Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Architectural training

2013-01-15T09:45:46Z

Grant Erskine Architects:

= Traditional Route. =

This is the route that most individuals follow and takes at least seven years. Prior to this a student must achieve sufficient grades to apply to University. There is no set requirement for subjects or grades, some universities may insist on art, others may not, some may ask for 3 A’s at A level, others might accept 3 C’s. Some universities will accept a relevant HND instead of A Levels.

== Part I ==

This is the first degree or undergraduate degree and normally takes the form of a 3 year BA(Hons) or BSC at university, where students learn about the theory of architecture, design skills, construction methods and the built environment. Different universities will teach these skills in different ways, but the outcome is likely to be similar.

== Part I Assistant / 1st Year Out ==

This is the first 'year out' during which students work under the supervision of an architect, in a position which is normally paid, and learn a more ‘hands-on’ approach to architecture. Students are expected to keep Professional Education Development Records (PEDR's or log books). Due to the economic climate, obtaining a position is not a certainty, however most universities will offer allowances to overcome this.

== Part II ==

An additional 2 years of advanced study, known as the BArch, where students build on what they have learnt in the past 4 years and develop their theoretical understanding of the world of architecture. Again different universities teach this in different ways.

== Part II Assistant / 2nd Year Out ==

At this stage students can call themselves an ‘Architectural Assistant’. Once again they work under mentored supervision for a period of at least 12 months, keeping PEDR’s. Some individuals may take longer than 12 months at this stage.

== Part III ==

For entry onto the Part III students must have completed RIBA accredited Part I and Part II courses, with a minimum of 24 months PEDR’s.

Part III is the professional exam that must be taken in order be called an Architect. Different universities approach it in different ways, but the output normally includes a project review, an exam and a final oral exam. The emphasis is on management and professionalism.

If students pass, they can register with the [http://www.arb.org.uk/ Architects Registration Board] and then call themselves an Architect. This title, the word Architect, is protected by law.

They may also become a chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), allowing them to use the letters RIBA after their name. Membership of the RIBA is voluntary and is not necessary for architects.

= The Non-traditional route or Alternative route. =

Some universities run part-time courses, which allow students to work while they study. They can also apply for accreditation of prior learning on other courses. Finally, if students have been working for a long period in practice, some universities will assess them and their portfolio to allow them access onto the Part III course.

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This article was created by --[[User:Grant Erskine Architects|Grant Erskine Architects]] 09:45, 15 January 2013 (UTC)

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
*Appointment.
*Architect.
*Consultant Team.
*Designers.
*Professional Indemnity Insurance.

=== External references ===
*[http://www.arb.org.uk/ Architects Registration Board].

[[Category:Roles_/_services]]
[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Other_legislation]]

Architect's fees

2013-01-14T11:11:07Z

Grant Erskine Architects:

Traditionally there are 3 standard ways an Architect may charge:
*A percentage of build cost. This can be anywhere from around 5% to 15% dependant on several factors.
*Lump sum fee / contract sum. This is most popular for home owners / small clients as they are aware of total cost at outset.
*Hourly rate. This is generally reserved for work on feasibility studies or when on a retainer.

All three generally bring the Architect to a similar position.

There is a relationship between the type of the project, its build cost and the amount of hours required. The Architect will pre-set percentage fees so that shed for example might be 3% (say 25 hours work) as it is relatively simple where as a house may 6% ( ie 50 hours work). Ultimately, it comes down to how many hours the job will entail multiplied by a charge out rate.

= Example =

Taks for example, a single storey house extension of approx 5m wide by 4 m deep of standard construction on a standard site with no abnormal issues. Assuming the project is in the Northwest where the average build cost is approx £1200 / sq. m (this is an estimation for the purposes of this example only, it could be as much as £2000 / sq. m). So excluding VAT, the total build cost is £24,000 excluding fixtures and fittings.

== Method 1 – Lump sum ==

To reduce your risks, try to get a lump sum fee for planning and a lump sum for building regulations. Do not start the building regulations portion of the work until the planning approval has been obtained, otherwise you may have to pay the fee for preparing a building regulations application, even though planning consent has not been obtained.
*For Planning - Approximately 10 hours work to design, draw up and lodge with the local planning authority - approximately £500 - £600 (plus statutory fees and costs of circa £200).
*For Building Regulations - Approximatley 12 hours work to draw up and lodge with local building control authority - approximatley £600 - £750 (plus statutory fees and costs of circa £625).
*Total to client = £1100 - £1350 (plus statutory costs and fees of circa £825)

== Method 2 - Percentage cost. ==

The Architect knows it is will be a simple house extension and from experience will be able to tell that the fee will need to be between 5% and 10%. So for example, 6% of £20,000 is £1200 (split 45% for planning and 55% for building regulations) plus statutory costs and fees of £825.

