Why use an Architect?
An Architect is a licensed individual who leads a design team in the planning and design of buildings and participates in the oversight of building construction. The word “Architect” comes from the Latin architectus, which in turn derives
Why use an Architect?
An Architect is a licensed individual who leads a design team in the planning and design of buildings and participates in the oversight of building construction. The word “Architect” comes from the Latin architectus, which in turn derives from the Greek arkhitekton (arkhi, chief + tekton, builder”). In its broadest sense, an Architect is a person who translates a client’s requirements into something that is built. That is equally a good description of what architectural services are. Architects in Scotland and UK undertake a 7 year qualification in design, construction, and the management of building projects. Once they have passed the final Professional Practice examination they are allowed to use the title “Architect”, but not until. So when you see people using titles like “Architectural Services” or “`Building Consultant”, you can be sure that they are not qualified Architects. That doesn’t mean that they are any less talented or skilful, but it does mean that they have not undergone the rigorous training that is required of an architect.
What are Architects obliged to do?
- Architects in Scotland and in UK are required at all times to act within the Codes of Conduct laid down by the RIAS and the RIBA, the governing professional bodies. This means that they must act honourably and ethically in all their dealings with the pubic and with other professionals.
- If they are members of RIAS or RIBA they are obliged to maintain adequate levels of professional indemnity insurance whilst providing architectural services.
- They must demonstrate a structured commitment to providing Continuing Professional Development [CPD] to themselves and to any other Architects employed by them.
- Architects must provide all clients with a formal letter or agreement stating the terms and conditions of appointment relating to any new project in which architectural services are provided.
How should I choose an Architect?
- Consider getting a shortlist of Architects in Scotland from RIAS at https://www.rias.org.uk/directory or in England from RIBA on https://www.architecture.com/working-with-an-architect/why-use-an-architect. Both these resources give details of practices by region and by speciality, with an indication of the architectural services and related skills that each practice can provide.
- Call a number of practices with details of your project and programme to see if they can accommodate it. Ask for details of comparable projects that they have done.
- Visit the websites of practices that you are