How we chose our architect
There is only one time to get the design correct for your house and that is at the beginning. So many consequences are baked in from the early design work that (in my opinion) you would be crazy not to get professional help.
Another maxim we have when investigating potential plots is talking to local people. We button hole anyone we find to solicit their opinion on the local area. And so it was on a visit to Lymington. As the Estate Agent walked me between two potential properties we walked past a sign for a local firm PM me if you want the details. "These guys do a lot of the architecture work around here". We knew we wanted a local architect because they understand local precedent. Once the Estate Agent had left I returned to the sign, called the mobile number and got speaking to Rob. Very kindly he offered to come out to the two plots there and then.
An architect's knowledge of which plot has potential, and which should be avoided is so valuable. In 30 seconds Rob had orientated my thinking and I couldn't doubt his judgement. He's an expert!
On a subsequent visit, Rob met with us and in about 1 hour he went through the potential of our plot from top to bottom, front to back. He was so quick with CAD, offering solutions, trying alternatives, considering previous precedents - all for free, incredible.
But before we chose Kode Architecture we should really consider at least one other.
Using google I selected our architect PM me if you want the details but his name is Ralph, only because Ralph seemed to have done a lot of small / single dwelling self-build developments. Ralph is a RIBA certified architecture. I asked Ralph to do a feasibility study (free) for our plot. Ralph's outline solution was so strong and innovative that it won him the deal.
The cost of a RIBA architect is not small but we figured if ever there was a time to invest money it is now.
I rang up Rob, made my apologies that he had come second. He was magnanimous and very gracious.
Ralph's work on our application has been first rate and we are happy with our choice.
And that is how we chose our architect.
Edited by MikeSharp01
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