How to choose the right architectural partner for your project.

Whether you’re designing your new home from the ground up or renovating an existing property to create a space fit for your family, choosing the right design team – and partner – is key.

Choosing a design professional to guide you through the design process is a high priority. Finding the right ‘fit’ can be a challenge. A speedy online search will return a long list of architects and architectural designers with a wide variation in fees.

But what’s the difference? And why is it important?

Here’s our quick guide….

The basics.

What’s the difference between an Architect, an Architectural Designer and an Architectural Technologist?

The title of ‘Architect’ is legally protected in the UK and carries significant professional responsibilities and insurance requirements. An architect is therefore a licensed professional who has completed a formal degree, typically lasting five to seven years, with a number of years in practice, where they will gain experience under the watchful eye of senior colleagues. 

In the UK, architects are registered with the Architects Registration Board, and a practice may also choose to register with the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA) as a Chartered Member.

Conversely, an Architectural Designer may have substantial design education and experience but has not completed the full registration process. They might hold architecture degrees, have worked in architecture firms for years, or come from related fields like interior design or construction. While they cannot legally call themselves architects, many are highly skilled designers capable of producing excellent residential work. 

An Architectural Technologist is a construction industry professional who specialises in the technical aspects of building design and construction. They focus on how buildings are actually built, dealing with building technology, construction details, materials, building regulations, and the practical implementation of designs. In the UK, they typically work toward chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). 

 

Martyn in the Plansplus Studio. With 50 years experience ranging from trowel to AI technology, he brings decades of experience to the design process.

 

Architect vs Architectural designer: which is best?

There’s no such thing as best. Quite simply, it depends on you, your budget and your project.

7 factors for consideration:

1. 1. Complexity | How complex is your project? A larger development may benefit from an architects’ involvement – particularly if there are stringent safety requirements, multiple dwellings or complex planning considerations. But for most residential developments, an architectural designer will be well placed to support you, often at considerably less cost.

1. 1. Relevant Experience | Has your chosen profession got the right experience? It sounds like a simple question, but you need to consider whether the designer working on your project has worked on similar schemes, in the same locality, using the same construction materials and has the necessary expertise to deliver your project.

1. 1. Technical Knowledge & Skill | If your project requires specialist skills then seek those out in your professional design partner. Building with traditional brick or flint? Look for a designer with hands-on experience of working with traditional materials.

1. 1. Budget | Typically an architect can charge 8-10% of construction cost as fees while an architectural designer may cost considerably less. If you’re budget conscious, consider carefully where best to allocate your funds.You may get more for your money if you work with an architectural designer – particularly if you value their involvement from concept through to completion and want help with the detail. Speak to several designers to sense check fees.

1. 1. Local Knowledge and Planning Expertise | Relationships and reputation are key. Understanding local authority planning requirements and having a positive relationship with the planning team will smooth the passage of your planning application. Knowledge of the local vernacular will help your design team develop a proposal that sits comfortably in its setting and is likely to be well received by the relevant planning authority.

1. 1. Design Approach and Communication Style | What do you need from your designer and where do your skills lie? Do you have a clear vision and feel confident to communicate this to your architect, or are you looking for a designer to tease out your requirements and hand -hold you through the process. These require different skillsets and probably a different design partner. Consider carefully what’s right for you.

1. 1. Relationships | Good relationships with building contractors and other design team professionals are key to the success of a scheme. Not only will that aid communication but it will ensure clarity when it comes to budgets, timescales and how to achieve the best outcome for your build.

Finding the perfect fit.

Before beginning your search, ask yourself these five questions ….

1. 1. How much advice and support will I need to keep my project on track? 

1. 1. What kind of relationship do I want with my design professional? A single point of contact or working with a bigger team? 

1. 1. How much do I want to project manage my build and how hands-on do I want my designer to be?

1. 1. What technical input do I need on the selection of materials, fixtures and fittings?

1. 1. Do I need any specialist skills – eg. Knowledge of sustainable materials, working in a conservation area or with complex planning constraints.

Being honest about your own needs and expectations will help you find the perfect fit – and give a clearer brief!

 

The Plansplus approach.

At Plansplus, you’ll be working with me, Martyn Phillips. My focus is on quality not quantity, so I work with a select number of clients at any time, acting as a central hub for the design team. This means I manage every detail of your project from concept through to completion and post occupancy. I’m there to hold your hand.

As a Member of the Chartered Institute of Technologists, Affiliate of the RIBA and Member of the Chartered Institute of Building, I bring a unique blend of technical skill, creative design and building knowledge to every project I work on.

Through Plansplus I collaborate with surveyors, interior designers, landscape designers and the entire construction team to ensure your home development runs smoothly and your vision isn’t compromised in construction.

Talk to me if:

• • You’re looking to build, refurbish or extend a property in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire or Berkshire.

• • You have a construction budget of between £300,000 – £1.5m.

• • You want to work with a RIBA Affiliated, CIAT and CIOB Accredited Architectural Designer.

• • You want a safe pair of hands to support you from concept to completion, plus a single point of contact to keep communication clear and confidence high.