan that takes into account all the crucial elements of your project, which can save time and reduce delays. They can also help you understand the various stages of the project, including obtaining approvals and permits, and managing the construction process.
- Improved functionality and usability: Architects can help to design spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, functional and safe. They can also create layouts that maximise natural light, ventilation, and other environmental aspects to enhance the usability and comfort of your space.
- Safety and regulations: Architects have a deep understanding of regulations, safety standards and building codes. By utilising their knowledge, they can guarantee that your building is meticulously planned and constructed in accordance with all of the crucial guidelines.
- Customisation: Architects can create a design which is tailored to your specific needs and preferences. They will work closely with you to understand your vision and goals for the project, and then translate that into a design that reflects your unique style and personality.
To conclude, using an architect for your construction project can provide lots of benefits, including professional design expertise, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, safety and time efficiency. If you would like to make sure that your project is completed successfully, hiring an architect is a wise decision.
Related Tasks
There is a range of work that can be undertaken by your local Lichfield architect including architect and design services for conservatories in Lichfield, architectural drawing, industrial architects, contemporary architect solutions, building inspection and assessment, residential refurbishments, architect drawings Lichfield, spatial architecture, architects prices, feasability studies and cost advice, property floor plans, graphic design in Lichfield, domestic architects Lichfield, risk assessments, private commissions for homeowners, design consultations in Lichfield, self-build design, building plans and blueprints, architectural design services, garage conversion plans, interior architect services, site liason in Lichfield, site selection and analysis, certified architect services, designs for living, cheap architects, sustainable design & green architecture, building regulations advice, architecture services for home extensions, architect and design services for period and listed buildings, conservation area consents, 3D modelling and artwork, design and project management, commercial architecture services, and lots more. These are just a selection of the tasks that are performed by local architects. Lichfield professionals will let you know their whole range of architectural services.
More Lichfield Tradespeople: Not surprisingly, whenever you are doing home renovations in Lichfield, Staffordshire, you'll probably be in need of all kinds of different tradesmen and apart from an architect in Lichfield, Staffordshire, you might also need a surveyor in Lichfield, skip hire in Lichfield, an electrician in Lichfield, plumbers in Lichfield, building contractors in Lichfield, a party wall surveyor in Lichfield, metalworkers in Lichfield, a structural engineer in Lichfield, plasterers in Lichfield, a carpenter in Lichfield, an interior designer in Lichfield, a quantity surveyor in Lichfield, architectural photography in Lichfield, a bricklayer in Lichfield, waste removal in Lichfield, a boundary surveyor in Lichfield, and other different Lichfield tradesmen.
Architects Near Lichfield
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