Anne's blog: From the architect's notebook

I'm often asked if I can recommend a good builder. I always answer with another question. That’s because a recommendation for a good builder relates to all sorts of factors that are individual to you. Here are seven things that you should think about before you start looking for your perfect builder: 1. Is time or cost your top priority? A small builder might be cheaper than a larger company because they don’t have the overheads of a big firm, but they’ll probably take longer. That’s because they will rely more on subcontractors who might not be available at exactly the right time, and they don’t have the same influence over suppliers of materials. This can affect your building programme and slow down progress. There may be a knock-on effect – if you’re moving out of your house during the works, for example, the rent you pay adds to the overall cost. The longer you spend in temporary accommodation, the more it mounts up. A bigger contractor will often be able to respond ...

I’d go so far as to say the success of any architect’s design hinges on communication. A clear, shared understanding between you - the client and end user - and your architect, is crucial.  At an early stage of your project, you’ll meet with one or more architects to decide whether you want to work with them. The clearer you can be about what you’re trying to achieve, the better view you’ll get of how the architect would respond to your brief and whether their design approach and working style will work for you. From You Choose (Nick Sharratt) - a wonderful book for kids of all ages! Here are some of the things I suggest my clients might think about before that first meeting, or at a more detailed briefing meeting once they’ve appointed me. Some clients find it helpful to make notes in advance or create a rough written brief. Others like to show me pictures of styles, objects or buildings they relate to. Or it’s fine just to talk it through.  1. Think about wha...