Architects and architectural design
- Some thoughts on finding an architect. Firstly not just anyone can call themselves an architect
- under UK law to use the title you have to be registered by ARB
(Architects Registration Board) - All registered UK architects can be found by searching
on the ARB database on their website. The second important point
is that registered architects are required to carry Professional
Indemnity Insurance (PII). You should insist on seeing details
of your architects registration and his or her Professional Indemnity
insurance Certificate. Don't be afraid to ask.
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- However, firstly you need
to find your architect. You could use yellow pages, but we wouldn't
recommend it. By far the best method is personal recommendation. This way
you get to hear a client opinion as well as see the
sort of work the architect does. If you do not know anyone who
can recommend an architect, then your next point of contact should
be the Royal Institute of British Architects Client advisory
service. They also publish a useful guide on appointing an architect.
If you are engaging a practice, you can find RIBA registered
practices at RIBAfind.
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- Compatibility is very important - Ask to see other examples of recent work, and for client references.
If necessary interview more than one architect, and definitely
agree fees before work commences. If you have an historic building,
you may wish to look at the database of Architects
Accredited in Building Conservation.
- Arb - Architects Registration Board - the
organisation responsible for administering the registration of
architects in the UK -includes a searchable database of architects.
- Architects Accredited in Building Conservation
-the RIBA listing of architects experienced in the conservation of historic buildings.
- ArchitectureRoom
-architecture resource with books on house design, plus competitions, jobs and publications.
- Architecture Centre Bristol
-exhibitions, events and bookshop.
- Associated Self Build Architects
-News, views and ideas from Britain's largest network of practising architects who specialise in the
design of individual homes, refurbishments and extensions.
- Barbour Compendium - the online version of the famous architects
directory of construction materials and components suppliers.
- Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment
-exists to promote high quality design and architecture
and to raise the standard of the built environment generally.
- Design for Homes
- a resource for everyone with an interest in the design of homes and housing,
including news, events, project focus, forum, jobs and CPD.
- Find an Engineer
- Site operated by the Institution of Structural Engineers allows
you to search for an engineer by specialism, and has a useful
guide to appointing a Structural Engineer.
- National House-Building Council
- the independent regulator and standards setter for the new homes
industry. Register of builders and useful advice on buying or
building a new home.
- ProHelp
- National network of over one thousand
professional firms who give time and expertise for free to local
community groups and voluntary organisations.
- Sponge
-an independant network for property
and construction professionals interested in sustainable development
of the built environment.
Architects specialising in sustainability
- Archipeleco
- the Practice of ecological architect, Lucy Pedlar.
- Architype
-practice led by Bob Hayes and Jonathon Hines working mainly in the social sector with 20+ years of producing
sustainable buildings. Offices in London and Hereford.
- BBM Architects-architects
and energy consultants specialising in sustainable design, based in Lewes and London.
- Eco Arc -award winning
architects and environmental design consultants based in North Yorkshire..
- Forever Green
- run by Rob Hillier, Forever Green is dedicated to designing
buildings that use natural materials and processes to work with
nature.
- Gale and Snowden -ecological
and energy efficient architects based in Bideford, North Devon.
- Mole Architects
-beautiful and contemporary eco houses.
- Sustainable Earth Architecture
- ZedFactory
-Bill Dunster's practice, designers
of BedZed (Beddington Zero Energy Development), and more other
low carbon developments.
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