How to Hire an Architect: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Home or Extension Project
Working with an Architect
A good relationship between client and architect is crucial to a successful project, particularly for a new home or extension project where ultimately you will be the one living in the building.
We use the RIBA Plan of Work to move through project stages. These stages set out milestones, providing a framework when employing an architect. We've put together our Bark Journey to help you understand this process for your own build project.
If you're wondering what it will actually be like working with an Architect, you're in the right place.
The Typical Project Stages
Below are the typical architecture project stages, from initial enquiry to building completion. We've mapped this out as our own Bark Journey, to help you understand the process:
Stage 0 – Strategic Definition
Studio Bark uses Stage 0 to explore numerous ideas, usually through two concept designs. This enables us to better understand what you like, and what might work for your property or site.
Stage 1 – Preparation and Brief
Based on your feedback and further research, we will develop a single design proposal. We will submit this initial design for ‘pre-application advice’ at the end of Stage 1.
Stage 2 – Concept Design
Stage 2 design development is more detailed and will be tailored according to the council’s feedback. This gives your proposal the best chance of success at planning.
Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination
We will continue to develop and test aspects of the design through hand-drawing, digital design techniques and model making. At the end of Stage 3 we will submit the ‘full’ planning application.
Stage 4 – Technical Design
During Stage 4 we will develop the design to a level of detail where it can be sent to building contractors for pricing.
Stage 5 – Construction
We will tailor our level of input during Stage 5 to your project requirements, and can provide contract administration services. We will produce the construction drawings and attend regular site visits to check that work is proceeding smoothly.
Stage 6 – Handover and Close Out
Following the construction phase, Stage 6 refers to the sequence of events and contractual requirements which allow the building contract to be concluded.
Stage 7 – In Use
Stage 7 services analyse how well the building is performing ‘in use’.
About Studio Bark
About Studio Bark
We deliver bespoke, joyful homes which are inherently contextual and inspired by meaningful investigation of each site. Environmental design is central to our process; our work incorporates best practice principles and pushes the boundaries of ecologically-conscious architecture.
Our portfolio of built work encompasses residential, commercial and community projects. We have secured planning permission for ambitious designs on challenging urban, suburban and rural sites across the UK, and are leaders in rural planning policy including Paragraph 84 (the ‘country house exception clause’) of the National Planning Policy Framework.
Our Clients’ Stories
We love working on sustainable new home and extension projects. But don't just take our word for it, here's what our clients have to say about us...
“From day one, we had tried not to get too attached to the design of Black Barn, as the project was originally conceived as an investment opportunity. However, as the design progressed, we couldn’t help falling in love with this house. Having lived here for several months we have absolutely no regrets. We now live in an incredibly beautiful, bespoke and comfortable home, which responds to the sun, the wind and the rain. Studio Bark are an inspiring bunch, always hunting for new and interesting ways to solve problems, whilst helping us with our brief and keeping an eye on the budget. Their insights and guidance have been invaluable throughout the project."
- Black Barn client
Explore project
“My luck started the day Wilf came around for a cup of tea and a tentative meeting. From then on he managed to take my jumbled ideas and a box file of cuttings and arrange them into a coherent, inspiring and ultimately massively exciting, beautiful and original design. Wilf has managed to gently guide me through the perils of planning, the various obstacles that invariably crop up within a Code 6 build with humour and a calm that belies his years. I am, and continue to be astonished by his work ethic and dedication to this build. I absolutely know he is instrumental in making this a reality."
- Periscope House client
Explore project
"Carrying out our recent build project with Studio Bark has been an amazing experience. We wanted to add a first-floor extension to our 1830s cottage to provide an upstairs yoga space and bedroom with an en-suite shower room and a landing space to accommodate all our books.
Studio Bark came up with an innovative design, with high ceilings vaulted in birch, which managed the difficult task of sitting well with the existing building while not attempting to copy it. They managed the planning application process, keeping us informed and worked with us to ensure that we understood the proposals.
Communication through the project has been excellent. There was huge potential for difficulties, as a separate building company was involved in some of the work, but Studio Bark managed this seamlessly, keeping us informed at every stage and working well with sub-contractors and other specialists.
We are so delighted with the whole project, and teaching my first yoga class in the space last week, I felt that it is very peaceful and calm and a wonderful addition to our home."
- Mill Lane client
Explore project