Why do Architect submit different plans and applications?

You might wonder why architects need to go through two separate processes – planning permission and building warrant – when it comes to constructing a new building or making significant changes to an existing one. Let's dive into it with a positive outlook! 🤩

🔍 Planning permission is the first step in the architectural journey. It focuses on the aesthetics, design, and impact a proposed project will have on its surroundings. 

🏚️ Building warrant applications typically come into play once the planning permission is granted if planning was required. This process focuses on the technical aspects of the project, such as compliance with building regulations and structural integrity. It ensures that the proposed design is feasible and meets all the necessary standards. 🏗️📐

By separating these two processes, architects can streamline the overall construction process. It allows them to refine the design based on planning feedback before delving into the technical aspects. This way, they can create buildings that not only look great but are also safe, functional, and sustainable.

Both can be submitted at the same time, however there is a risk that you can obtain a building warrant without being allowed to actually build it if planning permission is refused.

The difference between an Architect and Architectural Technician

Extension designed by Architectural Technician

Differences between Architects and Architectural Technicians

There are often misconceptions about the roles of architects and architectural technicians. While both professionals play crucial roles in the design and construction process, their responsibilities and skill sets differ significantly. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key differences between architects and architectural technicians.

 

Education and Qualifications:

One of the primary distinctions between architects and architectural technicians lies in their educational background and qualifications. Architects typically undergo a rigorous and lengthy educational journey. They must obtain a professional degree in architecture, which typically takes five to seven years to complete. After completing their degree, architects must also complete a period of practical training and pass a licensing exam to become a registered architect.

 

On the other hand, architectural technicians typically pursue a diploma or degree in architectural technology, which focuses on the technical aspects of architecture. This program usually takes two to three years to complete. While not required to be licensed, architectural technicians may choose to become members of professional organizations to enhance their credibility and career prospects such as CIAT (The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists).

 

Design and Creativity:

Architects are known for their creative vision and ability to conceptualize unique and innovative designs. They possess a deep understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and spatial relationships. Architects work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, translating them into visually appealing and functional designs. They consider various factors such as building codes, environmental impact, and sustainability while creating their designs.

 

Architectural technicians, on the other hand, focus more on the technical aspects of design. They work closely with architects to develop detailed drawings, specifications, and construction documents. Their role is to ensure that the architect's vision is translated into practical and buildable designs. While they may contribute to the design process, their primary focus is on the technical implementation and coordination of the project.

 

Project Management and Construction:

Architects often take on a project management role, overseeing the entire design and construction process. They collaborate with various stakeholders, including clients, engineers, contractors, and suppliers, to ensure that the project is executed according to the design intent. Architects are responsible for making critical decisions, resolving design conflicts, and ensuring that the project meets the required standards and regulations.

 

Architectural technicians, on the other hand, are more involved in the construction phase of the project. They work closely with contractors and subcontractors to ensure that the design is accurately implemented. They may also be responsible for conducting site visits, reviewing construction progress, and addressing any technical issues that may arise during the construction process.

Architectural Costs:

Architects often work on a percentage based on the construction costs between 3-10% depending on size of project.

Architectural technicians typically work on a fixed fee, working closely with home improvement companies where profit if key for the contractor

 

In conclusion, while architects and architectural technicians both contribute to the design and construction process, their roles and responsibilities differ significantly. Architects bring a creative vision and design expertise to the table, while architectural technicians focus on the technical implementation and coordination of the project. Both professionals play crucial roles in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings, working together to bring architectural dreams to life.

Feel free to comment if there is anything we have not mentioned. 

 

Hiring an Architect and when to appoint them

 

When is the best time to hire an Architect?

If you are considering an extension, alterations, conversions, or a new build house then you should be considering hiring an Architect/ Architectural Technician.

Architect plan of a Lean-to extension

There are various reasons for when to hire an Architect, such as what type of project it is i.e. if it’s a garage conversion then these types of projects are not really weather dependent, however you don’t want to build an extension to your property in the winter as frost/cold weather can affect concrete for foundations, laying brickwork and even Health & Safety.

With everything to consider such as the Architects time to measure, draw up plans, submit the paperwork and gain approvals can take 10-20 weeks, meanwhile trying to obtain tenders and appoint a contractor for doing the works can take considerable time as well.

This is why we would recommend if you were looking to do an extension to your property in the summer, then you should be starting the process with an Architect in the winter time, as even though your plans can be approved within 8-20 weeks, most good builders wont be able to start as soon as they are approved either.

How much will my project cost?

Most builders won’t be willing to provide accurate costs until the plans are drawn up and a technical specification is provided, especially if there is steelwork etc involved.

A rough guide is calculating m2 price for your project without plans, which the Local Authority calculate the estimated costs as per the table below.

Councils m2 estimated values

Most Architects may have good relationships with local contractors and can normally provide you with contact details for them. This is normally a good approach as the contractors would be more confident that the Architects work will be accurate and experience of reading the Architects drawings (most Architects have their own style).

How to choose the Architect?

A good indication that an Architect is worth appointing is…. how busy is the Architect (if they are busy then they must be doing something right). You can check on the Local Authority planning websites to check what projects they have recently been submitting and obtaining approvals. Also checking their website and social media pages for client reviews.

We would always suggest speaking to 2-3 Architects/Architectural Technicians regarding your project, however recommendations from friends and family are normally a good start. You need to choose an architect, not only based on price but also one that you feel understands your requirements, as you are going to be communicating on a regular basis with them….and they could be designing your biggest asset (your home).

Feel free to check out our other blogs.

https://architecturalservicesandproducts.blogspot.com/2022/12/different-stages-of-planning-permission.html
#architectsfees #architectblog #whentohireanarchitect

Different stages of planning permission and/or building warrant in Scotland

 Different stages of planning permission and/or building warrants in Scotland

You don’t always need planning permission and a building warrant, however 9 out of 10 construction projects may require at least one of them if you plan on doing alterations/construction works to your home.

Find out here if your project is exempt from a building warrant.

 

Most architects will meet the client to discuss their project and take a brief (description of the works). This is when the architect starts to sketch basic designs of what the client is hoping to achieve.

 

Once the client is happy with the sketch proposals, the architect will produce more detailed plans and also be able to confirm if planning permission is required.

 

The architect/technician will apply for the permissions with the local authority and will be the main contact between client, structural engineer, local authority and eventually the contractor.

The Local Authority Planning or building standards department will vet the plans to check they comply with planning legislation/building regulations, they will then either ask for additional information/approve the plans. Once approved, the council will provide a compliance plan (CCNP), that states the stages you/contractor need to contact the council for inspections such as, 7 days of starting the works, foundations, drainage and timber kit with insulation before plasterboard.

After the plans are approved, your contractor can start the works.

After all works are complete, then the client should apply for the completion certificate (sometimes the Architect can do this for a small fee). When applying for the completion certificate, the local authority will normally require electrical certificates, gas certificates and truss certificates before they will release the completion certificate.

Have a look at our other blog regarding when to hire an Architect.

https://architecturalservicesandproducts.blogspot.com/2023/02/hiring-architect-and-when-to-appoint.html