Can we get an architect to draw up detailed plans based on another architect's plan

[Mercedes]

Hi

We paid an architect to draw up initial plans for a kitchen extension 3 years ago but didn't proceed any further at that time for lots of reasons.

3 years later we are now in a position to proceed. The architect we used has moved out of the area and it seems sensible to use a local architect to draw up the detailed plans for building control, draw up a specification for the builders etc.

Will there be any problems ; Im worried that they will get sniffy about our existing plans and insist we pay again for an initial design. Has anyone been in this position or could provide wise words?

Like many architects I am usually wary of taking on someone else's design however in your case as the drawings have only been taken to planning stage, the actual construction detailing is within the gift of a new architect.

However... unless the previous architect prepared their drawing using CAD and is prepared to let the new one have the .dwg file then the new one will have to start again from scratch although all the initial work of surveying and feasibility has been done. The new fee should reflect either scenario.

Another choice could be to use an architectural technician (sometimes called technologist), building surveyor, a 'plan drawer' or similar as the overall design has been done and the rest is mostly technical anyway. Often (but not always) they can be cheaper than using a registered architect. If you have a builder in mind then they may very well offer the service.

Thank you TrevaronGirl for your comments. How would you go about finding a technologist - none of the builders we've contacted have mentioned this as an option so I am a bit clueless.

Sorry, haven't been in for a while...

Technologist

Don't be surprised if any architect you approach asks if they can contact your old architect to ask if the bill has been paid and ask permission to take over the job. It's standard to check if you take over someone else's project as a professional and as the architect owns the copyright of the drawings (clients are usually only granted a licence to use drawings not the copyright) any other professional needs to check with them it's ok to use them. Usually this is a formality and it's absolutely fine , but also means that you don't end up in the middle of a dispute.

It all worked out in the end. By the time the original architect got back to us we'd employed a surveyor recommended by friends and we're in process of drawing up the detailed plans for building control at the moment.

The architect was fine and couldn't remember or find his drawings although he remembered us.

Good news indeed.