Searching for an architect can be a confusing process. Our initial searches yielded a huge range of varying costs and we were uncertain on what we would actually get for the extra money. We appreciate that an element of an architect’s work is in design, however in our opinion the main goal was to get the project through planning and building regulations. Obviously ending up with a nice, but practical house is equally important, but making a major architectural design statement perhaps wasn’t that high on our list.We also wanted to employ an architect in Ashby de la Zouch, or at least near to us!
It is possible to search for architects in your area using the RIBA website, However, we found the selection of architects quite limited and a search only yielded six within a 10 mile radius of our barn. I believe that this is a new service though and so the service may improve. Lacey and Owen are not actually members of RIBA, but class themselves as chartered architectural technologists and are members of the CIAT (Chartered institute of architectural technologists). Mark Owen explains more;
The traditional role of an architectural technologist was to work alongside the architect to turn there concept ides into reality and make them work structurally, however over the past 20 years the role has evolved and we are now capable of taking on the same range of design roles a an architect and we are ideally set up to deal with domestic and conversion projects.
Lacey & Owen, Architect in Ashby de la Zouch
In the end we chose Lacey and Owen in Ilkeston. We were particularly impressed with their eagerness to help with their project and their knowledge of the agricultural to residential permitted development process. Although Lacey and Owen are not in our immediate area, Mark, who is our main point of contact lives in the next village.
Architect for Planning Permission
Mark steered us through the planning by drawing up some plans which were similar to our initial thinking, but also giving advice and great suggestions which we went with. The completion of the planning permission was trouble free and we are very grateful to Lacey and Owen architects for that!
The planning officer at North West Leicestershire council informed us that she was very impressed with our plans and in fact said that she had passed the 3D drawings which Lacey and Owen had created to some other applicants. She informed us that our project was exactly what they wanted to put through as permitted developments!
So far in this process, if you are looking for an architect in Ashby de la Zouch, we can very much recommend Lacey and Owen!
Our review of Lacey & Owen [usr 5]
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