When you think about an architect, you’ll no doubt conjure up images of plans and drawings, and that’s about it.
But in fact, practices like Mid Wales-based Hughes Architects do a lot more than you might think when it comes to building design and planning.
From extensions to new homes
The majority of its work is from clients who might want to extend their existing home, renovate a property or build a new house, commercial or industrial property.
“While building design is the main part of what we do, the role of our architectural team is much more than that,” said Doug Hughes, managing director and principal architect at Hughes Architects.
“In some cases, a client will only want us to create the design and specifications for an extension, renovation or new build. We will then undertake the planning application, and they will leave the rest to the builder and contractors they have appointed to conduct the project.
“However, in most cases we do much more, working with the client from an initial meeting to discuss their project, to managing and seeing the work through to completion.
“That will include costing the project, gaining planning approval with the local authority, going out to tender for a contractor to undertake the work, and then project managing it to ensure the project is completed on time and within the budget where possible.”
All this might sound quite intense, but with our expertise in planning and building design, we make the whole process as easy and smooth as possible, so our clients don’t have to worry.
Members of Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
When appointing an architect, we would always advise a client ensures they are members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and abide by its Plan of Work, which sets out the basis for fee proposals on any design and building project.
Hughes Architects bases its fee proposals and work based on this.
This is broken down to:
•Strategic definition •Preparation and brief •Concept design •Developed design •Technical design •Construction •Handover and close out
You can read about the RIBA Plan of Work here: www.ribaplanofwork.com. During construction, our architectural team will undertake site visits and discussions with the contractor to ensure everything is running smoothly before work is completed and handover to the client takes place.
So, as you can see, there's a lot more to the work of an architect than just drawings and designs.
You can find out more at www.hughesarchitects.co.uk or telephone 01686 610311.
