Architects are orchestra conductors; they see the ‘big picture’. Architects create environments, interiors, and exteriors in a cohesive, solid, and coherent way, satisfying functional needs and resulting in beautiful spaces in which to work and live, and a better quality of life for their future occupants.

Most building projects are born from an abstract idea, but:

-How does that idea or vision get translated into a real space?

-How do we make it technically possible

-How do we keep it within budget, and how will it comply with the UK building regulations and the local planning policies?

-Also, in the end, how can you be sure that the builder will build in accordance with quality standards and will finish on time?

- Good Architectural and Interior design always adds value to your property, it sells better.

- There are always different ways to achieve the same idea, and an architect will always manage to find the most cost-effective way to do that.

- Architects control and reduce construction costs, through architectural drawings and specifications that help you to get your project out to tender and to receive bids from different builders, based on your requirements. These documents will also enable you to draw up a more accurate and thorough building contract, ensuring that you have the protection of building to specification.

-The Architect will deal with complex building regulations and local planning policies and will also help you find qualified construction contractors based on your project´s nature, objectives, budget, and requirements.

Last but not least, the architect will visit the construction site to verify that the project is being built according to plans and specifications and will assist the main contractor in any queries that could arise.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what you can expect to pay for our architectural and design services.Depending on the project and its scope, the Architects cost will vary.

It also depends on whether or not we handle all phases of the design process (from concept through construction) or just one phase.

As a rule of thumb, A full Architects Service (all RIBA Stages) would cost for projects that involve structural work, extensions, or new builds , percentage of construction cost.

- Construction cost up to 150K: 12%- 14%

- Construction cost between 150K and 250K: 12%

- Construction cost between 250K and 500K: 10%

- Construction cost between 500K to 1M: 8%

- Greater than 1M: 4-6%

Then, within this total figure, the breakdown figures for the different stages and services during the process would be,

- Feasibility Studies concept and Planning (RIBA Stages 0-3) 30% of overall Architect's Fees

- Building Regulations and Construction Drawings and documentation package (RIBA Stage 4)- 40% of overall Architect's Fees

- Construction, site visits, contract administration, handover (RIBA Stages 5-7) 30% of overall Architect's Fees

If you want further information on Fees, we have written a more in-depth article in our blog.

we’ve never had an issue so far. However, this unfortunately is not the case for everyone when hiring an architect. We believe the best way to avoid issues is to do your research and be prepared for all possible scenarios.

-Budget Management and Priorities:

Fundamentally, each client has different needs and priorities. This needs to be clear and agreed with your Architect to avoid spending money on things that are not important to you to invest in the ones that are.

-Workload - Timelines, Deadlines and Agenda:

Some architects tend to take more workload than they can deliver. On top of this, project schedules do not always run smoothly as there are many moving parts, with an agenda and workflow that is often dependant on others.

- Identifying the Scope of Service:

Another key mistake to avoid when hiring an architect is to fail to agree a detailed scope of service. Simply put: a breakdown of what’s included and what isn’t.

-Variations - Additional Work:

If additional work is required, but was not included in the scope of service, this will be charged as a “variation”. You should be clear in advance with your architect where and when there is a risk of additional work required. “Variations” are charged on a time basis per hour, which usually starts at £70/h, so can lead to painful unexpected costs if not managed.

-Design Approach Clashes:

There are many ways to approach a project from a design and aesthetic point of view. This is one of the most exciting elements of working with an Architect to bring your project to life. Key to the success of this is to make sure you and your architect are aligned in the design approach and the objective is clear.

If you want further information on this topic , we have written a more in-depth article in our blog.

Yes , ALEZ is a RIBA Architectural chartered practice based in London, Mauro Gonzalez , ALEZ founder and director, is a fully licensed architect, member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, the ARB (Architects’ Registration Board) and the holder of a Master’s Degree in Property Development and Construction Business Management. He also promotes and develops the highest quality of design and construction standards, with particular emphasis on value for money.

