Do I need an architect?

7 år sedan

I'm not sure where to start with a big project we're planning! We have a townhouse with the front door opening onto a hallway that runs past the garage, opens up into an area with a big understairs cupboard and then leads into the kitchen. We want to have the kitchen re-done but at the same time re-do the porch area, and I'm sure we can better utilise the larger part of the hallway/under stairs area. I'm sure we can incorporate it into the kitchen, opening the whole area up more and making much better use of the whole space. We'd also like to open the back of the house up with large sliding doors onto the garden. The problem is I don't really know where to start. We obviously need some design advice but would that be from an architect or an interior designer? Who would draw up plans for a builder to follow? We've replaced kitchens and bathrooms before but never done anything structural so I'm not sure where to start. Any advice appreciated!

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Post

7 år sedan

Ändrades senast: 7 år sedan

There seems to be a gulf of misunderstanding between the architectural profession and clients. It is clear to (good) architects that a good architect will transform any project and the cost of that service will bring enormous value to the client. However, there any many non-professionals who haven't trained for 7 years that are all too willing to offer a service which is perceived by the public as being very similar only at a lower cost - unfortunately this couldn't be further from the truth. A builder won't help you as he is likely to be looking at any project from his commercial perspective and anyway he is unlikely to have any design training. A technical service will be able to produce plans, but not architecture or great design, therefore a good architect is the obvious solution. However, selection of the right architect is just as important as we do not all do the same thing; it is most important to find someone whose work matches your style and that you can build a great working relationship with, rather than an architect who gives the lowest quote. We do not do this type of project, but concentrate on complete new homes - especially paragraph 55 homes. I hope that this advice is of use and that you find a great architect to work with.

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Kommentarer (12)

PRO
Dale Loth Architects
7 år sedan
Perhaps we'd be seen as biased, but I'd certainly advise looking on Houzz for an architect in your area. People who have no previous experience with architects usually believe that they are an unnecessary luxury. However, a good architect should save you time and money by helping you find the most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve the changes you're considering. She/he should also have the knowledge to guide you away from potential pitfalls. Interior designers and experienced builders can be very helpful, but simply don't have the full range of aesthetic and practical training of architects.
adrianlowery
7 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 7 år sedan
I'd get 3-4 local architects to come round to give you a quote. As you explain to them what you want doing, or think you might want doing, you should get a feel for which of them seems to be most on the ball / understands you / has the best ideas and most enthusiasm for the job.
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Är svensk inredning och design 'lagom'?
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Hej! I am Australian and live in Australia but have lived 7 years in Sweden. My written Swedish is rusty so I am going to write here in English in case you are interested in some more thoughts, although you have probably already written your article. I know more what lagom means than the average English speaker, but I certainly can't truly 'feel' it like a Swede who has grown up with it. For me it feels like how much Kalles I might put on my knackbrod, but I have lately started to try to think of it in terms of interiors and see if it works. The reason I am doing that is that I am currently working in the field of Professional Organising- helping people de-clutter, scale back, and organise. This process results in quite a makeover for a home and even life style and can be life changing. I personally LOVE minimalism and talk about it often but I find that the average person I meet is a bit cynical of minimalism and thinks it is too extreme. I have been reading a ton about minimalism and read some about hygge. I think what the average person is longing for is some minimalism+ some hygge. I think the current world (politics and fast pace of life , overdose of stuff, and overdose of info in our face all day on our screens, etc etc) feels a bit stressful for everyone these days. So, although the average person longs for simplicity, the word minimalism scares some people, and hygge is too cozy for some and so the concept and word LAGOM may be just the answer! The 'world' may start to borrow the word lagom from you Swedes now to fill a need for a word lacking in English that can fall between minimalism and cosy, that can feel relaxing, and which doesn't mean you have to get rid of as much as minimalism does. It may well gain a meaning outside of Sweden that is a different to inside Sweden I suppose. For example if the word became popular it could become a term for a 'style'. That would be pretty different to the meaning inside Sweden. I am actually planning to introduce the concept and word 'lagom' to my clients as way to encourage them to get rid of excess and have a calmer home, yet not be afraid as the goal does not have to be minimalism, it can be 'lagom' - just right, perfect, not too little, not too much. It sounds like a level or quantity they can choose themself as we go along. A bit like Marie Kondo's method; 'Choose to keep only what gives YOU joy and you will end up with just the right amount of stuff. It will be a result that fits YOU, not something you have to try to work to achieve, which I think Minimalism may feel to the average person. Shevaun Sandlund in West Australia.
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Plz your opinions
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Mey, it was not my intention to hurt your feelings nor to sugarcoat the fact that you need more color. You know this better than anyone. Why else should you show the ( very ) different color curtains? I don't know what your going to du but, I am absolutely convinced you'll do what you need to do, you'll do it when you're good and ready. Last but not least, it'll be fantastic! Once again, Mey, good luck to you and please please could you not write again, to keep us posted?!
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WANTED; Professionals that would like to share a creative space !
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My name is Andre Schievink and I run the design studio Amsterdam Living here in Stockholm. I have been working from my office for the last 12 years. With lots of fun and entousiasm. Now its time to move to a bigger location and share and combine our workspace with other creative designers/stylists/ artists/fashionistas and co interior designers. I am looking for a butik/ lokal on the groundfloor , in downtown Stockholm, with lots of windows and possibility for clients to walk in and see what we are doing or showing. For example if we are with 6 people, we need about 120-180 square meters lokal , with an est. rent of about 4000 kr. per person per month. Amsterdam Living, will be in charge of the interiors and all the communal services. ie. opy machine , kitchen, cleaning service etc. If you think it's time to get out there and start working from a fun, creative and commercial space, or just want to have co-workers that inspire eachother. please contact me on the following; Andre Schievink Tel. 0733303636 or via my Houzz website or www.amsterdamliving.se andre.s@comhem.se info@amsterdamliving.se
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suggestions for my living room
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Kommentarer (2)
Hi Francesca! Nice place you got. I suggest you create a conversation corner, with two smaller sofas facing each other, or one sofa and two chairs. You can also change position of the sofa to back on to the cupboards if you don't need to face a TV. And then just go for it with colorful rugs, cushions and art! Please post when you have started, look forward to seeing the transformation!
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PRO
SelSol Architectural
7 år sedan
Interior designers deal with soft furnishings etc so really not what you need.