NB when appointing an architect:
*Always check the [http://www.arb.org.uk/ Architects Registration Board] (ARB) register to make sure they are a registered architect (if they are not, they cannot call themselves architects).
*Check that the architect has adequate professional indemnity insurance.

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This article was created by --[[User:Grant Erskine Architects|Grant Erskine Architects]] 11:11, 14 January 2013 (UTC)

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
*Architect.
*Appointment.
*Collaborative practices.
*Consultant team.
*Consultant team start up meeting.
*Designers.
*Design liability.
*Professional Indemnity Insurance.

=== External references ===
*[http://www.arb.org.uk/ Architects Registration Board].
*RIBA: [http://www.architecture.com/UseAnArchitect/GuidanceAndPublications/WorkWithAnArchitect.aspx Work with an architect].

[[Category:Roles_/_services]]
[[Category:Appointments]]
[[Category:Client_procedures]]

Land value

2013-01-14T11:10:23Z

Grant Erskine Architects:

This article discusses some of the characteristics of a site that affect it's value, beyond the simple fact that as site is worth "...as much as someone is willing to pay".

=== Size ===

The ideal developable piece of land is of an adequate size to maximise its potential. For example, think about a site that is too big for 2 houses, but not big enough for 3. Simply building bigger houses, might not solve this problem, as the size of a dwelling is not the only characteristic affecting its price (for example, in some areas the market expects houses of a particular size).

=== Proportion ===

The ideal site for a specific project will be of a certain proportion. For example, a 1000 m sq site at 50m x 20m. is likely to be a well-proportioned site. However, a 1000 m sq that is 200m x 5m may not be very suitable for development.

=== Frontage ===

As with size, depending on the nature of a project, the proportion of the site that fronts a road is important when assessing its value. In the worst case, where a site is land locked and has no direct access to a public highway, the purchaser will need to buy a second piece of land in order to create access.

=== Shape ===

As with proportion, shape is one of the most influential factors on value, especially in smaller sites. Consider for example a one acre square compared to a one acre triangle. The amount of wasted space due to the sites shape pushes down the overall value of the land.

=== Development potential ===

It is generally not feasible to build a 20 storey apartment block in a country village or a warehouse in a city centre. Development potential is defined by the permissions that can gained and what can be marketed in a particular area.

=== Time constraints ===

What time pressures is the project under? The vendor can ultimately define the price based on whether or not they require a quick sale. It is important when carrying out this sort of time-based assessments to take into account costs of interest repayments on any loans.

=== Location ===

Where is the site? For example, edge of town sites offer more freedom than city centre sites, but may have less of a premium.

Where is the projects target demographic? What sort of people are likely to use the development? Where are they based? How will they get to the site?

=== Use class. ===

If a site has been listed as A1 Retail, it may be difficult to have this changed to C3 Dwellings (although this is very dependent on local policy).

=== Assessing value ===

There are a number of ways that a quick assessment of land value can be made:
*Research what other sites of similar type and location are selling for (for example [http://www.zoopla.co.uk/market/uk Zoopla, area stats for UK])
*Advertise the site, asking for offers.
*Many commercial estate agents will offer a free initial review of land.
*Seek advice, from a professional such as a surveyor.

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This article was created by --[[User:Grant Erskine Architects|Grant Erskine Architects]] 11:10, 14 January 2013 (UTC)

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
*Asbestos.
*Contaminated land.
*Deleterious materials.
*Demolition.
*Development appraisal.
*Development on brownfield land.
*Home ownership.
*Planning permission.
*Rating valuation.
*Residual valuation.
*Site appraisal.
*Site information.
*Site surveys.
*Stamp duty.
*Technical due diligence.
*Use class.

=== External references ===
*[http://www.zoopla.co.uk/market/uk Zoopla, area stats for UK].

