How to Choose a Professional – Tips From Leading Architects in Oxford
Are you searching for architects in Oxford? Perhaps you’re thinking of expanding your home or renovating and repurposing an older building? Maybe you’ve bought a beautiful Grade II listed building and you need to talk to an architect who has experience in this area to ascertain exactly how you can make the best use of this beautiful space.
Whatever your needs, you are no doubt aware that you have a good deal of choice when it comes to architects. In Oxford and the surrounding areas, there are several qualified professionals who you can call on to assist.
However, we have found that choosing an architect can be tricky. You need to find someone suitably qualified and experienced for your particular project. You also want to make sure that they have the same vision as you and – probably most important of all – can you work with them!
How To Choose an Architect
If you’re entrusting what may be your biggest financial asset into the hands of a stranger, it stands to reason that you need to do a little homework.
We’d like to suggest the following considerations and questions that you should be asking for the very best result.
Who Is The Best Architect Near Me?
Is the location of your architect a factor? We think so.
If your building project is in Oxford, then working with an architect in Oxford would be a wise choice. Their convenient location means they will be more readily available for short notice meetings or questions that you may have, and they will be on hand without adding travel and traffic into the mix.
No doubt they will also know the area well, they may have good working relationships with the local council, and they may well be able to recommend trusted local contractors who they have worked with before.
Are They Registered?
It’s always best to work with architects who are registered with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
“The Royal Institute of British Architects is a global professional membership body driving excellence in architecture. We serve our members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Being inclusive, ethical, environmentally aware and collaborative underpins all that we do.”
MarbleAir has three architects registered with RIBA. This grants our clients the peace of mind knowing that they are working with an ethical and professional team and that they have recourse in the unlikely event of a dispute.
Pricing and Payment
Each architect will have different terms and payment methods. These range from an hourly rate to a lump sum flat fee, or a percentage of the cost of the project.
This is an important consideration, and at MarbleAir we ensure that you are supplied with a schedule of project fees to assist your cash flow and budget planning.
This information allows you to compare like with like and helps to avoid any nasty surprises.
What is Their Style
Architecture may be a structured process, but it is also an art form. This means that different professionals will have different styles and understanding this would certainly affect the questions that you pose.
Ask for a portfolio of work, look them up online and carefully peruse the type of projects that they have been involved with.
Do their past projects echo your ideas? A scan through their pins on Pinterest or Houzz will give you an excellent idea of their design aspirations and inspirations.
People Deal With People
An often overlooked yet essential element to selecting an architect is to establish if you like them.
This may sound trite, but when we genuinely respect and can easily communicate with someone then it simply makes the whole process so much smoother.
Along these lines, asking for references is always wise, and these should be gladly forthcoming.
Do You Need an Architect in Oxford?
While there are many other factors to consider before employing the services of an architect, we feel that these form the foundation of your discovery process.
We’re certain that you have questions, and being also seasoned architects in Oxford, we are perfectly positioned to assist you.
Please feel free to call the MarbleAir team on +44 (0) 1491 528912 for more information.
