How important is it that your architect/designer is local?

[gravelld]

Just wondering, for full house builds, extensions, extensive renovations... how important do you feel it is that your architect or house designer is locally based, and why?

 

I would define local as being within 30mins or so of site, by whatever means.

 

For a possible upcoming project there are lots of experts I know of, but just one is based within 30mins.

Edited December 5, 2016 by gravelld

[jamiehamy]

Critical. We swapped architects when we changed project - having him a 15min drive from us and the site made a huge difference. Lot easier to have face to face meetings that I think were critical in building the relationship.. Previous one was a good while away from us and the site and I found it a pain trying to coordinate visits - and being charged for each.  

[jack]

It was very useful for us.  Our first architect designed something that we subsequently learned would never in a million years have been allowed by our local planning department.  The local guy we subsequently engaged was extremely familiar with the local department's foibles.  He ended up getting us planning permission first go for a very, very modern house in an extremely conservative (both kinds) suburban neighbourhood.  There isn't a house within a mile of us that looks like it's been built less than 60 years ago, so I think this was a pretty good result.

 

I'll add that it wasn't just that he was local: he was also a better architect, in my opinion, and also better at the planning side of things generally.  

 

Agreed on Jamie's comment about access, too.  While ours wasn't engaged after planning, he only lived a few blocks away, so occasionally dropped in just to say hi and see how things were going.  

[Declan52]

They will have experience of what will get passed and what won't. Could know the general makeup of the land if he has done a house close by.

Will know of local tradesmen who have worked on some of his builds and are worth recommending.

If the shat hits the fan then calling by site is very easy.

[jack]

9 minutes ago, Sensus said:

From the other side of the fence, I'd say that it depends on how unusual or specialised your design is.

 

If it's 'just' a fairly conventional house or extension, then the convenience of having a very local architect certainly outweighs all other considerations.

 

If it's technically groundbreaking, highly specialised, or of an exceptional design (particularly if you're aiming at Paragraph 55 justification) you need to select the best Architect for the job, based on their experience or portfolio, almost regardless of location - that's why some practices work worldwide.

 

Agree with all that.  

 

Although our house is very modern, it's not particular challenging from a design or construction perspective.  I'd have loved to do something challenging on both counts, but there's no way we'd have gotten away with it in our area (and that's before discussing costs and delays).

[Declan52]

In NI is also more important who you know if you have difficulty getting planning.