Whether you want to go for a loft conversion or a full bespoke build with kitchen extension, finding the best Wellington architects to design your residence can be a challenging job.

Remember, an architect’s knowledge, skill and tact can either break or make a particular  project. Due to such reasons, you have to choose the right person for the job to receive positive outcomes.

In this modern time, the demand for architects is pretty high in the market. Even though the employment growth is pretty limited, there are 9,400 openings available for architects on projects every year.

Despite all that, you must always choose an architect wisely because they will be designing a place, where you spend a lot of time with your family and friends. So, when it comes to hiring architects, you need to consider several factors. Go through this article to learn about these factors.

1.  Big Picture

Architects can consider all the minute details and the big picture of the building projects.They can also add value to all types of developments.

According to your requirements, the architect will navigate all the building regulations, the planning laws and check the ergonomics [whether there is enough warmth, light, storage and space inside the building].

Along with that, they will also research properly on the fittings and fixtures. They will also speak with the craftsmen and builders about the construction project.

When you properly understand the reasons for hiring an architect, it will cultivate a constructive and long-lasting relationship.

2.  Create Your Brief

Before you think of contacting the architects, you have to ensure that you collected all your main requirements for builds. You also need to look for all those problems, which the architect can easily solve.

You need to think about how you wish to use the space and when you already know what type of style or design you want. If you have a deadline or a strict budget, you must discuss this matter with the architect beforehand.

By doing so, you can easily avoid all types of disappointments during the construction work.

3.  Look For Accreditations

When looking for Wellington architects, you should double-check whether or not they are registered and have the proper licenses to offer their services.

Having a license or certification from the government or any reputed board is highly compulsory for all architects. This will help ensure that you are hiring the right people for the job.

Apart from that, you need to check whether or not they have proper skills and carry years of experience. Accidents are common at construction sites, so you should check whether the architect you hire is insured or not.

4.  The Location Of The Architect

Do you have any idea where exactly the architect is based? This might look simple, but many individuals often ignore it. The physical location of the architect can surely administer the initial planning meetings and the regularity of the site visits.

Architects who are personally involved will be pretty useful for coordinating the contractors. Not only that, these architects will also answer all the questions and solve issues quickly without any hassle.

5.  Carry Local Planning Knowledge

One of the biggest benefits of hiring an architect is that they are not limited to site visits. They will surely have past relationships and dealings with builders and planners. The architects are also accustomed to creating homes that perfectly match the planning needs and the building regulations.

Several building projects can be pretty controversial, but when you get the Wellington architects who have good knowledge about local planning authorities, it will be highly beneficial for you. That way, you can avoid all the unwanted problems or issues.

6.  Work On Projects That Are Similar

You need to check whether or not the architects work on similar projects. It might be a problem if you just want a small extension and the architect you hired works on massive developments or projects.

You will find architects that have their very own signature style, but you must check whether or not it matches yours. Remember, when you wager on brand-new practices, it will shower you with outstanding outcomes.

This means, if you are open to all types of ideas, you need to make sure those ideas fall under your wavelength.

7.  A High-Quality Portfolio

When you are checking out the previous work of an architect, you must have faith in your instincts, and then you can go on with something that you’re drawn to.

If you like their use of building shape, avant-garde style, materials or light, you can utilize this to make your very own long list. Many architects out there work on private and public projects, so you must check whether or not you can visit their buildings.

You should always get a first-hand feel of their work, as it will be pretty useful for you. It will give you the chance to decide whether or not you want to hire them.

8.  Speak With Several Architects

Although the architects earn 57.80 NZD each hour for the initial consultation, you will not be charged. This means you can speak with many architects as possible during the early stages.

You can invite the architect on-site and speak to them face-to-face about the build when you have a proper selection. At this point, you must judge whether the personal rapport, timeframe budget is mutually realistic, and the proposals.

Remember, you will invest a lot of money and time in your home’s design and construction phases. So, interacting with your architect comfortably and finalizing everything is the best way to start the home building work.

9.  Researching The References

When you have decided to employ or hire someone, be it builders, painters, gardeners or designers, it will be much better to look for someone who is suggested by individuals whom you trust and know.

If you have family members or close friends who have worked with an architect in the past, don’t hesitate to ask them. When you learn about the type of experience they got by hiring the Wellington architects, it will give you a clear idea of what to look for.

If the architect offers their very own references, make sure to follow up on it. You must speak about their budget management, problem-solving and responsiveness.

10. Project Involvement & Free Structure

On the average, an architect earns around 113,000 NZD every year, but that doesn’t mean all of them have the same fee structure. You have to speak with them regarding it right before you hire them.

The fees of an architect will differ greatly because some will take a percentage of the entire project cost, which is between 8% to 12%. But other architects will charge an hourly fee for their services. Whatever you do, you need to make sure all these arrangements are in writing.

Parting Thoughts

Having an architect to handle the construction work of your home will surely save you from unwanted problems or trouble. They have the power to handle all types of projects, including the complex ones.

But before you hire them, make sure to go through the factors provided in this article. Following these factors will make the entire hiring process easier for you.

Yogesh Gupta

Content Specialist at Wihup New Zealand

[email protected]