• Help you clarify what changes you want to make and what is within your budget
• Design and draw up the plans
• Obtain the planning consent
• Obtain listed building consent if needed
• Make sure building regulations are adhered to
• Recommend builders
• Manage the building work
• Advise on green technology

What if I am not sure precisely what I want doing?

Architects are good at visualising what can be done with a space, and coming up with solutions to problems and limitations. So even if you are not totally sure of the details of what you would like done to your building, a good architect will have some suggestions on what is and is not possible.

What makes somebody an architect?

An architect must be registered by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and will normally have completed a period of study and passed a series of professional exams.
www.arb.org.uk

Architects who are members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) are Chartered Architects. They are bound by the RIBA professional Code of Conduct.
www.architecture.com

Peter Young & Co is registered with ARB and RIBA

What is planning consent?

For most changes to a building you have to obtain planning consent. Your local authority's planning department will want to look at the plans and make sure they comply with current legislation on health and safety, environmental law and building regulations.

Often the architect will be able to deal with the local authority for you.

Once planning permission has been obtained you must make a start on the work within the next five years or the permission will elapse. However, so long as you make at least a small start, and have this logged with building control, you will then have permanent planning permission for the adjustments.

Some historical properties are listed, this means that the building is protected from change without consent. All local authority planning departments have a duty of care to assist in the protection of listed buildings by assisting in granting change of use.

Local authorities also have a duty to enhance the setting of a listed building, this means that even buildings which are not in themselves listed, but are within the boundary of a listed building, are similarly protected.

Peter Young & Co specialises in gaining approval for work on listed buildings. There are some examples of projects involving listed building on the portfolio page.

How does recent environmental law affect possible projects?

Recently new laws have been introduced which stipulate that new building projects must adhere to certain guidelines, and give enhanced details about planned heating, insulation and sound transmission.

This information is all included within your planning application and is covered by the fee the architect quotes you.

When does the architect finish a job?

That's up to you. If you would like to, as well as doing the drawings the architect can oversee the management of the building work to make sure that the work is being done as it was intended, and that it is being done to an acceptable standard. You will talk about this when you are coming up with an estimate for how much the work will cost.

How much will it cost?

Obviously it depends what you are having done, and how far into the project you would like professional assistance from the architect. It is important to discuss your budget fully with the architect, who will be able to advise you.

What kinds of projects does Peter Young & Company deal with?

We are happy to discuss any prospective work and have experience across the board in both domestic and business premises. If it is a project we are unable to take on board then we will probably be able to recommend another architectural practice.

The practice is based in the North West of England, but we are happy to consider work outside of this area.

If you have a particular query about a piece of work that you would like doing then please get in contact.