Choosing an architect with different 'taste' to mine..bad idea???

[6inchnipples]

Found an architect, nice guy, recommended by friend, used to work in planning and so has 'contacts'. Fees are reasonable.

BUT he has very different taste to me, he talks of false balconies, stained wood etc etc whereas i love natural look, love the way wood goes that silvery colour in time, (he mentioned how horrible he thinks that looks), i just feel he is more 'dynasty' and i'm more 'take the high road, croft with a tin roof and a goat tethered in the garden'.

So should i A: FIND SOMEONE ELSE

or B: USE HIM BUT BE VERY DEFINITE ABOUT WHAT WE WANT

WWYD????

[6inchnipples]

Oh i suppose it would be helpful to mention that it is an extension we are doing, not building a whole house! Just adding on a few bedrooms.

[cthea]

Find someone else. You pay the fees, he should come up with a design that's good for you. Of course he has his own taste but he should be skilled enough to be able to work outside of his "comfort zone", otherwise he's just re-creating the same house over and over again, his fes ought to be minimal then if there's no thought involved any longer.

[cthea]

Is this a windup? "Just adding on a few bedrooms."

[verylapsedrunner]

Get someone else

[6inchnipples]

cthea why would it be a wind up?? i'm lost.

[SparkyUK]

for builders, taste is less important but for designers and archetechts I think they should fall in line with you. That said, have a look at his portfolio and if you think he has completed a variety of styles then he should be able to produce something with the look you like.

[MaryBS]

Have you told him what you want? He should work to your ideas if thats what you want. If he won't then definitely find someone else

[NotQuiteCockney]

Find someone else. If you don't like his taste, it won't work as well.

[Dorothyredboots]

My DH is a (very good) architect and he would never dream of imposing his taste on a client. It is the architect's job to work with the client, listen, listen, listen to their needs, desires and dreams and as far as possible make them reality. His job is also to make suggestions which the client may not have thought of, but he or she does need to 'tune in' to the clients mindset and be appropriate. Obviously the architect has also to advise people what is possible within the regulations and also what is possible within the budget. There are lots of facets to the architect's role and this is what makes architecture such a rewarding and challenging profession. DH would say best to avoid architects who have worked in planning as they have no idea about design... Make sure anyone you employ is a member of the RIBA. Rant over.