If you’ve set your heart on self-building your dream home, you might have found yourself frantically searching for a “local architect near me”. It’s no secret that many self-builders prefer to work with local architects on their new self-build home. But is it the right choice for you? Read on to learn some of the benefits of using a local architect...
One of the best benefits to using an architect near you is that they’re familiar with the terrain. Having worked in the area for a long time, they often have broader local knowledge, for example, about planning regulations and the council’s development policies.
It’s important to remember that planning regulations can vary between locations, so having a local architect who understands the ins and outs of your area’s regulations can make the process much quicker and smoother.
However, no matter where they come from, experienced architects won’t take long to get to grips with local regulations. So, ultimately, looking into their track record for attaining planning approval is the priority.
Although you’ll mostly communicate with your architect over the phone, via email or even video calling, sometimes you will want to meet face-to-face. This could be because you need to explain something in more detail, perhaps even with an illustration or diagram. Working with architecture firms near you also means your architect will be able to conduct site visits more frequently to support and supervise the building team.
Being able to visit a local architect’s office can also be beneficial, as you can easily drop in to discuss an issue or bring in documents where required. This should never be a deal-breaker, however, as there are many ways to keep in close contact with an architect based further afield, not least because they will be happy to travel for meetings with valued clients.
Local architects will also have a wide network of trusted local builders and tradespeople to work on your project. As they work with many local contractors on a regular basis, they’re best placed to recommend surveyors, builders and designers that suit your style and budget. Not only will this ensure you get the best possible deal, but it will save you plenty of time that would otherwise be wasted hunting for a reliable contractor.
Whilst there are clear benefits to working with a local architect near you, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. You should never compromise on quality and style for the sake of proximity. If you find an architecture firm that you can trust and that understands your vision, then don’t be put off by the longer distance. With video conferencing at hand, it’s easy to connect with amazing architects across the country. Remember – locality has its benefits, but it’s far from the only factor you should consider.
Ultimately, the perfect architect for you will offer the right combination of quality, budget and style. Ask to see their portfolio to ensure their designs align with your vision. At CODA Bespoke, our award-winning, Sheffield-based team has over 40 years of combined experience creating beautiful self-build homes.
If you’d like to see some of the projects that we’ve worked on, take a look at our extensive portfolio. Have a question about our services or want to discuss a project? Get in touch with our friendly team today.
