Hiring an architect: Do I need one for my project?

It’s a question we’re asked more often than you might think. Whether a homeowner is considering a loft conversion, a modest extension, a whole-home renovation or a self-build, there’s always a moment where they ask: “Do I actually need an architect for this?”

There’s no rule or regulation that says you must hire an architect. But from experience, and we’ve worked across everything from listed cottages to contemporary new-builds, we know just how much value a design-led team can bring, especially when involved early on.

So, do you need an architect for your project?

The short answer: you’ll almost always benefit from having one. How involved we are can vary depending on the scale of the project you’re planning to do.

exterior of home with copper cladding and cotswold stone

WHY IT'S WORTH HIRING AN ARCHITECT FOR EXTENSIONS AND RENOVATIONS

This is where the debate around hiring an architect often happens the most. People sometimes assume an extension is ‘too small’ a project for an architect but, in reality, smaller projects can be the ones where thoughtful design makes the biggest difference.

Often, it’s not about adding as much space as possible but about making the space you have work better. Daylight, flow, proportions, views, storage and layout all need resolving for an extension to feel effortless. It needs to work in harmony with your existing space. And this is where we can add real value to a project.

We can help you think beyond the notion of just needing more space and focus in on:

  • where to position the extension
  • how it connects to the garden
  • how it interacts with rooms you don’t plan to touch
  • how to future-proof the space as your needs evolve

These are the decisions that elevate a project and create a home that flows and works for everyone who lives in it. It's exactly what we had to consider when adding a modern extension to an 18th century cottage in Cirencester.

In the images below you can see how we used a glazed link to connect the existing home with the new extension. The image on the right shows how the entire glazed link spills light into the floorplan of both the new part and the older part of the house.

HIRING AN ARCHITECT FOR A SELF-BUILD PROJECT

Designing a new-build home is a rare chance to start with a completely blank canvas, and that’s where an architect adds real value. We help you shape a home around how you want to live. We’ll consider the character of the site, the views, light and privacy and combine this with your wish list, providing you with ideas that stretch your imagination but not your budget.

An architect can inject experience and knowledge into creating spaces that feel effortless and considered from day one. With the right design thinking early on, a new build becomes more than just a house on a plot; it becomes a home.

This is the approach we took with the new build project pictured below. It's a statement contemporary home but the design was considered so that the spaces work for all of the family. The house has a great connection to the garden and lots of glazing floods light into the home. The double height ceilings add an airiness but are balanced with cosy nooks and corners to retreat to.

  • “Thanks to their vision, we have a home that really works for our family on a day-to-day basis, with space for entertainment, and incredible views. We couldn’t be happier!”

  • "They listened and understood the sort of property we were trying to create and the style we liked. They came up with something quite different from what we'd seen from other architects.”

HOW AN ARCHITECT CAN HELP YOU NAVIGATE PLANNING

A big driver behind whether you need an architect is planning. It can be tricky to navigate and having the support of a team well versed in the whole process – from initial designs to submitting Building Regulation drawings to project managing the entire project, if you wish – can be invaluable.

We have worked on a wide portfolio of project types in different locations, so we routinely guide clients through planning for:

  • homes in Areas of Outstanding National Beauty
  • Regency and heritage/listed properties
  • barn conversions
  • grey belt and green belt sites
  • plots with significant visibility or environmental sensitivity.

Using our expertise, we create a narrative that explains why your proposal is the right solution for the site. And that’s often what unlocks a successful outcome.

Regency home with double storey extension added to house a living room, BBQ area and swimming pool

PROTECTING YOUR BUDGET AND AVOIDING COSTLY MISTAKES

Hiring an architect is a financial cost and will eat into around 7-10% of your total budget cost.

The investment and onboarding of an architect early on can help prevent unnecessary spend by:

  • resolving issues on paper long before they become expensive on site
  • coordinating structure, services and technical detail
  • ensuring your investment is directed where it makes the most difference
  • overseeing the build so quality is maintained.

SO, ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, DO YOU NEED AN ARCHITECT?

We think you do, but not because we’re biased. Because the right design input early on has the power to shape not only your project, but the way you live in your home for years to come.

Whether you’re extending, renovating or starting from scratch, bringing an architect on board helps you make informed decisions, navigate planning, unlock opportunities and create a space that genuinely enhances your
day-to-day life.

Talk to us about your ideas