Architect or architectural designer? And what about insurance?

[Yellownotblue]

Looking for advice.

We’re about to embark on a big project - two storey side extension plus extension at the back and in the loft. While it’s a big project, it’s not hugely complex as we are limited by planning rules and we have a pretty good idea of what we want. We also need interior design advice to deal with flow, light and generally making sure the house works for us and is harmonious. Form and function are both important to us.

I have interviewed 8 people, mostly architects but also one architectural designer and one surveyor. 7 provided quotes. I discounted one as too expensive, and 3 based on not building a good rapport in the initial meetings or the quotes being too vague. This left 3 people - one architect, one building surveyor and one architectural designer. The AD is the most expensive but has a great portfolio and reviews. The BS is a lot cheaper than the others.

I went into this project convinced we needed an architect, but the best discussions and most interesting ideas came from the architectural designer and building surveyor. I’m now thinking of having the AD draw the plans, and the BS manage the build.

Am I making a mistake?

I would be interested in hearing your experiences.

Also, what is the standard professional insurance indemnity level I should expect? Is it up to the value of the works, value of the house, or something else altogether?

Many thanks

I’m an interior designer and love that you’ve don’t your homework and interviewed people to do the work for you. I agree that you can get a really good sense of whether you want to work with someone or not, I do this too with my clients to see if they’re a good fit for me, working on somebodies home is a big responsibility and very personal and I always like to make sure I feel we click enough for me to deliver their requirements.

In my experience I have preferred working with clients who have hired AD and BS they have different skill sets and I have found it makes it easier to have somebody who can execute the designs that are aesthetically pleasing whilst being structurally sound.

In terms of insurance the ARB which is the architects registration board advises a minimum of £250,000. The costs their insurance needs to cover is to correct if anything goes wrong, legal costs of both parties and compensation. The ARB does have a website that maybe able to provide further assistance but typically architect have to have similar level to other construction companies.

Lots of people get their designs drawn up and passed to somebody else to execute. In terms of interior designer you can look at somebody who caters to the interior architect market so they can incorporate what the Arc designer has came up with, but usually a interior design firm can help with this. Ask to see their portfolio to make sure their work caters to what you require.

@BF2748 thank you for your insight, this is really helpful.