How to choose an architect for a home project

Choosing the right professional for your home extension, conversion or new build can make the difference between a straightforward process and a difficult one. Understanding the roles of architects, architectural technologists and design-and-build firms helps you decide who is best placed to deliver the result you want. Knowing what checks to make, what services you are buying and how fees are structured means fewer surprises once your project is underway.

Understand the difference: architect, architectural technologist and design-and-build

The professional you choose will affect how your project is designed, managed and built.

• Architects are registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in the UK. Only those on the register can legally call themselves architects. They are trained to design buildings, manage planning applications, oversee work on site and sometimes project-manage the whole process. For complex or bespoke designs, or if you want someone to oversee all design stages, an architect is often the first port of call.

• Architectural technologists are typically members of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). They also design buildings and manage projects, particularly those involving technical detail or standard construction methods. Many home extensions and conversions are handled by experienced technologists, who may offer a more technical, rather than purely creative, approach.

• Design-and-build firms combine design services and construction under a single contract. These firms may employ in-house designers or work with external professionals. Their appeal is often the simplicity of dealing with one company from start to finish, but the design may be less individualised. If you prefer a single point of responsibility, this route may suit, but ask whether the design is handled by a registered architect or technologist.

You can compare architects and builders separately on Annuvell Local and builders category pages. Each has its own comparison facts and service details, which can help you see who offers which type of work.

Verify key credentials and checks

Not every business using the word "architectural" is an architect. In the UK, "architect" is a protected title, so check the following before you go further.

• Registration: Only professionals listed with the ARB can legally use the title "architect". Ask for their registration number and check it on the ARB website. For architectural technologists, membership of CIAT signals professional recognition, but is not legally required.

• Insurance: Ask if the business holds professional indemnity insurance, and for how much. This covers design errors or omissions and is standard practice for reputable professionals.

• Portfolio of similar projects: Request examples of completed projects like yours. Look for designs of similar size, complexity and type (for example, rear extensions or loft conversions). This shows experience with the type of project you have in mind.

• References: Ask to speak to previous clients. A good professional should be able to supply recent references who can comment on communication, reliability and how issues were resolved.

• Contact details and business status: On Annuvell Local, every listing shows checked contact details, and you can see if the phone number is verified or if a website is unreachable. This helps avoid businesses that are hard to contact or no longer trading.

If you are comparing businesses, use the compare tool to check whether facts are verified or only stated. If a fact is marked Not stated, that does not mean it is not offered—ask directly if it matters to you.

Clarify the service stages included

Architects and technologists may offer a full or partial service. It is a good idea to be clear about which stages are included before you sign anything.

• Feasibility study: Some professionals offer a feasibility service to help you explore options and budget before committing to a design. This can be helpful if you are unsure whether your ideas are practical or likely to get planning approval.

• Planning drawings: These are the drawings and documents submitted with a planning application. Check whether your professional will manage the application or only supply the drawings.

• Building regulations drawings: More detailed drawings are needed for building regulations approval. Make sure you know if these are included and whether any liaison with building control is part of the service.

• Tender documents: If you plan to get builders to quote for the work, ask if the architect or technologist will prepare drawings and a specification suitable for tendering.

• Site inspection and contract administration: Some professionals offer to oversee the work on site, check progress, and administer the contract with your builder. Others stop after supplying drawings. If you want on-site involvement, confirm whether this is included and how often they will visit.

Ask for a written breakdown of what is included in the quoted fee, and what will cost extra. This helps you compare like with like.

Understand how fees are structured

Architects’ and technologists’ fees are usually quoted in one of three ways, and what is included can vary.

• Percentage of construction cost: A common approach for larger projects. The fee is a percentage of the total build cost, usually adjusted if the scope changes. Ask when the build cost is fixed and how changes are handled.

• Fixed fee: For smaller or well-defined projects, a fixed fee may be offered for specific stages or the whole job. Check what is included and what would trigger extra charges.

• Hourly rate: Sometimes used for feasibility studies or additional work outside the main contract. Ask for an estimate of how many hours are likely to be needed.

Nearly all professionals exclude certain costs from their fees. These may include:

• Structural engineer’s calculations (needed for most extensions or conversions)
• Measured surveys of your existing property
• Planning application fees (paid to the local authority)
• Specialist reports (for example, tree surveys or flood risk assessments)

Ask for a list of exclusions so you can budget for these separately. If you are comparing quotes, check that each includes the same stages and makes the same assumptions about exclusions.

Decide how you want to work together

A successful project depends not just on technical skills, but on clear communication and realistic expectations.

• Project brief: Spend time discussing your requirements. A good professional will ask about your needs, priorities, and budget, and challenge assumptions where needed. The clearer your brief, the better the outcome.

• Budget honesty: Be open about your budget from the start. Hiding the real figure rarely results in savings and may mean the design is not achievable or practical.

• Timescales: Ask for a realistic timeline for each stage, including design, planning, building regulations, tendering and construction. Delays in planning or approvals are common, so discuss what happens if timescales slip.

• Planning risk: No professional can guarantee planning approval. A good architect or technologist can advise on what is likely to be acceptable, but decisions rest with your local authority. Ask what experience they have with similar applications and how they handle refusals or required changes.

You can send the same project description to multiple professionals using the Request Quote feature on Annuvell Local, which can help you compare their approach and responsiveness directly.

Compare builders if you are considering design-and-build

If you are leaning towards a design-and-build service, remember that the design and construction are handled together. Builders on Annuvell Local can publish facts about their experience with extensions, conversions and other home projects. You may want to read Planning an extension: questions to ask builders to help you prepare for your first conversations.

Check whether the design will be done by an in-house architect or technologist, or by a third party. Ask to see examples of both completed builds and design work. If you want more control over the design, ask how changes are handled and whether you can bring in your own designer if preferred.

Next steps

Write down what you want from your project, including your budget and timescales. Decide if you need full design and site management or just drawings for planning. Use Annuvell Local to find architects and architectural technologists near you, view their checked contact details and portfolio, and ask to see similar completed projects before making your choice.