If you’ve never used an architect before the whole idea can be a bit daunting. This page is intended to help answer some of the questions you may have.
EK:JN architects
100 High Street
Linlithgow
EH49 7AQ
T. 01506 847151
F. 01506 846209
EK:JN home page
Architects are highly trained professional designers and project managers. Most architects have trained at University for 5 years and have at least 2 years of supervised practice before being admitted to the register of architects.
An Architect’s training covers the principles of good design for townscapes, individual buildings, interiors and building components, New buildings and extensions.
Architects are also taught how to deal with local authority legislation, and to manage construction projects.
"ARCHITECT"
The title ‘Architect’ is reserved in law for persons who have been admitted to the register of architects, maintained by the Architect’s registration Board (ARB).
Click here for the ARB’s website where you can find out more.Professional Indemnity Insurance
Architects are required to carry Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance to cover their professional work. PI insurance is intended to pay out if the architect makes a mistake and needs to compensate his client. PI cover varies from £250,000 minimum up to £5million or more, depending on a practice’s workload. Details of EK:JN’s PI cover can be provided on request.
JN trained at Nottingham University
EK trained at Dundee University
ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTANTS &
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIANS/TECHNOLOGISTS
The word ‘Architectural’ is not governed by the law that controls the title ‘Architect’. Designers calling themselves ‘Architectural’ specialists may be highly experienced professionals, but some are not and clients will need to make their own checks.
Like most practices EK:JN employs several highly qualified Technicians to assist the architects in their work.
Click here for details of CIAT the registration body for Architectural TechnologistsFEES
An architect’s job is to design an original and individual building for each client. Each project is different, has a different site, a different set of criteria and a different budget. Some clients require more of an architect’s services than others. For these reasons Architects’ fees vary from project to project.
For small, complicated projects the fees can be 16% or more. For larger projects with a straight-forward content the fees may be 4% or less. The Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) publishes guidance on fees. A copy of the RIAS guidance can be provided on request.
For most domestic projects the fees for a full architectural service are between 12% and 16% of the construction cost, with discounts available for a reduced package of services. Fixed fees can be agreed for some commissions.
RIAS
For more information about the Royal institute of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) click here
RIASLocal Authority approvals
Most people know that they need Planning permission before they can build (although some buildings don’t). However, some people aren’t aware that they also need Building Warrant approval – an entirely separate department in the Council. Some projects also need Listed Building Consent, Fire Officer approval, Liquor Licensing approval and so on. EK:JN can give you all the advice you need.
Contact us
mail@ekjn.co.ukNever used an architect before?
Click hereReference projects
Domestic projects 1 Domestic projects 2 Duntarvie castle Restaurants Medical centres Tartan weaving centre
Further information
More about EK:JN Newsletters