WHY HIRE AN ARCHITECT?

The idea of remodelling or renovating can be a daunting thought. You might be wondering whether it’s best to go directly to a builder or architect. Is hiring an Architect a good investment? Will it save you time and money? If you’re increasing the size of your property or changing the layout, you’ll need to speak to an architect so they can undertake a design and lead you through the planning process to obtain planning approval. So, why should you consider hiring an architect for the entire construction process?

An architect will help ensure your project is delivered on time, within budget and to the high standard you deserve. Andrew Wallace Architects understand clients’ needs, deliver innovative designs, and manage projects efficiently. They ensure a smooth and satisfying experience from start to finish, saving you time and money.

Keep reading to learn more about why you should consider hiring an architect for your next project.

Why Should You Hire An Architect?

Planning your new house or home renovation can be exciting, but it quickly becomes a very complicated task with many design choices, functional/spatial requirements, planning constraints and construction issues. On top of this, it can be very time consuming if you’ve decided to undertake it by yourself. This is where an architect’s expertise is invaluable as you may get lost in the endless maze of options. Put simply, hiring an architect is a smart investment.

Let’s uncover the crucial benefits below:

Greater Understanding Of Your Needs

Architects take the time to understand your lifestyle and how you use your current spaces. They will map out where there are shortcomings and areas for improvement, then develop design options that address your practical and spatial needs as well as aesthetic aspirations to produce your dream home.

Andrew Wallace Architects recently worked with a family who needed a home for both daily life and large gatherings. By understanding their needs, we carefully designed a space that worked perfectly for both, transforming a tired old house into a smart contemporary home by extending, remodelling and renovating. For more information, see the house 141 project.

Top-Quality Design

Experienced architects like Andrew Wallace Architects can create more interesting and creative designs than might be achievable by others. They can turn ordinary spaces into something special and uniquely tailored to your needs. A great example is a house built on a tight suburban site with unique challenges. Through innovative design solutions, the team created a stunning residence that turned site constraints into innovative form and features, showcasing their design capabilities. To find out more, take a look at the house 182 project.

Problem Solving

Architects are trained to solve design problems creatively. They can spot issues before they become costly mistakes. In one project, the Andrew Wallace team was confronted with a site that had problematic party wall issues. Through clever design and engineering solutions, they were able to mitigate the issue, ensuring stable and successful build.

Save Money

Detailed and accurate drawings that architects prepare can significantly reduce the likelihood of design mistakes. Most architects provide only the basic set of drawings. However, at Andrew Wallace Architects, we produce a comprehensive set of drawings and specifications. This allows the builder to fully understand how to build the project, thereby cutting down the amount of decisions made on the fly on site and reducing the risk of costly consequences.

Also, the more thought that goes into the design/drawing process in the preconstruction phase, the more time the client has to make considered decisions and how they will affect the overall project. A well-designed project is not only aesthetic but can be built more efficiently and economically. Architects can work within your budget and, with the help of quantity surveyors, they can find cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

Profitable Investment

Homes designed by architects generally have a higher resale value. Investing in good design means you’re creating a valuable asset, not just a home.

Right Materials & Finishes

A good architect will guide you in selecting appropriate materials and finishes that are both durable and beautiful. On top of this, an architect will work with the overall design concept to produce an overall considered feel, ensuring your home looks good and is long lasting. An architect should also include all selected finishes in the construction details and specifications, ensuring smooth completion on site to the desired level of quality.

Energy Efficiency

Architects consider the building’s orientation, location, and layout as well as natural light and the materials’ thermal conductivity to optimise energy use. They can design homes that are energy efficient and utilise a range of green technology, such as photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, and high levels of insulation, thereby reducing requirements for heating and lighting, which in the end will reduce your energy bills.

Building Trust

Designing a home is a deeply personal process. An architect is a professional who understands your needs and manages every aspect of your project. They handle everything from the initial design concept through planning and building regulation applications. During the construction process, they coordinate with contractors, engineers and other professionals, ensuring the project runs smoothly from the first proposal to completion on site.

Contractor Negotiations

Architects can handle contract negotiations between you and the builder by acting as the Contract Administrator while the project is on site. Their expertise ensures that you get fair terms and that the construction process proceeds smoothly, and therefore cost effectively.

Project Coordination

During the design and construction process, you might find that you require additional services such as structural engineering and planning advice. Architects coordinate all the professionals needed for your project during the design process, acting as design leader and hosting regular design team meetings, especially in stage 4 – technical design. Architects keep all the project information consistent, avoiding design conflicts and costly mistakes on site.

How To Find The Right Architect?

Each architect has their own unique style, approach to design and methods of work. It’s crucial to find an architect whose vision aligns with your specific needs and desired style. Selecting the right architect involves finding someone who can listen to your ideas and translate them into a creative design.

Here are some of our recommendations about how to find the right architect for you.

Start by researching potential architects, looking at their past projects and portfolio on their website, and reading client testimonials.
Ask for their fee proposal and if you are happy with it, meet with the ones who fit your style to discuss your project. Take a look at our article, ‘How to choose a residential architect?’ to learn more about the common fee structures.
During these meetings, see how well they understand your needs and how clearly they explain their ideas.

Finding an architect whose vision matches your own will lead to a successful project, resulting in a home that meets your needs and reflects your personality.

Why Hire Andrew Wallace Architects

Andrew Wallace Architects stands out because we work hard to understand clients’ needs, deliver innovative designs, and manage projects efficiently. We aim to ensure a smooth and satisfying experience from start to finish. We take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences, ensuring every design is tailored to you. Our team combines creativity with practicality to transform spaces into stunning, functional environments.

Hire Andrew Wallace Architects For Your Project

At Andrew Wallace Architects, our designers are experienced professionals passionate about creating beautiful, functional spaces. Our commitment to client satisfaction is reflected in the glowing testimonials from our happy clients.

Choosing Andrew Wallace Architects means getting a team dedicated to turning your vision into reality with expertise and creativity.

Contact Andrew Wallace Architects