[[Category:Client_procedures]]
[[Category:Property_development]]
[[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]
[[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]
[[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

User:Grant Erskine Architects

2013-01-14T11:09:31Z

Grant Erskine Architects:

<div>
[[File:Grant erskine.jpg|264x264px]]

Founded in late 2010, Grant Erskine Architects is a Manchester based Architects practice with big ambitions. As we approach the end of our second year, we can reflect and take stock of what has been an interesting two years.
</div><div>
Our ongoing success in an increasingly tough market has been due to our focus primarily on customer experience. We understand that no matter what size of project you may bring to us, from a small internal remodel to a full developent scheme, each project will raise its own specific challenges.
</div><div>
It is for this reason that we run our practice as what could be described as a "traditional Architect's practice". A practice that would have been more common 50 years ago than it is today. We are here to assist, support, guide and lead a construction project with a level of knowledge and experience that a allows us to ensure that everything runs smoothly. In essence we position ourselves as your one point of contact, managing the process and ensuring it's success.

We also understand that every client is different, with varying motivations. It is for this reason that we price every job in full from first principles. It allows us to accommodate the needs of each specific client, offering you a tailored service to fulfil your requirements, from a quick cost effective feasibility to allow you to ascertain if the project can be done, to a full project delivery.

We take pride in our work and pleasure in our pride. We are confident that everything we do is to the highest standard.

"To approach every project with a creative energy that allows the highest quality of design output"

Grant Erskine, Director.

[http://granterskinearchitects.com Visit our website]
</div>

File:Grant erskine.jpg

2013-01-14T11:08:33Z

Grant Erskine Architects:

User:Grant Erskine Architects

2013-01-14T11:07:54Z

Grant Erskine Architects:

<div>
Founded in late 2010, Grant Erskine Architects is a Manchester based Architects practice with big ambitions. As we approach the end of our second year, we can reflect and take stock of what has been an interesting two years.
</div><div>
Our ongoing success in an increasingly tough market has been due to our focus primarily on customer experience. We understand that no matter what size of project you may bring to us, from a small internal remodel to a full developent scheme, each project will raise its own specific challenges.
</div><div>
It is for this reason that we run our practice as what could be described as a "traditional Architect's practice". A practice that would have been more common 50 years ago than it is today. We are here to assist, support, guide and lead a construction project with a level of knowledge and experience that a allows us to ensure that everything runs smoothly. In essence we position ourselves as your one point of contact, managing the process and ensuring it's success.

We also understand that every client is different, with varying motivations. It is for this reason that we price every job in full from first principles. It allows us to accommodate the needs of each specific client, offering you a tailored service to fulfil your requirements, from a quick cost effective feasibility to allow you to ascertain if the project can be done, to a full project delivery.

We take pride in our work and pleasure in our pride. We are confident that everything we do is to the highest standard.

"To approach every project with a creative energy that allows the highest quality of design output"

Grant Erskine, Director.

[http://granterskinearchitects.com Visit our website]
</div>

User:Grant Erskine Architects

2013-01-14T11:03:47Z

Grant Erskine Architects: Created page with "<div style="line-height: 1.8;"> Founded in late 2010, Grant Erskine Architects is a Manchester based Architects practice with big ambitions. As we approach the end of our second ..."

<div style="line-height: 1.8;">
Founded in late 2010, Grant Erskine Architects is a Manchester based Architects practice with big ambitions. As we approach the end of our second year, we can reflect and take stock of what has been an interesting two years.

</div><div style="line-height: 1.8;">
Our ongoing success in an increasingly tough market has been due to our focus primarily on customer experience. We understand that no matter what size of project you may bring to us, from a small internal remodel to a full developent scheme, each project will raise its own specific challenges.
</div><div style="line-height: 1.8;">

It is for this reason that we run our practice as what could be decribed as a "traditional Architect's practice". A practice that would have been more common 50 years ago than it is today. We are here to assist, support, guide and lead a construction project with a level of knowledge and experience that a allows us to ensure that everything runs smoothly. In essence we position ourselves as your one point of contact, managing the process and ensuring it's success.

We also understand that evey client is different, with varying motivations. It is for this reason that we price every job in full from first principles. It allows us to accomodate the needs of each specific client, offering you a tailored service to fulfil your requirements, from a quick cost effective feasibility to allow you to ascertain if the project can be done, to a full project delivery.

We take pride in our work and pleasure in our pride. We are confident that everything we do is to the highest standard.

"To approach every project with a creative energy that allows the highest quality of design ouput"

Grant Erskine, Director.
</div>