Architect gone bust, what are my options?

[WhatsthatTicking]

Today I was told my architect's firm has gone into admistration and he has been made redundant, so far we had done a couple of preliminary applications all which were rejected and have since amended plans taking into account the planing departments considerations. Plans are still being finalised before submitting to planning department. The architect is willing to keep on working for us although unsure as to whether he will set up independantly or via another firm. Question is if I were to go with another architect (firm) would that have any impact on the planning department? Would they look at it as a new proposal or consider it part of existing application, would it look good/bad or indifferent? And would another architect need to start from the beginning or be able to continue where this one left off?

Wouldn't it be better to ask the planning department all these questions?

Just spoke to them, no advice really expect just give them the new name of the architect...

Anyone else?

You seem to have had two pre planning advice applications with suggestions for alterations? Is that right?
If so I'd be concerned that the architect used has not understood what the planners would agree to. I would go with a new architect who is more in tune with the planners requirements, thus saving you hassle and planning application fees.

Cam you give me an idea about the scale of the project? To have two preliminary applications rejected for a domestic project is unusual. Is it in a bigger scale?

The planning department doesn't care who the architect is. I'd switch now and start over rather than wasting time. If you have paid all invoices for work done to date, the architect is obliged to hand over the drawings for the project as it stood at the last payment stage. By architect, I mean the firm that you have a contract with. The individual is simply an employee and your contract is not with him, please don't accept work done outside a contract!

Your new architect will be obliged to contact the previous to inform of his /her appointment. This is just to confirm that you haven't left any bills unpaid (it is a legal requirement by the professional body ARB) and then they'll be good to get started.