Selecting your architect will likely be the most important decision for realising your goal. The person you select will be the brains behind your project, an invaluable problem solver, a good listener, and the one helping to keep the budget on track

Why should I use an Architect and not a draughtsman?

For very simple/small projects its perhaps more of an open playing field but for anything requiring creative thinking and Architect is the answer. We have had specialised training in all aspects creative architectural design that other service providers just don’t have. Why trust your dreams and your budget to an unknown quantity? The title Architect is only available to a fully trained professional, don’t accept lesser imitations if you want to realise the fully potential of you project and budget.

Do I need a Planning Consultant?

Architects have extensive knowledge of the planning system in their own right and will use this to home in on an optimised design with a high probability of gaining approval from the very beginning, carefully researching and negotiating each project to avoid abortive work and fees. Planning Consultants can be appointed to provide extra help and advice on complex projects where a Client may want increased surety on the Architects chosen direction. Alchemy works closely with two local planning consultants when required.

What are likely to be the biggest challenges for my project?

Architects may have a beautiful portfolio and great references, but that doesn’t indicate how they’ll approach your project. During initial interviews, ask about their vision for your project:

Does your architect have a signature style?

Most architects pride themselves on their adaptability, which allows them to tailor their style to fit each house and client. But some have an overriding design sensibility that they bring to every project. For example, an architect might specialize in sleek modernism, a beach cottage feel, or reinterpretations of historic houses. By talking about the architect’s signature style up front, you can decide whether it’s the right fit for you.

Who Will Design My Project?

William Rome deals with all design work at Alchemy, but in larger firms there’s a good chance the person you meet initially isn’t the one who’ll handle the actual design. That can work, as long as you understand it up front. Good communication is crucial to a successful job, you need to meet the lead architect for your job before appoint the practice. You’ll be interacting with this person a lot, so be sure to get necessary contact information, and ask to receive a schedule of meetings with mutually agreeable times.

Can you provide 3D drawings?

Understanding a 2D plan may not be easy, unless you have experience. Even if you can tell where the walls, windows, and doors are, you may not get an accurate feel for how the design will look in the real world. Ask your architect how the ideas and drawings will be presented. Most architects now use software to render 3-D images that can be rotated and viewed from multiple angles. A lack of 3-D rendering capabilities may mean the candidate isn't up to speed on the latest building techniques and methods.

What project administration services do you provide?

Architects can do more than come up with the design and working drawings. They can also;

Administer a contract
Tender your project to get competitive prices and help you appoint a contractor
Monitor the contractor’s work as the job progresses
Make design adjustments if and when required
Review valuations (invoices) to ensure that payments match completed work

How do you charge?

Alchemy Architects Ltd produce clear, unambiguous fee proposals for a Clients consideration once the Clients initial brief has been discussed and an initial site meeting undertaken to establish the likely complexity and scope of the project. Each essential work stage is given a lump sum value. Additional work or changes to any work stage can be negotiated as an adjusted lump sum or carried out on an agreed hourly rate.

Typical work stages would include;

Measured survey
Sketch design/s stage
Pre application planning enquiry with the LPA (Local Planning Authority)
Full planning application
Detailed design
Building Regulations application
Tender
Contract award
Site inspections/ contract administration
Completion

Will you recommend two or three general contractors?

Good architects can suggest reliable contractors in your area and help you evaluate their portfolios. They may suggest firms they have worked with before and set up interviews if required.

Self-Build V.A.T rules (2022)

The DIY Housebuilders scheme (Notice/form VAT 431NB) allows you to reclaim VAT from HMRC on Labour and Materials if;

You are building a new dwelling
Converting a building into a new dwelling
Bringing an existing dwelling that has not been you 10 years back into use

You can also claim on landscaping and external works that form part of your planning permission.

What you need to do; Keep all original (not digital) VAT invoices, with correct VAT rates charged.