Architect AWOL

[Mger2]

Hi - anyone experienced this or have advice:

We hired an architect last year to plan and submit application for a side/rear extension. Planning approved in Nov.

We’ve since had a change of circumstance (first baby due June). And are also thinking we may not stay here as long as first planned. Therefore reluctant to kick off a big build and spend £150k ish that we may not get back if we move in 3-4 years.

We spoke to the architect on the phone and asked if he could do two sets of building regs drawings - one for original design + another a simplified plan adding a smaller extension to the existing kitchen and adding a bathroom upstairs. This would allow us to get accurate quotes and compare costs of a smaller design.

That was Dec 4. Since then I’ve emailed 3x with no reply. Any ideas what to do?

Just move on a find someone else?

The firm is a RIBA member and listed on the RIBA site.

Have you paid him yet?

Have you tried phoning them?

Maybe email again and set a deadline to hear from him by,

are you able to call them up again and speak to a superior? Lead architect or Director? Maybe they were sacked / left / unwell but someone should be monitoring emails.

Failing that, find another architect.

Just make sure you’re 100% paid up and that they know you’ll be changing architects and why. Because if he magically reappears with a new set of drawings - you don’t want them billing you.

And tell the new architects why you’ve switched as they’ll make you a priority if they can..

Hope it works out! x

Thanks - we paid 400 for the initial site survey, plans of the existing structure. And then 700 for the drawings and planning submission (plus some extra fees to the council).

It seemed comparable to other costs given by architects. We’re based in Bucks.

So you haven't actually paid them for the building regs drawings yet. I'd find someone else to get you through the next stage, and do what woodlandarchitect suggests. Try and find someone via a personal recommendation if you can.

Thanks @Woodlandarchitect

Yes, we basically paid in instalments as we went along. So haven’t paid for the building regs drawings.

The guy owned and ran the business. He seemed decent enough and I don’t want to be too unfair on them as he may be seriously ill or something.

Anything in particular we should do when we pick up with new architect so you think? Is it problematic that they’d be ‘inheriting’ someone else’s designs?