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Here at XUL Architecture, we have worked on over 300 projects since we first formed our architecture practice in 2008, so we feel we have the relevant experience and project management skills to guide clients through the daunting process of beginning an architectural project. Our creative team all have a rich background working in different practices around the world, helping to foster a practice that places innovation and ingenuity at the heart of everything we do.

Architects often have a USP (Unique Selling Point) to help them stand out from a crowd and easily portray their style, values and design aesthetic to potential clients. There will be architects who specialise in period restoration, those that have expertise in sustainability or those that have a passion for more unusual building materials or methods. Often this might be clear from an architect’s website or portfolio, but it always helps to ask your architect about their unique selling point and see how it relates to the intentions for your project.

When we say that typically people spend 20% more than the net construction cost on consultant fees, what does that actually mean?

Self-build projects

On self-build projects you do not pay VAT on the construction costs but you will always pay VAT on consultants fees.

Do I need an architect?

Whether you need an architect for your project or can suffice with a builder, depends on your project and how much design input or creative thinking you require.

An architecture studio can sometimes provide more comfort and security than a one-man band, as they often have more resources and broader, more detailed experience.

Architecture is a profession that requires a high level of creative skill, design knowledge, and attention to detail. For projects big and small, architects will produce a range of information and detail to help bring a design to life, taking your project from initial concept design to construction drawings and specifications. In this article, we discuss the level of information and detail typically produced by architects for a project and why it is needed.

Your architect must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to be able to practice as an architect and call themselves such. The ARB is the regulatory...

The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and the ARB (Architects Registration Board) are two separate organisations that play key roles in the architecture profession in the UK.

We know that trust is an important element of working with an architect. There are a number of ways that you can verify an architect’s recommendations and reassure your mind that they’re the right fit for you.