Architecture is an evolving trade, and with today’s focus on new builds, redevelopment, and restoration focusing on sustainability, it is changing dramatically. For example, recycled wood and ecobricks made of single-use plastic have become more popular in the industry. Whether designing an extension, barn conversion, house, or commercial building, some of the new challenges for architects is to include solar power, and security conscious designs that will enable modern security tech to work optimally. On top of this, an architect still needs to factor in designs that limit light, exacerbate light, and create space while considering the materials used to build the structure.
In this post, we will look at how you can choose an architect that will give you all the options available for those of you aiming to create a property that considers sustainability.
Contents
1. Research Different Architectural Websites for Reviews & Services
Your very first mission is to research different architects’ website for reviews, example projects, and services. You should do this even if a friend made a recommendation. For instance, you research sites like Martyn Pattie architects to get an idea of services available, what an architect’s portfolio should look like, awards won, developers you can use, and more!
The about us page on an architect company’s website can usually tell you a lot about the firm or the architect is operating a one-man firm. While awards earned by the architecture company are usually easily referenceable by searching for the authority that issued the award!
2. Ask for examples of previous eco-friendly solutions
If you are hiring an architect that claims to offer you the best eco-friendly solutions, then that architect should have examples of previous work to back up the claims. You will be able to see different options available for solar power while also get an estimate on costs. Now although the architect is not responsible for the solar energy equipment costs, he or she should have an idea of the costs owing to working on previous projects.
The buck doesn’t stop at solar energy. There are also other ways to create designs that take into consideration less energy consumption. Keeping in the heat, letting heat our, and more efficient lighting. Albeit, you will need to give some leeway as you can’t always have the design you want and fit in all the extra sustainability options. Sometimes you will need to give up luxury for convenience or vice versa.
3. Ask for examples of security conscious designs
Designing a property or remodelling with security features in mind was once just something commercial buildings would only need consider. However, due to the affordability of high-quality CCTV and alarm systems, architects are increasingly being asked how their designs take into consideration the inclusion of modern security systems. For example, some people don’t want any blind spots for CCTV or alarm scanning. That said, it is something large those building a large property consider.
