The Ask an Architect Initiative created to raise funds for Friends of the Cancer Centre in Northern Ireland. It runs yearly from the spring until end of September.
The Initiative was featured in the September Issue of Ireland’s Homes, Interiors and Living.
Do you have a vision for your home but need guidance or clarification? The Ask An Architect charity initiative from the Royal Society of Ulster Architects gives you the opportunity to get just that. Our new resident experts 2020 Architects explain how the scheme can be of benefit.
When you embark on a project to redesign your home, getting an architect involved may not even be on your radar. You might consider that an architect is only required for a new build or a major extension, but this is not the case.
Architects can help homeowners to see the big picture – not just the bricks-and-mortar construction design, but also how to make the space work for the individual needs of the occupant.
However, it can be daunting to even think about approaching an architect with your query – which architect do you choose? How much does it cost? How do you know if they are the right architect for you?
For those who are not sure where to begin, the Royal Society of Ulster Architects currently has the Ask An Architect initiative in place, which offers no-strings-attached consultations with a chosen architect in exchange for a charitable donation of £50. Funds raised go directly to the Friends of the Cancer Centre and the Jill Todd Trust to support their locally-led cancer research.
An initial hour-long consultation of this sort can help you clarify your thinking on what you want from your home, and what steps you need to take next.
2020 Architects
IHIL new’s resident experts 2020 Architects are one of the firms on board with the initiative and available for consultation. Commenting on the scheme Michael Howe from the company said, ‘’We are proud to be involved for an eighth year in this local charity fundraiser. We have had some great consultations over the years, which have turned into beautiful homes. We love sharing our passion and experience to help create unique spaces through this scheme.’
Most home improvement projects start with a problem, and architects are trained to solve problems in creative ways. They are trained to identify the opportunities that a particular house affords, like views and connectivity between rooms or outdoor space, as well as figuring out how to deal with the constraints, like the position of power sources, changes in level or poor orientation.
An architect may be able to come up with a cost-effective solution to your problem by just rearranging the existing space and without requiring any major building work at all.
If you have outdoor space, it’s worth asking how best to connect your house with it. Many older houses don’t connect well with the garden or yard. An architect can find ways to make more fluid connections, maximise the useful space, and bring more light inside your home.
Planning requirements and planning exemptions, particularly when it comes to listed buildings or conservation areas, can feel like a minefield for homeowners. Architects have a good handle on the process and will be able to tell you what documents you’ll need for planning, tenders and building contracts. They can also help you consider any other issues regarding access, land ownership or rights of way that might be a problem.
When it comes down to it, cost is one of the most important elements of a home building or improvement project. An Ask An Architect consultation is a good opportunity to ask about fees – you can get an idea of how much an architect is likely to cost for your project without feeling like there is any pressure to take things any further after the consultation.
If you’re in the process of planning a home improvement project, regardless of its scale, an architect can offer you invaluable support and guidance. Whether you’re looking to revamp your existing space, add an extension or home office, or even design a new home from scratch, a chartered architect can help you bring your ideas to life.
Ask An Architect bookings can be made for a minimum donation of £50 at www.askanarchitect-ni.com until the end of September 2024. Consultations are available in person or online. For more opportunities to benefit from 2020 Architects’ expertise keep an eye on the IHIL social channels and @2020architects over the next few weeks.
2020 Architects
Offices in Ballymoney, Co. Antrim and Roscommon, Co. Roscommon
In business since 2012 and have had over 1,100 projects in that time
Specialising in creating bespoke spaces in collaboration with our clients
Offer Full Architectural services, Remote Design and Design Review Services
+442827667999
Previous issues of IHIL magazine are available to order.