Have a query regarding the design and construction process?

An architect can provide design services both prior to and during construction. Architects are trained to help you from the very start of your project. Initially, I will meet with you and discuss with you your requirements and your budget. I can then provide you with a design proposal that sets out the services I will provide you and the cost for each stage of the process.

Other consultants may be required for your project, these include a structural engineer, a quantity surveyor, a landscape designer, a Project Supervisor for the Design stage or an M&E engineer. I have a network of consultants that I collaborate with on a regular basis and can formulate a design-team for your project as required.

This can vary from architect to architect and there are no set rules for this. The percentage fees noted below will vary on the scale of the project, the complexity of it, the timescales and the construction costs.

If the project is within an hours travel of the office, we will provide an initial site visit free of charge. Following this, I will send you a fee proposal setting out the proposed fees and project requirements.

I aim to be as open as possible with my clients and the fee proposed will reflect the level of work and attention a project requires. For a project with a construction budget of up to €250,000 I typically charge 9-11% of the overall construction budget - depending on the complexity of the project. For projects up to €500,000 the fee range is between 8-10%, and upwards of €500,000 the fee is 7-10%.

I also get requests for small scale projects, for example a kitchen renovation or small extension, where the client is only looking for initial guidance rather than the full set of services. These would typically include a site visit, survey and a follow up document with a sketch plan and design for the area concerned. Please do get in contact to discuss any design requirements you may have.

Ideally it is best to seek the services of an architect as soon as you start to think about your potential project. With my experience I can help to advise from early on as to the potential outcome of a project and any likely implications it might have - for example planning permission requirements. Having an architect involved for the duration of your project ensures a high standard of design and quality of construction can be maintained.

However, the Design Process is broken down into a number of stages (explained here: Design Process) and depending on your requirements, I can be involved for only the early stages of the project, for example providing an early concept design or preparing a planning application or for the whole duration of the project. Each project is different, and I am happy to discuss all options with you.

Having an architect on board during the actual build has a number of benefits. The building contractor will have 100s of questions for you, from the height of the pendant light to the finish of the plug socket. By having an architect involved, we will act as your advocate and can answer any of the queries that do not require your input, and schedule weekly meetings with you where we can go through any of the questions that do need your input.

Having an architect on board can also give you peace of mind with regard to the quality of the build. Architects have the knowledge and experience as to the level of construction and finish that should be provided by the Builder and will monitor this throughout the project on your behalf.

Often, depending on the scale of the project, if you go to sell the house an “Architect’s Opinion of Compliance” may be sought after by the potential buyer. An architect will only provide this to you if they have been involved in the build process and can verify that the works have been completed (as per their site visits) in compliance with Building Regulations.

It goes without saying this is of course dependent on the scale of each project. If you would like me to look at reconfiguring your existing living and kitchen space, this would be complete in a matter of weeks. If the project is a of a larger scale such as an extension/new build or commercial project then this will be broken down into a number of stages which you can find explained here.

Technically, no you don’t. However, the planning process can be a costly and drawn out process. To reduce the risk of having the planning application rejected and having to re-submit (and re-pay for) the application I would advise having an architect to prepare the application on your behalf.

There are a number of reasons a planning application can be rejected and Architects are familiar with all the technical pitfalls that need to be avoided to get the application approved. We are also aware of all the contextual relationships which the planners will be looking for (with the adjacent buildings or landscape) and a planning application prepared by an Architect will be more likely to gain consent because of this.

Yes. I founded Eaton Wood Architects in order to provide clients with a hands-on service, where I can select the projects I want to work on and provide them with my full attention. But of course, through my years of experience in the industry, I have created a network of other consultants and contractors who I have good relationships with and whom I can ask to be involved in a project if required.

The most common remark I hear from clients when I visit their house or office is “Please ignore the mess, it shouldn’t be like this!”. Please do not apologies to me for any form of mess - it is best for me to see how your space is genuinely being used in order to come up with the best solution that works for you. Also - as a mum of two young children, I can full appreciate how life can get in the way of tidying!