How To Write a Design Brief for Your Architect

At the start of your build or renovation, a solid design brief is essential. The better your architect understands your vision for the build, the more they can tailor the design to your lifestyle. In this post, we’ll outline how to write a design brief, from what it should include to how detailed you should be.

What should it include?

To increase your chances of hitting upon the right person to bring your vision to life, make sure you create a comprehensive brief that includes everything essential to your build. This brief should include:

  1. Reasons for your project – Clarify exactly why you are building/renovating or extending.
  2. Ideas – Outline your style and be as creative as possible.
  3. Pictures – Use magazine cuttings, images of styles you love, colour swatches, photos – anything that can translate your style clearly.
  4. Must-have list – It is nice to have a wish list, but remember to include your ‘must-have’ list. Be clear in your brief what design elements, layout and materials that you won’t compromise on.
  5. Budget – Your architect needs to know how much is allocated for each area and stage of the build, along with the all-important contingency amount. This will allow them to help you stick to your budget and avoid mounting costs.

How long should it be?

A design brief is not meant to be the length of a dissertation. It can be as short as a few lines of text with images or as long as a few pages. But it is important to remember that the more details that are included, the easier it is for your architect to understand your vision.

How detailed should your brief be?

Asking yourself certain questions will help you write your design brief. For example, do you work from home? Does open plan work for you? How many bedrooms do you need?

The answers to these types of questions will be incredibly helpful to your architect when it comes to designing the best layout for your lifestyle. So, include as many details as possible in your brief.

Other useful information will include:

  • Size of house – It is essential to be as detailed as possible on how many bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces you want. You also need to clarify the size of the plot if you are building from scratch and what outside space is allocated for.
  • What lifestyle benefits do you want? – Does open plan work for you or would you benefit from separate living spaces to give more options for a growing family?
  • Energy-efficient features – You may want to specify sustainable building materials and the importance of using a smart heating and lighting system. Inform your architect if you want solar panels or an electric charging point for your car.
  • Timescales you are working to – It will be helpful to everyone involved in your build to know when deadlines are approaching.
  • Budget for each area – Knowing your budget like the back of your hand is crucial so you should know how much you can allocate to each area of your build. Your architect can be invaluable during this stage as they have done it all before, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
  • Non-negotiable features – There may be certain elements that are non-negotiable for you such as walk-in cupboards, garage, driveway, solar panels, utility room etc. You will need to clarify these in your brief to avoid disappointment later.
  • Planning conditions – Include all planning info that you know already. Your architect will be a source of professional advice on the ins and outs of planning permission.

Brief the design experts at CODA Bespoke

Once your brief is in place, it’s time to turn your vision into a reality. CODA Bespoke’s RIBA-accredited architects are here to help you with your dream, from concept to completion. We’ll create meticulous designs based on your requirements and preferences – and we can also assist with other parts of the process where required.

Ready to get started? Brief us on your build today.

As technology continues to advance, houses are becoming increasingly futuristic. So, what does the future of houses actually look like?

The developments in house design, type of materials and energy efficiency are what houses of the future will focus on. Homeowners will feel much more connected to their homes by using digital technology and becoming more involved in their design.

In this post, we’ll look at 9 advancements that will shape the future of houses.

1. Smart lighting

You don’t have to look into the future for lighting trends, as smart lighting is already a very popular feature in homes. But the lighting industry is expected to develop even further with long-lasting LEDs and the ability to customise designs and functions.

2. Alternative heating systems

Typical hot air systems will be replaced with cleaner and more efficient alternatives. For example, radiant floor heating which generates heat from the floor to provide even distribution throughout the house. Solar-powered heating and air-source heat pumps will also become increasingly popular as they use renewable energy to heat your home.

3. Technology for health and safety

Smart healthcare technology is used regularly in the workplace. But did you know that it is being developed for the home as well? Your smart home could have bed sensors to detect ill health or flooring can detect if someone has had a fall and alert the right people. The possibilities are endless for this type of tech.

4. Electric cars

Great for the environment and the bank account (long-term), electric cars are growing in popularity. Each house of the future will need an electric charging point – or multiple.

5. Modular homes

Known as factory-built homes, these types of houses look likely to become a future trend. Built off-site and then transferred to your preferred location, they are convenient and cost-effective. They utilise space creatively and make less of an impact on the environment.   

6. Layout

There are many benefits of open-plan living and this trend has only increased in popularity. Having a spacious and bright living area can positively affect your mental health and give opportunities for unique and creative designs.

7. Home offices

Hybrid working has become a popular new norm since the covid pandemic. When surveyed, 84% of workers reported plans to split their working hours between home and the office. So, houses in the future are more likely to incorporate a space for home working into their design.

8. Advanced security systems

Over the next 10 years, the average home will be fitted out with security cameras, as well as an integrated emergency response system. Many homeowners already have a security camera, lights and alarm on their property. But as security systems develop, advanced features will become more affordable and appealing to the average homeowner.

9. Alternative building materials

Homes of the future will generate much less waste as they will be made from recycled or easily renewable materials. Bamboo, in particular, will be used a lot more for its eco-friendly and durable properties.

Design your unique home with CODA Bespoke

If you want to build a home for the future, CODA Bespoke can help. Our experienced architects design new build homes drawing on all the latest practices, technology and materials, so you have a home that’s future-proof and highly functional.

Want to find out more? Contact our friendly team today on 01142794931 or email hello@codabespoke.co.uk.

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