Where can I find an affordable architect?
If you’ve started planning your home renovation or building project, one of the first things to do is find your architect. Many homeowners find that they come across architecture firms with beautiful websites featuring fabulous projects worthy of a home magazine feature. But if your first thought is, ‘My budget is nowhere near this!’ you’re probably looking in the wrong place. You might also have found that some companies turn you away, saying that they don’t do small or domestic jobs, leaving you feeling a little hopeless, as well as vaguely affronted. An affordable architect can be hard to find.
Freelance architects and small practices
Generally, you will find that freelance architects or small architecture firms are well accustomed and experienced in tackling domestic or smaller commercial projects. They should also be more affordable, offering a more competitive fee than larger companies because of their lower overheads.
Naturally, freelancers or small firms can be more difficult to find; they don’t usually have a big marketing budget for websites and marketing material. Instead, they often rely on word-of-mouth recommendations for new work.
Fortunately, we at Design for Me have created a UK-wide database so that you can find an affordable architect who is perfect for your small or domestic project. You can find them on our platform by registering your project below. We’ll match you with up to three architects for a consultation, and it’s completely free!
Click on the images below to see these affordable architects’ full Design for Me profiles and shortlist the ones you like for your project.
Side and rear extension by Tom
New kitchen design by Demian
Side extension by Simon
Renovation project by Paul
Is there such thing as an ‘officially qualified’ architect?
To call yourself an architect in the UK, you need to have the appropriate qualifications and experience and be listed on the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB). They have a website which shows the register and you can search for their name easily here.
However, you may decide that a different sort of architectural design professional is suitable for your particular project. We’ve written an article explaining the different sorts of architectural design professionals here.
When you’re ready to hire any architect or any design professional, we always recommend the following checks before appointing them:
- Get references from their past clients.
- Ask if they have professional indemnity insurance (particularly important if you are doing any architectural work, such as moving walls).
- See examples of their past projects.
There is a designer out there for you. Use Design for Me to help you find them.
Emily Design for Me
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