The value of an Architect

The architect’s contribution to a building extends far beyond form and aesthetics. It can influence the perception, performance and value of your business.
Brought in early and given the opportunity to understand your business, an architect can desig­­n a building, masterplan or interior that is tailored to your needs, both now and in the future; one that is not only productive but also a pleasure to work in and visit. Consulting an architect at the earliest planning stages opens the door to cost savings, both in the construction and operation of the building, from innovative design solutions. Using an architect to manage your project and coordinate the work of consultants and contractors can save you and your staff time.

A sound investment?

Good advice has its price and the price of skimping on design quality is far higher. An architect’s fees may be charged as a percentage of the total construction cost or at an hourly rate or as a lump sum, depending on the service supplied. Design fees will usually constitute just a small fraction of the total construction cost. And they pale into insignificance when measured against the company’s total operating costs over the 20 year lifespan of the building. High quality design can reduce those operating costs by maximising the efficiency of the building. A building that has received the input of design professionals from inception will be cheaper to run and command greater value in the long term.