Also have a think about how much input you need. You may not need an architect, and a house designer / architectural designer like myself would suffice and save you a chunk of money, but equally, many architects offer a flair that isn't matched by designers.

Generally speaking, for more grandiose projects I'd push towards an architect, for simpler works there really isn't a need.

I'd also forego the whole 3 to 4 quotes and just find a good recommendation from someone who has used them. You may save a few hundred by going cheapest, but in the grand scheme of things a poor architect or designer can easily cost you that several times over.
minnie101
7 år sedan
https://www.houzz.co.uk/pro/oneplan/oneplan

Karen would be my first port of call
adrianlowery
7 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 7 år sedan
well getting people in for quotes is not necessarily about price it's about sussing out how sound they are. A recommendation is certainly helpful but by no means failsafe
PRO
OnePlan
7 år sedan
Thanks for the mention Minnie !

If you want to look into options then an independent like us might work for you - we don't sell product - just design - so that means you can shop around and compare like for like by asking everyone to price your 'OnePlan' design .
PRO
BetterSpace: The Floor Plan Experts
7 år sedan
Hi there! Good news - You're not alone! We get this question all the time. That's the very reason we created BetterSpace! Our online service focuses only on providing professional floor-plan advice to help you whey your options and make informed decisions. We can create a personalised floor plan for you without any commitment - so give us a try! Check out our website betterspace.co or drop me a line to avi.mittelman@betterspace.co. I'd be more than happy to help!
PRO
Glenn Cavill
7 år sedan
I would definitely get some advise as professionals like myself work on this type of project daily working with clients to get the best space through select alterations and extensions. Initially advise can be given via meeting, telephone and then initial sketches then more detailed plans and guidance of the whole process can be provided. Feel free to get in touch for a no obligation chat. I find that you also want a designer that you feel comfortable with, are on the same waylength and will work together throughout the process. Regards Glenn www.glenncavill.com
PRO
Akiva Projects Ltd
7 år sedan
We offer a fantastic design service and would be happy to offer our advice. Have a look at our page, and please get in contact for an initial conversation. We are an award winning company renowned for our customer service and can offer complete guidance. Where are you based? www.akivaprojets.com
PRO
McGurran Associates Ltd
7 år sedan
Hi,

It sounds like you have some exciting ideas for your townhouse! An architect can provide design advice and prepare drawings for you. Depending on the extent of the works, you may need to make a Building Control application. Also, if there are structural alterations, you will require some calculations from a structural engineer.

Please give us a call If you have any particular queries.

McGurran Associates Ltd
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Författare
7 år sedan
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reply to me so far, lots of food for thought here!

Do I need an architect?

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Dale Loth Architects

adrianlowery

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SelSol Architectural

minnie101

adrianlowery

OnePlan

BetterSpace: The Floor Plan Experts

Glenn Cavill

Akiva Projects Ltd

McGurran Associates Ltd

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Do I need an architect?

Kommentarer (12)

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OM OSS

UTFORSKA HOUZZ

ANSLUT TILL OSS

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