When you choose to create a new home or increase your existing home you are going to step forth on a thrilling journey, where your hopes and dreams become physical reality.

Your very best friend and confidante upon this journey will be your Architects in Kensington. Architects turn dreams into reality and will support you through the procedure. Such a shared journey involves discussions about your individual habits, style preferences, hobbies and even your loved ones relationships, so it’s really important that you choose an architect you can trust.

So how would you find the appropriate architect for you, your vision and, importantly, your financial budget?

In my own travels as an architect during the last 30 years, I am often asked this question and they are my tricks for making a good choice.

Firstly though, it’s important to comprehend first why assembling your project should be led by the architect rather than by the ‘build’. It’s like putting the ‘cart before the horse’ to lock yourself into a construction package before properly considering the building design with a suitably qualified and independent professional, i.e. an architect. Don’t waste your sizeable investment by overlooking this important stage. Your lifestyle needs as well as your budget will be better met this way.

‘Working with an architect gives you the best potential for obtaining your vision. Finding an architect that best suits you and your project is the main element to success – from creating a new home to creating a commercial space. An architect can help you enhance the appearance, functionality and sustainability of your built environment; improve the efficiency of your life style or business and deliver time and cost efficiencies.’

While other ‘specialists’ may provide building design services, architects are rigorously trained in the profession. Much like doctors they have to complete at least seven years of study and working experience to be able to sit the examinations that, once passed, officially acknowledge their qualification as architects. And it doesn’t stop there; to stay accredited they need to prove to the Architects Registration Board they are worthy professionals by completing regular professional development and displaying good industry knowledge.

1: ‘Find an Architect’ Website
It’s not necessary for your architect to have an office nearby – search instead by State, e.g. Western Australia.

2: A+ Rating
Search for the ‘A+’ badge when browsing architect’s websites – the logo denotes businesses that are recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects for upholding the best industry standards. There is also access to the latest industry information and advice, which means you also have usage of the best design and construction solutions to meet your brief.

3: Choose an ‘Independent’ Architect
Among the many benefits associated with dealing with an architect is the independent advice and guidance that you’ll receive throughout the complete process. Their autonomy produces your satisfaction; they may act as your advocate when dealing with other contractors. So, look for an architect that’s not compromised by association with other the different parts of the look and build process.

4. Good Design is approximately Personalised Tailoring
Each new client and site presents an opportunity for an architect to provide unique outcomes. Be wary of firms who display a cookie-cutter approach to design. Experienced architects draw after the parameters and opportunities that each new site presents, as well as the vision and lifestyle of every client, to purpose design houses.

*Each house pictured here looks distinctively different, because each house has been made to react to the client’s specific requirements, its setting and environment.

5. Direct Contact Throughout
When you’ve created a short list and you simply start contacting architectural firms, make sure you make sure your chosen architect will stay your point of contact throughout the complete process. The direct relationship is so very important to understanding your needs and to ensure consistency of communications. A good architect will streamline the complete design and construction process for you from initial pre-design meetings to the ultimate built construction.

6. Referees
In the final stage of your selection I strongly recommend that you require the contact details of referees – not only past clients, but also builders and other consultants such as structural engineers. You’ll be able to gauge by their responses if the architect is with the capacity of providing the typical of design that you want, such as complete project continue, adequately detailed technical drawings that minimise cost variations and on site administration.