Hiring an architectural technologist or an architect
If you’re considering extending, renovating, or building a new home, one of the most important decisions you will make is whether to employ an architectural technologist or an architect.
Do I need an architectural technologist or an architect?
The short answer is yes, you do, and either can be the right choice.
A suitably qualified architect or architectural technologist will guide you through what is often a complex and unfamiliar process. They bring creative design insight, an understanding of proportion and aesthetics, and the technical expertise required to turn ideas into buildable, compliant solutions. Just as importantly, they have a deep understanding of construction methods, materials, and how buildings perform in practice.
The project development process, from initial concept through planning, technical design, and construction, is something these professionals deal with every day. Their experience allows them to anticipate issues, coordinate consultants, and manage the flow of information required to keep a project moving efficiently and with minimal risk.
Ultimately, the decision is less about the job title and more about the individual’s experience, approach, and ability to understand your brief. Choosing the right professional at the outset can make the difference between a stressful build and a well-managed project that delivers lasting value to your home.
Our services as architectural technologists typically include:
Initial consultations to understand your brief, budget, and long-term objectives
Development of practical and innovative concept designs tailored to your project
Preparation and submission of planning applications, including liaison with planning authorities
Direct engagement with local authority planning officers on your behalf
- Production of detailed construction drawings and technical specifications that ensure buildability
Preparation of tender documentation to enable accurate and competitive pricing by contractors
Preparation and administration of building contract documentation
Ongoing coordination with you and the wider design team throughout the project
Site visits during construction to monitor progress and ensure quality through to completion
Poor design, little or no drawings or technical information, planning approval not granted, or simply using a mate builder to do it for you because he’s “done drawings for his own house extension” are all examples of the result of cost cutting or corner cutting.
A good architect will strike up a relationship with you with an aim to understand your goals and they will have experience in every stage of the whole process, plus they’ll more than likely have done hundreds if not thousands of past projects for other customers.
What is the difference between an Architect & an Architectural Technologist?
An architect is highly trained in both the art and science of building design. They develop concepts for structures ranging from modest house extensions to complex commercial buildings. Architects translate these ideas into detailed drawings and, where appropriate, 3D visualisations to help clients understand the design before construction begins. They also play a key role in coordinating the wider design team, which may include architectural technicians, structural and mechanical engineers, and quantity surveyors, guiding the project through to construction.
An architectural technologist is similarly highly trained and often brings a particularly strong focus on the technical aspects of building design. They lead the design process with a deep understanding of how buildings are constructed, developing robust, well-considered plans that balance innovative design with practical, buildable solutions. Their expertise ensures that designs are efficient, compliant, and deliverable on site.
In short, architects and architectural technologists share many overlapping skills and responsibilities. Both are capable of designing and managing building projects from concept through to completion. Ultimately, the most important factor is not the title, but the individual professional, their experience, and their ability to understand and deliver your project successfully.
How do I find the right architect or architectural technologist?
As with any trade or profession, there is no single formula for finding the right architect or architectural technologist. However, there are sensible steps you can take to significantly improve your chances of making the right choice.
A trusted recommendation is often the best starting point. Asking friends, family, or neighbours who have recently completed similar work can provide valuable insight. Seeing a finished project and hearing about their experience first-hand is often far more reassuring than any brochure or website.
If you don’t have a recommendation, take the time to shop around. We would suggest inviting three or four architects or architectural technologists to your home to discuss your project. Before arranging a visit, review their website and portfolio, if available, and read online reviews. This will help you understand their style, experience, and approach, and whether they are likely to be a good fit for your needs.
It’s also worth remembering that an architect is not your only option. As discussed earlier, an architectural technologist can offer a similar range of services and expertise, often with a strong focus on practical, buildable solutions and typically at a lower fee. While the title may be less familiar to some homeowners, their role and capability should not be underestimated.
Whichever route you choose, always check qualifications and professional credentials. Chartered Architects will usually display the designation RIBA, while Chartered Architectural Technologists use CIAT. These titles indicate membership of recognised professional bodies and confirm that the individual meets defined standards of competence, professionalism, and ethics.
Members of these institutions are required to adhere to strict codes of conduct and ongoing professional development, offering reassurance that your project is in capable and accountable hands.
One word of caution: choosing solely on the basis of the lowest fee can be a costly mistake. While we’ll explore this in more detail later, it’s important to remember that value, experience, and trust should always outweigh price alone.
How much does an architect or architectural technologist cost?
This is an important subject within the architectural industry and one that homeowners are often unfamiliar with when starting a project.
Traditionally, architects were the primary professionals qualified to lead building projects, particularly at the design stage. Design was their specialist discipline, and as a result they typically sat at the top of the project team hierarchy. With this level of responsibility came higher fees, reflecting their role in shaping the design, coordinating consultants, and overseeing the project through its early stages.
As illustrated in Figure 1 below, architects have commonly charged fees based on a percentage of the overall project value. For most new-build houses, home extensions, and renovation projects, these fees typically range from 7.5% to 15% of the estimated construction cost. The exact percentage depends on factors such as the size, complexity, and scope of the project, as well as the level of service provided.
Historically, architects would often be supported by an architectural technician, who would be responsible for producing detailed construction drawings based on the architect’s design. These drawings are critical, as they translate design intent into clear information that contractors can build from.
Over time, the industry has evolved. Architectural technologists are now fully qualified to lead projects themselves, combining strong design ability with detailed technical knowledge of how buildings are constructed. This has provided homeowners with more choice in how they procure professional services and, in many cases, a more cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality.
