An architect will help you translate your vision into reality and no matter how small the development or building project is, he or she will bring 3 essential qualities:

1

Imagination

An architect can lift your project out of the ordinary. Anyone can alter a building; it takes an expert to do it with flair, imagination and style.

2

Value for money

An architect can find the extra light and space you didn’t know you had, suggest materials you hadn’t thought of, and find the right builder at the right price.

3

Freedom from worry

An architect has wide knowledge of the construction industry, can guide you through the complex rules, regulations and contracts connected with planning and building, and can monitor all construction work.

An architect will carry out the work you require efficiently and with impartiality. As an added security your architect will provide guidance on all the necessary procedures required to obtain consent for the development.

With step by step consultation and agreement, your architect will lead you through the entire process from the creating the germ of an idea to realisation of the finished building.

Malcolm has provided an excellent service. He designed our new 300+m2 house in such a way that it compliments its rural location and maximizes the light and providing many private views. Great use of space also. He was very attentive to our numerous requests which were all incorporated into the design. We would certainly recommend him.
New family dwelling, Auchterarder
Malcolm provided design and consultancy services for a wraparound extension. I think I got some excellent advice and guidance through the process. Most importantly things were done within the agreed timescales with excellent communications. I will definitely be using his services again.
Single storey extension, Dunblane
During the work, there were some technical and admin challenges however, mparchitecture managed to address all challenges in a highly professional manner. Malcolm was very helpful, works well with the building company and certainly very friendly. Great service, high quality and excellent finish. I will be very happy to recommend.
Sunroom extension, Bearsden

The main phases of most projects are:

Your architect will advise you on statutory controls and procedures that may apply to your project, such as planning, listed building permission, building warrant application, and health and safety requirements during construction. Your architect can, on your behalf, deal with the various authorities which would otherwise be time-consuming and stressful.
  • prepare the brief (a written description of what is required by the client)
  • site analysis, possible survey work, define scope of works
  • initial design, and getting your approval as ‘client’
  • develop the design and apply for planning consents
  • detailed design and apply for building warrant approval
With the approvals in place, your architect can prepare detailed working drawings and specifications, showing exactly the design of all important elements of the building, and can recommend the right type of building contract. Several tenders for the works (priced offers) can then be obtained, a report made on likely total project costs, and this information put before you in simple and direct terms, to enable you to appoint the right contractor for your project.
  • preparing detailed construction design information
  • seeking tenders and
  • putting tender prices to you for approval, instructing the contractor to proceed
Your architect can visit the works in progress and monitor the builder’s work against the tender drawings and specification. By this means, the project can achieve the required standards, and be completed on time and within the costs set out in the winning tender.
  • visiting the works in progress, checking content and quality of the work
  • certifying how much the builder is to be paid at each stage
  • seeking a completion certificate on your behalf

Choosing an Architect:

A good working relationship between architect and client is crucial to the success of a project and should, at the outset, be clearly recorded by a written agreement that defines the services being provided and the cost of these services. The professional bodies, Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) recommend the use of such formal terms of agreement. Once you have reviewed this proposal, and have clarified any outstanding points, the document should be signed by yourself and your architect, and copies taken for both parties.

Consumer Protection:

Both the RIBA and the RIAS require high standards of professional conduct and performance from their members, to protect both the public and the status of the profession. All architect and student members are subject to the RIBA/RIAS Code of Professional Conduct.
All ARB registered architects accepting commissions must carry professional indemnity insurance.

Get in touch

If you would like to discuss your particular project call us on +44 (0)7969 294272 or get in touch here:
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