Choosing a RIBA accredited Chartered Practice will give you peace of mind. RIBA practices comply with strict criteria covering insurance, health and safety and quality management systems

We offer a wide range of services, typically following the RIBA plan of work.

Architecture:

-Feasibility Studies & Cost estimating

-Concept Design-Prepare and submit Planning Applications & Certificate of Lawfulness

-Technical Design Packages and Building Regulations submission including specifications and schedules

-Landscape design

-CDM Principal Designer Duties

Interior Design:

-Space planning, Interior Specifications: hardware, wall finishes, flooring, tile selections & design, lighting, mouldings, joinery/built in storage layout and design, furniture layout, selection, and procurement

-Lighting design & layout

Project Management:

-Contract Administration (Typically JCT Contracts); Administer the terms of the building contract, including visiting site on a periodic basis, normally to enable valuations to be prepared and issued for payment.

-Monitor the progress of the Works against the Contractor’s programme, review progress with the Contractor and report to the Client.

-Project Team Coordination (Contractor, subcontractors, Structural Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Party wall surveyor, etc )

-Certify where applicable Practical/Final Completion of the works, administer the terms of the building contract and make final inspections, settling final account.

The RIBA plan of work distinguishes seven phases or stages, but we ourselves have realised through experience that some clients understand the building process better in the three phases,

1- Concept Design and Planning,

2- Construction Drawing package and Tender

3- Construction

1- Concept Design and Planning:

This starts with the first consultation, ideally at the property or plot where the project will be developed. At this first meeting we gather all the client’s information, requirements, and objectives. The main focus is on what you want to achieve and the ways or strategy that are best to achieve it. With all these we develop three or four different schemes, the aim being not to pick one but to engage in open discussion about different options and ideas, see what you like and dislike about each, and put together ideas.

Then, we formulate and agree on a final proposal. At the end of this stage the final proposal is ready to be submitted for approval to the local planning authority/council. Only when we have assurance that the scheme is lawful can we proceed to technical design and construction documentation.

2- Construction drawing package and Tender:

In this stage we work on the final proposal to achieve enough detail for the contractor to know exactly what to build and how to build it. These are a set of extremely thorough drawings, which include material connections and construction details. We co-ordinate drawings, design, and information with the structural engineers, and other consultants, and develop schedules and documents which specify exactly what finishes, materials and fixtures will be used. This level of detail is essential in order to build the house to a high standard.

This drawings package and schedules describe accurately the service and product that you will receive from your contractor in exchange for the agreed sum of money. These will be the base upon which you will sign the building contract between you and the builder. The less precise this information, the more ambiguous will be your contract with your builder.

3- Construction:

Our presence during this stage is often necessary, involving co-ordination and management between us, you, the main contractor and the other consultants involved in the project, and allowing us to solve any problems that may arise at this stage.

Different clients have different requirements. Location is also essential for projects such as Greater London tends to be a bit more costly than the rest of the UK. The cost will vary from project to project. We will guide you through the project, enabling you to make informed decisions and reduce project costs.

Furthermore, keep in mind various consultants will be hired, which will add 10% to 20% to the construction cost (including architect fees).

Here are the features that drive a design's cost and how to classify medium to high-end.

1- Basic-Medium quality construction cost:

-New Build: The price range is between £2,200.00 and £2,400.00 per m2.

-Extension: The price range is between £2,500.00 and £3,000.00 per m2.

-Full refurbishment or conversion of existing: The price range is between £1,000.00 and £1,300.00 per m2.

2-Medium-High quality Construction Cost:

-New Build: The price range is between £2,500.00 and £3,200.00 per m2.

-Extension: The price range is between £3,000.00 and £3,200.00 per m2.

-Full refurbishment or conversion of existing: The price range is between £1,400.00 and £1,800.00 per m2.

3-High-end quality Construction Cost:

-New Build: The price range is between £3,300.00 and onwards.

-Extension: The price range is between £3,300.00 and onwards.

