Architects can get a bit of a raw deal sometimes. We want them to pack our projects with creative flair, yet often balk at new ideas they present or the thought of having
to go through multiple design iterations to get the house we want. Perhaps it’s a symptom of our fast consumerism: I’m paying you £10,000s for this, so why can’t you get it right first time?!
Communication is an issue on both sides, too, and expectations need to be managed. We, as self builders and renovators, should be taken on a transparent journey from A (the brief ) to Z (the final design), with clear steps along the way and cost checks built in. On the flip side, if we’re coy on budgets or shy about what we do and don’t like, we’re basically tying one hand behind a designer’s back.  ere are some occasions when the relationship just doesn’t gel, of course. But using an architect or design specialist can and does work fantastically well on the vast majority of projects. Getting the best results is all about establishing a positive partnership with someone who understands your vision for a bespoke home that fits your needs and budget. Over on page 82, Julian Owen is helping you do just that with an in-depth look at how you can find and work effectively with a good architect, the warning signs of a bad egg that
might not be the best fi t for your project and – just as importantly – what you can do to present your best self as a client and make a positive contribution to the success of your project.

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