When choosing an architect to design your home (they do not actually do the building), you need to be very careful over a number of factors to ensure that you end up both with the style of building that you want, and also one that is safe and conforms with all the latest building and environmental regulations.

1) The first step of course is to ensure that the architect is fully qualified. To me this means a) asking for sight of their certificate and b) confirming with the relevant association that this qualification is current and legal.

2) Check if there are any other rules and regulations that the architect might have to conform to. For example, it might be that they cannot be self-employed until they have served time with an architectual firm.

3) Ask your local government office, and the local consumers office, to check that there have not been any complaints with regard to the architects behaviour, actions or designs in the past.

4) Ask to see examples of previous houses designed by the architect. In this case you should get, if possible, a name of a previous prject that has been completed, and then go and take a look for yourself. If possible, talk to the people occupying the houses and ask for their opinion as to the quality of the architexture and if there are any parts of the design they consider could have been improved upon.

5) Discuss your proposed home at length with the architect. This is important as it will give you an idea as to whether you will be able to work with the person or not. We all have people that we get on with and others that we do not. Unless you get on with the architect, it will possibly reflect upon the final quality of your home.

6) If the architect puts up objections to any part of your design, do not accept it on face value. It is your house. Make sure you fully understand the reasons for any adjustment or alterations, and agree with them.

7) Check with the architect what regulations apply and what licences or permissions you will need. Then check with your local government and service companies that these are correct and there are no others.

If the result of all of these steps prove positive, then you will have a good working relationship with a quality architect and should end up with the home of your dreams, or close to it.

author, Paul Lines.