-Full refurbishment or conversion of existing: The price range is between £1,800.00 and onwards.

If you want further information on Construction Cost , we have written a more in-depth article in our blog.

Construction costs are the biggest, but they are not the only ones. Besides the Architect, there will be other consultants and professional reports, and additional fees that might be required:

-Typical fees: Council planning fees, Building Control fees, Thames water agreement fees:

-Common consultants: These will vary depending on the project's complexity, such as Structural Engineer, SAP Energy Assessor, Party Wall Surveyor

-Potential reports and consultants that might be required: Tree Surveyor, Civil engineer, CCTV sub-floor drainage survey, Soil report, Flood risk assessment, Quantity Surveyors (Cost Surveyors), Daylight assessment, Highways consultant, Planning consultant, Asbestos survey report, Bat survey, Fire safety risk assessment.

Typically, in a job guideline, we add 10% to 20% of construction costs, (architect's fees included), and in most cases, VAT also applies.

1- Aim for one principal contractor with responsibility for all of the work, instead of trying to save money by directly engaging separate contractors and trades,.

2- Be precise, clear, and specific: this will be your architect´s duty ‒ the more accurate and well-defined the project documents, the better.

3-Tender the project out: get prices from at least three different builders for the same work.

4-Have a JCT building contract: after providing all the information necessary to specify and describe a project, it would not make sense not to use it by attaching it to a contract between you and the builder, for the performance of specified work and services, for a specified amount of money.

5-Check on Builder Insurance Policies: Your main contractor must have at least these three in place, and provide the corresponding certificates: Public Liability Insurance, Employer´s Liability, Installer´s All-Risk Cover.

6- Ask for testimonials and references

7-Background checks: if the company is less than a year old it could mean that the previous company has been liquidated recently, so you should investigate further.

Preferably it takes place at the property or plot where the project will be developed, and it is the moment for gathering all the information, and for formulating all your requirements and desires. The main focus will be on what you want to achieve, how best to get it, and also on feasibility and risks.

The agenda is:

0- Before we meet you, we do background research on the property and the area (to assess the likelihood of obtaining planning approval, and the feasibility).

1-Property/Plot viewing

2-Set and analyse objectives and constraints: What do you want to achieve in this project, and what are your main requirements? What is your budget? , Local Planning context

3-Schematic design, first ideas

4-Timeline and programme

5-Additional consultants that might be needed:

It is usual for a project to require the input of other specialists. Most typically they will be structural engineers, an independent building control officer and a party-wall surveyor.

In complex projects and at the planning stages it may be necessary to appoint consultants with expertise in archaeology, flood risk, trees, and drainage surveys. We can advise whether consultants will be required, and we also have a wide range of contacts and collaborators who have worked successfully with us on previous projects.

6-Rough estimate for construction costs and consultant’s fees

Yes, we do provide Interior Design services. Furthermore, in some cases, the boundaries between Architecture and Interior Design are indistinct. But we strongly believe in providing both services from the same practice, giving a well-integrated solution to the overall service and project.

We are specialized in residential architecture, and there is no such thing as a minimum or maximum project size for us. The project's nature and location are more important factors. In the case of managing on-site services, then location is essential, where we would be restricted to the greater London area.

We do and have done work in other parts of the UK for larger projects.

We are keen on projects requiring a string design input, where clients can really benefit from our value-added services.

We develop an approach focused on risk mitigation and design quality. In our experience, every project involving construction or building work can sometimes result in unexpected safety and financial risks. Simultaneously, while we have an eye on risk and cost reduction, our purpose is to develop the highest quality design projects.

Consequently, there are many variables to consider throughout this process; often, some professionals undervalue financial and safety-related risks when they focus excessively on design quality. So, we at Alez Architects aim to develop an approach where we remain careful about risk mitigation without compromising design quality in any way.

Also, In Our Client’s Words: you can find video interviews with our clients in our video testimonials-interviews page.