Do I need an architect?

ABOVE: A modern villa with vision - The owner of Fife’s finest contemporary self-build presented a picture board of everything that inspired him to his architects — resulting in a magnificent design that fully met his brief. (Read more about this self-build).

As a self-builder to-be, you will have already devoted countless hours to forming your new home’s wish list— perhaps a huge walk-in shower, an oak frame porch, a glossy hi-spec kitchen, or a traditional inglenook fireplace. But the challenge every self-builder faces is how best to interpret these ideas into an actual, buildable house design.

You might imagine you have the vision to literally design your own home — and it’s certainly easy enough to buy a CAD software package and knock up a DIY plan complete with gargantuan box-shaped rooms within a mock-Georgian housing estate-style shell that would make a developer proud. And there’s nothing wrong with that — except for the fact that ‘mass-produced’ housing is exactly what most self-builders are reacting against.

The truth is that, while doing it yourself will certainly save money at this stage, if you want a house that best reflects your tastes and needs, makes the most of its site – and saves you money in the long run due to a well thought out design – then it’s best left to a professional. A good designer will also help negotiate the planning system and may offer project management services.

Not all professional designers are, in fact, qualified architects. The term ‘house designer’ also encompasses architectural technologists, structural engineers and designers with no formal qualifications. All can design you a house, but all have differing expertises and fees. Architects tend to be the most expensive, but they’re not necessarily any more talented —some designers simply never had the time or inclination to take the exams required to practise under the formal title of ‘Architect’.

ABOVE: A designer will create detailed elevations and floorplans to get you through the planning stage; these are by Pete Tonks (pjtdesign.co.uk)

The best way to determine a designer’s worth is to go and see their previous work and speak to past clients. Make sure they listen to you and understand your brief and available budget. An initial consultation should be offered free of charge.

The design process is usually split in two. Firstly, the designer will come up with floor - plans and elevations to meet your brief in a creative capacity and get you through the planning process; secondly, they will produce more detailed drawings that will show the construction details, along with a specification list that will enable you or your builder to get competitive quotes for materials. The designer may need to work with an engineer on this half of the process.

It’s possible to agree to pay your designer a percentage of the total build costs (around 9% for an architect) but most self-builders pay an hourly rate or negotiate a fixed fee (perhaps £1-5,000). If you are opting for a ‘package self-build’, then your design will be included in the overall cost. Whichever method you choose, make sure you agree fees upfront and check your designer has adequate professional indemnity insurance.

Further reading:

• Architect or Designer: Which is Better for Your Self-build?
• How to Get the Most from Your House Designer
• The Essence of Good House Design