As with all professional services, fees should always be considered in relation to experience, scope of service, and value delivered, rather than price alone
Fig.1
| RIBA Stages 1-7: Design + Delivery | NEW BUILD | REFURBISHMENT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Contract | Design & Build Contract | Traditional Contract | Design & Build Contract | |
| Project value | Median fee as % of project value | |||
| £0-50,000 | 15% | n/a | 10.25% | n/a |
| £51,000-100,000 | 8% | n/a | 11.5% | 15% |
| £101,000-250,000 | 8% | n/a | 10% | n/a |
| £251,000-500,000 | 7.5% | 3.5% | 10.25% | 8.25% |
| £501,000-999,000 | 6.5% | 5.5% | 11% | 8.25% |
| £1,000,000-5,000,000 | 5% | 3.5% | 7.25% | 3% |
| £6,000,000-10,000,000 | 6% | 2.75% | 6% | 4.25% |
| £11,000,000-20,000,000 | n/a | 2.75% | 4,5% | 4.25% |
| £21,000,000-30,000,000 | n/a | 4% | n/a | 4.5% |
| £31,000,000-40,000,000 | n/a | 3.5% | n/a | 4.25% |
| £41,000,000-50,000,000 | n/a | 3.5% | n/a | 4.25% |
| £ 51,000,000+ | n/a | 3.5% | n/a | 4.25% |
Architectural technologists do not typically work to a fixed table of percentage-based fees. Instead, they usually calculate their fees based on experience and the anticipated time required to design, coordinate, and manage a project. This approach often results in a more transparent and proportionate fee structure, particularly for residential work.
In most cases, an architectural
technologist’s fee is lower than that of an architect charging at the bottom end of the traditional scale (around 7.5%). In fact, it is not uncommon for architectural technologist fees to be significantly lower, sometimes around half of those suggested by traditional percentage-based models, while still delivering a comprehensive professional service.
However, it’s important to distinguish between qualified professionals and those who simply offer to “draw plans.” With the accessibility of modern software, many individuals now market themselves as draftspeople or designers, producing drawings quickly and cheaply. While this can appear attractive on the surface, it carries risks. These drawings may lack the technical detail, regulatory understanding, and professional accountability required to support a successful build, often leading to problems later in the process.
As highlighted earlier, the key difference lies not in the ability to produce drawings, but in the knowledge, experience, and responsibility required to design a building that is compliant, buildable, and fit for purpose.
Is it wise to choose an architect or architectural technologist solely based on the lowest fee?
Fees quoted by architects and architectural technologists can vary enormously from person to person and firm to firm, often for very different levels of service. So why don’t we simply choose the cheapest option?
We could ask the same question about almost anything. Most of us already know the answer: the cheapest option is rarely the best. Nearly everyone has experienced this at some point.
Think about hiring a tradesperson for work on your home. The cheapest quote often comes from someone rushing the job, cutting corners, or lacking the experience to foresee problems. What looks like a saving at the start can quickly turn into extra costs to fix poor workmanship. Choosing the right professional from the outset usually saves money, stress, and disruption in the long run.
So why would you choose a cheap architect or architectural technologist when you’re planning to spend £50,000, £100,000, or more on what is likely the biggest asset you own?
Low fees often come with compromises. Some low-cost providers rely on standardised extension plans delivered in a generic way so they can sell them in volume. There is little focus on understanding your needs, your home, or your long-term goals. They are not interested in building a relationship; they are interested in being paid and moving on to the next job.
An architect or architectural technologist who does not provide a thorough consultation before preparing drawings should be an immediate red flag. If they are not taking the time to understand your vision, lifestyle, budget, and constraints, or showing relevant previous work to help you articulate what you really want, how can they deliver a solution that truly fits?
When you are investing significant money in your property, using a highly qualified and experienced professional is essential. You want an expert. All too often, clients choose an unqualified or underqualified person because they are cheaper at the outset, only to discover later that they lack the technical knowledge, design skill, or regulatory understanding required. This can lead to poor design decisions, planning issues, construction problems, delays, and costly changes on site.
In many cases, what initially appeared to be the cheapest option becomes the most expensive mistake.
Choosing the right architect or architectural technologist is not about finding the lowest fee. It’s about value, expertise, trust, and ensuring your investment is protected and enhanced for years to come.
If you’re planning an extension, renovation, or new home, start with informed, professional advice. A considered design process led by an experienced architect or designer protects your investment, reduces risk, and ensures your home works beautifully for years to come. Get in touch to arrange an initial consultation and discuss how we can add lasting value to your property.
These risks highlight why appointing a properly qualified and experienced architect or architectural technologist from the outset is so important. Professional expertise ensures your project is well considered, technically robust, and supported at every stage, reducing risk and protecting your investment.
If you’re planning an extension, renovation, or new home, begin with informed, professional advice. A carefully considered design process led by an experienced architect or architectural technologist provides clarity, reduces uncertainty, and ensures your home is designed and delivered to a high standard.
Professional, impartial advice tailored to your home, your brief, and your long-term goals.
Ten questions to ask when hiring an Architect or Architectural Technologist:
- Who are you registered with, RIBA or CIAT?
- What level of services do you provide?
- Can we see some examples of your work?
- Do you have any former clients we can speak with or see their project?
- Do you work closely with any builders that you would recommend?
- What makes you the right person for my project?
- Is my budget sufficient to achieve my ideal goals?
- What is your relationship with the local planning department?
- Do I need any other specialists besides you?
- What role do I need to take as a client?
