Settling on the right architectural practice for your project takes time, research, and trust. We understand that a new build, whether it’s your private home or a new public structure, is a large undertaking, which is why it is essential to choose the right firm for the project.
In this article, we’ll discuss which steps you should take to help you select the best architectural practice for your goals.
Once you’ve decided you’d like the help of an architect, the first step is to find a firm that prioritises what’s important to you, be that expertise in a specific architectural field or an emphasis on sustainability in their designs and builds. You can do this by searching the internet for local architects and either visiting their websites or speaking to their team, or you can search for those specific requirements and research firms that are suggested.
Another way to find a reliable architect whose philosophy or priorities align with yours is to ask for recommendations. Friends, family, locals, or even strangers online will be able to offer valuable real-life insight into the architects they have chosen. Look for reviews online if they’re available for a general idea of how happy and satisfied their past clients have been with the work.
A focus on sustainability in particular is something more and more people are seeking out in their architect. From design elements to construction materials, it’s becoming increasingly important across multiple industries that structures are made more environmentally friendly.
Here at Wincer Kievenaar, weaving sustainability through the very fabric of our designs is key to our values. We split our sustainability efforts into three core directions:
If sustainability is important to you and your building, renovation, or extension goals, speak to our experienced team.
It is absolutely essential that any architect you’re interested in enquiring about is qualified and registered to practice.
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the UK’s regulator of architects, established to protect the public by ensuring that required conduct and practice standards are being met. If an architect is not registered with the ARB, they are not legally allowed to refer to themselves as an architect. It is therefore essential that you check the website of or speak to the architects you’re interested in to ensure they’re registered.
For the highest standards in services and results, look for architectural practices registered with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This professional body represents and promotes excellence in the architectural field, and offers different memberships at varying levels that architects can apply to be members for. Not all architects will gain membership, so when you come across a practice or individuals who are registered with RIBA, you can rest assured that their process and resulting work are of the best quality. Wincer Kievenaar is a proud RIBA chartered practice.
Other excellent memberships and accreditations to look out for include architects who are members of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), members and associate members of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), practice and individual awards won, and training and approvals from sustainable organisations, such as Elmhurst Energy.
Finding out if the architect you’re speaking to is qualified couldn’t be easier. Simply visit the Architects Register website by the Architects Registration Board and fill in the necessary details, such as the architect’s name, their registration number, and where they work.
If they cannot provide you with a registration number, then you likely already have your answer as to whether they’re registered. However, if they give you a number and you use the site’s search function and still get no results, then they are probably not registered and therefore legally not an Architect. You can file a complaint with ARB if you believe someone is misusing the title.
Yes, all Architects need to be registered with the ARB; otherwise, they cannot legally call themselves Architects. A person can hold architectural qualifications and practice without being registered, but without that registration, they cannot use the title of Architect. Instead, they’d need to use a title such as design consultant or architectural designer. We always recommend seeking officially registered architects for high-quality work and client assurance.
Visual evidence of the work already created by the architects you’re interested in is a great way to explore what they’re capable of. Reputable architecture practices showcase their work through physical or digital portfolios, either available on request or readily available on their website. This gives you the opportunity to explore projects they’ve completed and proposals they’ve created to get a feel for their talents and skillset.
We feature a large, curated collection of our projects on our website, complete with professional photography and an explanation of the design and build, including elements of the process, the build, and details of any planning and permits that we were required to source and achieve. We want to be transparent with potential clients, so we will always strive to give you as much information as you need when considering working with our team.
Once you’ve researched and settled for one or multiple options, it’s time to speak to the architects. You will get no better information than directly from the source, so arrange to have a discovery chat. In these, you can bring your questions, ideas, and even a brief, and have an honest, in-depth discussion with the professionals who could be working with you to make your structural goals a reality.
If you enquire with Wincer Kievenaar, you’ll receive a call from one of our directors to learn more. Next, a meeting will be set up to discuss the brief and explore ideas and constraints. Finally, a proposal to set out the brief will be prepared, alongside a fee proposal for you to consider. Each of these steps will be accompanied by transparency and as much information as you require when navigating the start of this journey.
At Wincer Kievenaar, we believe a strong client-architect relationship should be the foundation of the project. From structural renovations of private listed homes to newly-built commercial unit parks, we will be a part of the client’s life for some time. Because of this long-term involvement, we appreciate that prioritising your needs, vision, and preferences is of the utmost importance. We truly commit ourselves to our clients, dedicated to ensuring a smooth and stress-free planning and design process and exceptional final results.
With our qualifications, accreditations, state-of-the-art software, and decades of experience, we are ready to tackle any architectural concept or challenge. We are innovative thinkers, designing with authenticity and integrity, evolving and adapting seamlessly when needed throughout the project journey. If you’re interested in seeing what we can create for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always open to honest discussions about your project plans, and we look forward to seeing what we can create together.
Since joining the practice in 2012, Scott Crane has become a key part of the Wincer Kievenaar team, achieving First Class Honours in his architectural technology degree while working full-time. Read more
An interview with James Rush MCIAT, Associate and Senior Technician A successful architectural firm comprises a wide range of roles, including Chartered Architectural Technologists, like Wincer Kievenaar’s Senior Technician and Firm Associate, James Rush. Read more