A registered architect will help you achieve your aspirations and vision, as well as add value to your project through good design and sound construction. Undertaking a building project, whatever its scale, can be a daunting experience. When you use a registered architect you are employing someone who has undertaken seven years of architectural training – no other building professional is trained in design and construction to such a level of expertise. A registered architect provides a service that extends well beyond producing a set of drawings - they’ll handle the paperwork, bring value for money, peace of mind and imagination to your project whilst keeping it on track.

What will it cost?

Architect’s fees are a matter for negotiation. There is no “standard” or “recommended” basis for calculation. The fee will reflect the degree of personal service and bespoke design that your project involves, and will be affected by the complexity of the project. For instance, projects involving house extensions and refurbishment can be significantly more resource intensive than new builds and the repair and conservation of historic buildings even more complex leading to fees being proportionately higher. An architect may quote their fee as a percentage of the building cost or as a lump sum. In cases where the scope of their work is harder to predict, or for services such as feasibility studies or those not relating to construction work, the quote can consist of an hourly or daily rate together with an estimate of the time required.

Do you work outside of Dublin?

Yes. While the majority of our work is within the Dublin area and in Meath, Kildare and Wicklow, work is undertaken country wide and in the past, we have completed projects in Louth, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Kerry.

Is there a charge for an initial meeting?

No. Generally an initial meeting is free and with no obligation.

What happens at an initial meeting?

The purpose of the initial meeting is to listen to the client’s requirements and to assess the options available. We will discuss the possible solutions and constraints of the site and advise on planning permission if required. We will also discuss the scope of work required and offer a number of solutions for what we feel might be possible. Each project is unique as each client’s requirements are different. The more specific the client can be about what they would like to achieve, the greater the benefit and outcome of the initial meeting will be. We shall explain the planning, tender and construction processes in detail and advise on initial costs as appropriate.

Do I need planning permission?

The decision as to whether your project requires planning permission depends on the size and location of the work you intend to carry out (and/or if the property has previously been extended). Generally, at an initial meeting, it can be confirmed whether or not planning permission is required for your project. There are certain works that can be carried out to your property which do not require planning permission - these are called exempt developments (but are subject to certain criteria). More information on planning is available on the Links page.

Do you supervise the work?

No. The architect monitors the work to see that it is generally in accordance with the tender documentation, but it is the builder who has the contract with the client and it is his legal obligation to carry out the work in accordance with those documents. If, for example, it is found long after completion that the builder has omitted an element of the building, it remains his responsibility to rectify the error. It is not the architect’s responsibility to be on site at all times, although he should and does satisfy himself that the general level of workmanship is acceptable.