Can anyone recommend an architect in north london/south herts?

[LovelyTinOfSpam]

I think we're going to go for it on the extension front...

TIA

Brendan Woods

Our house is on his website, but I'm not telling you which one...

Ooh thanks squeaver...

We have had plans drawn up by this company

I'm really enjoying looking at these websites!

Keep em coming!

Littlefish/squeaver - as I've never done this before are they happy to come and have an initial look and give some basic ideas before going full on into it? How do you decide to book them - at what point do you have to start paying them - initial ideas or plans etc?

Am a bit clueless

squeaver I would love to play a guessing game with you but I'll hold back

Usually they'll come and have a look and have a chat then let you know how they work. It's usually a % of the total build cost that they charge.

Have a look at the RIBA website. I think it's got useful info.

Let's just say, we're not in Notting Hill....

Well it's gotta be highgate

Amd my guess is.... drumroll... Highgate 1...

Don't know why, that is a wild guess!

Obviously I'm not expecting you to confirm or deny!

Will check out the RIBA website, thanks loads. Thing is I think we want something nice, but not grand designs IYKWIM. Will have a good think

You'd be surprised at how small most projects are that architects take on.

Good luck with it.

We didn't go the conventional route. A family member works for the company I linked to, so I'm afraid I can't be much help, other than to say that we're really, really, really happy with the ideas they came up with. They came up with ideas and spaces we would never have thought of.

Gosh it's tricky isn't it. And we haven't even started yet!

Thank you both for your help, will check the website and definitely keep both of your recommendations in mind. My guess is that they normally put the "grand designs" ones on the website and the more bog-standard stuff is not flagged up.

We are deffo bog-standard!!!

Squeaver I'm in barnet and know highgate pretty well, very nice indeed, if that is where you are

I think in this economic climate, architects are pleased to consider any projects, bog standard or extraordinary

I've filled in the RIBA form for suitable architects, awaiting response with excitement!

Out of interest, any idea about what the usual % charge is or does it vary a lot?

Don't want to get carried away!

I know a very good one- she lives in WImbledon and works on her own. She did our last house rennovation very wel. let me know if you need more details

Hi Diddy thanks for that. Yes I think we're going to make a list of a few to have a chat with so contact details would be good. Can you put them on here or would you rather email me? I take it she doesn't have a website!

Thanks loads

I will CAT you tonight as she doesn't have a website.

I don't have CAT set up so don't know if it will work. if not let me know I will post my email address.

V good of you diddy.

You should be able to receive messages. will try as soon as i get home. no problem

Hi LovelyTin - I am just waiting for my architect friend to confirm that she is still working as I know that she start a part time art course. Will revert as soon as.

I don't know if you have a period house but the builder that I am using for Refurb is based in St Albaans but covers in North and North West London no problem. He is very very good with period houses. Really knows his stuff. He is a very good communicator, doesn't whinge and (so far) sticks to his quotes and tells you where you can save money. He did very good major internal as well as external work on the house down the road. The thing with using him to decorate a period house is that you feel very safe that he knows what to do with these types of house....for example, he suggests using the right materials: lime mortar for pointing where appropriate, horses hair for rendering, sheeps wool for insulation.....

And his prices seem competitive. Let me know if you would like his contacts. I can tell him that I have referred you if you decide to ask him for an estimate.

Thanks again diddy! We are fairly near st albans so recommendation would be fab - we're in a 50's house though so no period snazz...

Would be great to get contact details for the architect though

LovelyTin- Just chased the architect. I will also post builders number.

LovelyTin- I just sent you architect's email and builder's mobile. Both expect you to make contact altho' they dont know you name. You can mention my bane (see my email address).

best regards

Oh, architects will offer you project management which could be very useful in some situation.

If it is a relatively simple job and you are trying to save money, what you could do instead is to use architect for design only and take care to choose honest builder who is a good communicator. That way you and the builder effectively project manage. But I wouldn't tell anyone that a project manager is a waste of time as it all depends on what your constraints and situation are.

Got your CATs!

Thanks ever so much. We are still at very early stages so I probably won't be in touch straight away - but will mention your recommendation when we do!

Thanks again, and for all your advice. I suspect we'll be going down the cheaper route - arcitect to draw plans and get permissions and then reliable builder as per your post

good luck. Lots of helpful advice on MN, I found

Hi TDiddy - could you possibly post or send me your builder's contact details too please? I am due in April and have just found out that the house on which our offer was accepted 2 months ago is being taken off the market - there's so little about that now we're looking to see if we can buy somewhere that needs doing up... Thanks v much in advance.