What architects actually do: a plain-language guide for anyone considering hiring one
The title architect is one of the most legally protected professional designations in most European countries. To call yourself an architect you must complete a degree programme of a minimum of five years, followed in most countries by a period of supervised practical experience and a professional examination. The protection exists because the work of architects directly affects the safety, functionality and permanence of buildings, and because the consequences of getting it wrong are expensive at best and dangerous at worst.
Despite this, most people who are not professionals in the built environment have a fairly limited understanding of what an architect actually does, when you need one, and how the relationship between an architect and a client actually works. This guide addresses all of that.
What an architect does that no one else does
An architect brings three things simultaneously to a building project that no other professional in the design and construction industry combines in the same way. The first is spatial thinking at a fundamental level, the ability to understand how a building works as a three-dimensional experience and to design it so that every space functions well, relates well to every other space and creates the right sequence of experiences for the people who move through it. The second is technical knowledge of construction, structure, materials and building systems, and the ability to translate design decisions into the technical drawings and specifications that contractors use to build. The third is legal and regulatory knowledge, including the ability to navigate the planning permission and building regulation systems that govern what can be built, where it can be built and to what standard.
Most building projects of any significance require all three of these capabilities. Without spatial thinking you get a building that functions but does not feel right. Without technical knowledge you get a design that cannot be built or that fails to perform as intended. Without regulatory knowledge you get a project that cannot be approved or that incurs expensive amendments and delays.
When do you need an architect
The short answer is: whenever you are doing anything structural. If your project involves changing the layout of a property, adding or removing walls, creating an extension or additional floor, converting a loft or basement, or building from scratch, you almost certainly need an architect. Many of these projects also legally require architectural drawings and specifications as part of the planning or building control submission process, making the question not whether to hire an architect but which architect to hire.
For projects that are purely cosmetic, a change of finishes and furniture without any structural alteration, an interior designer is usually more appropriate than an architect. For projects in the middle, significant reconfigurations that do not involve structural change, the right professional depends on the specific situation and is worth discussing with both before deciding.
How architectural fees work
Architectural fees in Europe are calculated in several different ways. The most common approaches are a percentage of the total construction cost, typically ranging from four to twelve percent depending on the complexity of the project and the scope of the architect's involvement; a fixed fee agreed at the outset based on the defined scope of work; and a time-based fee at an agreed hourly or day rate.
The percentage model is most common for larger or more complex projects where the scope is difficult to define precisely at the outset. The fixed fee model works well for clearly defined projects with a stable brief. The time-based model is most appropriate for consultancy, feasibility work and early-stage advice where the scope is not yet clear.
In all cases, be clear about what the fee includes. Does it cover planning permission submission and follow-up? Does it include site visits during construction? Does it include the detailed technical drawings that contractors use to build? Does it include coordination with structural engineers and other specialist consultants? The scope of architectural services can range from a simple planning drawing to full design, specification and project management, and the fee should reflect whichever scope is agreed.
The difference between an architect and an architectural technician
An architectural technician specialises in the technical production side of architecture, producing the detailed drawings, specifications and building regulation documentation that enable a project to be built. They do not typically offer the design and spatial thinking that characterises a qualified architect's role, but they are excellent at the technical production work that every project requires.
For straightforward projects where the design decisions have already been made and the requirement is primarily for technical drawings and building regulation compliance, an architectural technician may be the more cost-effective choice. For projects where the design itself requires professional input, a qualified architect is the appropriate professional.
Working with an architect: what to expect
The architectural process typically moves through several defined stages. The first is the initial brief and feasibility stage, where the architect understands your requirements, assesses the site or existing building, and advises on what is possible within your budget and the applicable planning constraints. This stage often results in a feasibility report or concept sketch that forms the basis for the decision to proceed.
The design stage develops the concept into a fully resolved design. For larger or more complex projects this typically involves several rounds of design development and client review before a final design is agreed. The planning stage involves the submission of the agreed design to the relevant planning authority and the management of any queries or amendments that arise through the process.
The technical design and construction documentation stage produces the detailed drawings and specifications that contractors use to price and build the project. The construction stage involves the architect visiting the site to review progress, responding to queries from the contractor, and certifying that the work has been completed in accordance with the contract.
Not every architect offers all of these stages as part of their standard service. Some practices focus on design and planning and hand over to an architectural technician for the technical production. Others offer a complete design and build coordination service. Understanding which stages are included in your architect's fee and which are not is essential before you sign any agreement.
How to choose the right architect
Look at a portfolio with attention to projects that are similar to yours in type, scale and context. A practice that has done excellent residential renovation work in historic buildings may not be the right choice for a new build contemporary house, and vice versa. Ask about the specific individuals who will work on your project and their level of experience. Ask for references from previous clients whose projects were similar to yours and contact them. And have an honest conversation about budget from the very beginning. An architect who does not ask about your budget in the first conversation is not giving you the full picture of what the project will cost.
