“A good architect actually pays for themselves – more than once. You will reap the reward and the building will be hugely better and deliver much better value for it.”
- Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs
Extension in Chester
1. Maximising light and space
Fernbank, North Wales
Modern house design incorporates elements like space, light and texture to a powerful effect to go beyond building just a room to creating a space that’ll fulfil its function and just feels so good to be in. There’s some pretty solid science that says good design has a measurable physiological effect on us humans.
With people in Britain spending 90% of their time indoors, a good architect can make that time well spent and enjoyable. An architect will begin to understand your site inside out, developing your design to make the most of the evening sun and those key views.
It might seem obvious, but a building is pretty redundant if it isn’t functional. There's no point in a room that looks good if furniture doesn’t fit or the room is too dark!
2. An in-depth knowledge of the planning system
The planning system can be a minefield… but local architects have got it covered! They’ll have established working relationships with the local planners and will understand whether your dream is likely to end up a reality. They will help advise and adjust ideas accordingly to do the very best they can to secure planning permission.
Regardless of whether your project is small and simple or large and detailed, it always pays to have someone on your side who is familiar with the local planning system. A good architect will know what may or may not gain approval. Finding a good architect who knows the local planning system could help save you the stress and cost of a planning rejection.
3. A magic eye
A good architect will be able to do more than just draw your plans on a computer. The best architects will be able to see the potential where others don’t! They will consider every part of the design, applying creative and impartial thinking to a project, whether it is small or large.
I personally enjoy a challenge and the chance to do more with less! Tricky planning issues often require creativity and finding clever solutions.
4. Capturing your brief
A good architect adds value by listening carefully, capturing your brief and turning it into something that exceeds what you had in mind.
Warm and cosy or large and bright? An architect will not just decide what room goes where or draw up plans for you. They will apply their creativity to explore how you live and what you want the spaces to feel like.
Simply put they’ll strive to listen and turn that wish list of light, space and modern living into a buildable solution that works for you!
Bryn Hafod, a new build house in Wales
5. Maximising your budget & adding value
Who doesn’t want to get the most bang for their buck? And where building a modern home is concerned you might feel your pockets just aren’t quite deep enough. This is where a good architect will help you really make savvy decisions that’ll help you achieve the end result you want on budget.
Efficient floor plans, cost-effective material selections and a collaborative design process will really nail down the design avoiding costly changes needing to be made during construction.
In the longer term they’ll save you money on utilities by designing a high performing house through expert material selection and meeting leading industry standards.
Also factor in that if you plan to sell your home in the future good architectural design will increase its desirability to potential purchasers.
Interested in working with me to deliver your dream project? Get in touch for a free consultation.
