Topic ID 7137
Can anyone recommend a good architect? Not just an architect that basically just draws up exactly what you have thought about yourself, but one that has a few original ideas to offer. I hear that quite a lot fall into the former category and charge through the nose for the pleasure...
Reply ID 93601
quote:The O/P is asking for a recommendation. [:)]
Originally posted by Darcy Sarto
http://www.architecture.com/UseAnArchitect/
Reply ID 93602
If you find one then let us know how you get on. There definately seems to be a lack of "designer" architects around from what people have said before. i.e. those with genuine ideas, and actual knowledge about how to improve how people live.
Reply ID 93604
quote:[:p] - Sorry - my "recommendation" is ensure any Architect you use (especially if seeking design input) is RIBA registered. We are currently using a provider of "Architectural Services" who can do drawings (when pressed) and get engineering details done for you but they are not architects. I'm not entirely sure we're getting good value but we have hardly started on our project so I am reserving judgement at this stage.
Originally posted by Stevequote:The O/P is asking for a recommendation. [:)]
Originally posted by Darcy Sarto
http://www.architecture.com/UseAnArchitect/
Reply ID 93605
Andy is excellent, he was able to offer ideas on very modern building methods to save space and increase heat retention. http://www.room-by-room.co.uk/
Reply ID 93621
I know quite a few architects (it runs in the family - but I'm not one!) so I'd suggest it's well worth looking around and talking to a few different ones. They all have their own "style" and it's best to find someone whose style matches your own ideas of what you like. I wouldn't say an architect is for life, but you will be stuck with them for some time so it's well worth taking your time on the research. Also if you see things other people have done (extensions/new builds etc) which you like there's no harm in knocking on their door and asking who they used. People are usually proud of their houses and happy to talk about them! I could offer some suggestions but I'm too new to recommend and plus I'm not sure about the ethics of recommending relatives :-O
Reply ID 93622
This comment was removed because it does not comply with our Acceptable Use Policy
Reply ID 93625
My Sister is using Adrian Mitchell, to draw up her plans, he was recommended to us by a friend. His telephone number is 01992 553552 and email [email protected].
Reply ID 93626
This comment was removed because it does not comply with our Acceptable Use Policy. Further posts may lead to a suspension.
Reply ID 93627
Rusty, you can’t offer recommendations as you haven’t made enough posts yet.
Reply ID 93628
Ahhh thank you Louis M. I will come back once I have done so.
Reply ID 93636
Thanks all for the advice so far. Bit of a needle in a haystack me thinks!
Reply ID 93708
For what it's worth, you might want to have a look at this if you like a clean/minimal style. This is not a recommendation just someone I know who does a lot of domestic/extension type of work... http://gabrielalexander.co.uk/
Reply ID 93944
Louis M, can you please advise on how many posts do I have to make before I can make recommendations.
Reply ID 93945
Rusty its in the site policy as pointed out by Admin but I think that its 10 posts so not that onerous. Its been the case in the past where posters will appear merely to promote their business but not contribute elsewhere, and/or promote their business without giving worthwhile information so my advice would be to involve yourself in the forum like many other local business owners.
Reply ID 93951
quote:Yes, you're not allowed to register with the forum and recommend your own business (ie one you own or are employed by).
Originally posted by Golden
Rusty its in the site policy as pointed out by Admin but I think that its 10 posts so not that onerous. Its been the case in the past where posters will appear merely to promote their business but not contribute elsewhere, and/or promote their business without giving worthwhile information so my advice would be to involve yourself in the forum like many other local business owners.
Reply ID 94101
I have used Nick Hankins from Monarch Design & Build who is very good at looking at problem with new eyes and new ideas - when we have used him he has had reasonable rates and just thinks differently!!
Reply ID 95100
We went with Hertford Planning Services but have been distinctly underwhelmed. They don't appear to have any original ideas, very average designs and a strange approach to customer service by one of the senior partners which has really put us off. It's almost as if they are doing us a favour, rather than being properly treated like a paying customer. We've heard quite a few similar comments since but unfortunately we weren't aware at the time. I do think it's very hard to find a really good architect that actually comes up with ideas, but I certainly would not recommend HPS largely because of the 'attitude' we've experienced and lack of inspiration.
Reply ID 95102
We used HPS and had very similar experience. My sense was they weren't really interested in 'just' doing domestic extensions, even though ours was quite substantial. Our builder had far more creativity, based on years of experience of implementing plans of various degrees of thoughtfulness. End result is what matters, though I feel we spent quite a lot for not a great deal of inspiration even before a single brick had been laid.
Reply ID 95104
We found HPS pretty useless to be honest. I am waiting for a call back from March 2013, to discuss, what was considered by them to be a plan. Also the advice, that we were given, was incorrect, we have since found out. Adrian Mitchell was much more helpful and accurate, with his plans and information, for my Sister.