Grimshaw & Co Architects

Interior, Residential, and Landscape Architects in London

Main Content

Simple & Elegant

London · New York · Melbourne

Start Your Adventure

Our Ethos

A designer is a planner with an aesthetic sense. We offer different viewpoint and a new stage of evolution.

What We Believe

We Believe

Architecture with people in mind. we give your dreams a shape of reality. Only at Grimshaw & Co, where ideas meet skills.

Latest Post

Latest Post

Should I Hire An Architect?

When planning your project, one of the first questions that come up is, do I need an architect?

Well, we will not lie. We think that hiring an architect is preferable to try to do your drawings, but there may be times when you can manage perfectly well without one.

So how do you know which category you fit into? We have compiled a list of things to check for, before making your decision to hire or not.

First, some pointers. 

Is Hiring An Architect A Legal Requirement?

The first question our team get asked a lot is whether any laws are stating that you must hire a qualified architect for your home design project.

The short answer is no, but hiring an architect will help keep your project running smoothly and also ensure things are strictly legal and above board.

This is especially the case if your conversion or home modelling requires planning permission. 

In these circumstances, having an architect on board can nip a load of problems in the bud before they happen.

An architect will be experienced in helping liaise with the local planning office and advise you on what is likely to be acceptable.

Hiring an architect might make it easier for you to comply with building regs and other legal requirements, but it isn’t a legal requirement in itself.

How should I vet my architect?

Before hiring an architect for your home improvement project, you must check their credentials out in advance.

Architects are required to register with the Architects Registration Board, and it is easy to check; they are who they say they are. 

Might I get away without hiring an architect for my project?

Indeed, many homeowners complete successful renovations without ever engaging the support of an architect. Sometimes, even significant remodels can be achieved without recourse to an architect.

However, it is a personal decision and what is right for one person, may not be another’s best move.

Times when you may manage fine without an architect include:

  • When you have done this type of project before and know the procedure well.
  • When you are somewhat experienced with remodels in general and have some knowledge of planning permission etc.
  • When you trust your builder implicitly.
  • When you are on a tight budget and may not be able to afford it.
  • When you wish to deal with as few people as possible.
  • When you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve.

When Should I Hire An Architect?

  • If you are in any doubt, you should hire an architect rather than not doing so.
  • If you are not confident in your abilities to plan and oversee this remodel.
  • If there are any complications, for example, planning permission is required.
  • If you are a little hazy about the details of what you require/ or need. 
  • Suppose you are inexperienced in hiring builders and remodels, especially for first-time renovators.
  • When you would like someone else’s professional input.

Pros And Cons

There are pros and cons of hiring an architect. Here are the main points.

Pros

  • Keeping your project on track.
  • Invaluable advice on procedure.
  • Great with the nitty-gritty and details that can make or break or project.
  • Can help with reliable sourcing contractors.

Cons 

  • Architect fees add approximately 20% to your costs.

Ultimately, the decision to hire an architect is yours alone, but we think if you are unsure, then you need to! 

 

House Painting Options From Professional Painters

 

 

One of the easiest ways to make a major change in your decor is to paint. By hiring a professional with a commitment to quality like this interior house painter in Calgary, you are assured of getting a great paint job which makes your home more attractive and inviting. While anything is now possible in interior design, you can decorate your walls in ways that reflect your personality and style.

 

The Walls in a Home

 

The walls of your home are an important part of the overall structure and decor. The fastest way to redecorate a room is to change the color of the walls. Your walls can make a dramatic statement or be a neutral backdrop for furniture, art, and accessories. It’s important to choose colors you like rather than follow the latest color trends.

 

Paints come in an unlimited array of colors, and you can custom make colors. You can paint one or two walls in a room a bold color or paint the walls using various decorative techniques for subtle textures. Professional painters can help you to find the right color for each room of your house.

painting options

The Types of Paint

 

Paints are available in different types such as flat, semi-gloss and gloss. The type of paint you choose depends on a number of factors. For example, high-gloss paint has a nice sheen which is easy to clean. This might work best in kitchens or children’s bedrooms. A flat finish may do well in the living room, depending on the look you want.

 

Whatever type of paint you use, it’s important to use non-VOC paints or low-VOC paints. Paints without volatile organic compounds (VOCs) don’t emit toxic fumes or gases. These paints are also best for people with health problems such as asthma, or allergies, or have chemical sensitivity issues. VOC paints can cause a host of other health problems as well. By using non-VOC paints, the interior of your home has better air quality, so residents can breathe easier.

 

Non-VOCs paints are growing in popularity as more people embrace green living. The quality of these paints is just as good as traditional paints, only without the toxic smells. Most major brands of paint now have a low- or non-VOC line of products.

 

When decorating your home, the walls are one of the major features like the floors, doors, and windows. Although you can paint the walls yourself, you will get better results by hiring professional painters.

Can I Still Do My Project During Lockdown?

Whether it is a national lockdown or local restrictions that are in force, the rules around renovations need careful checking.

At the moment, England’s national lockdown will be lifted on Wednesday 2nd December. If you are in another UK country, check with your government advice, but as the rules stand you are permitted to have a refit of kitchens as well as other projects. You may also redecorate, landscape a garden, engage an electrician, plumber, construction firm or roofer.

More good news is that hardware shops are still open throughout this second national lockdown, as the government realises they are an essential service.

What Are The Procedures To Follow When Hiring A Professional?

Social distancing guidelines should be adhered to, as should ordinary mask-wearing procedure indoors. 

In addition to this, tradespeople (including architects) should also:

  • Check that you or your household have no signs of coronavirus or coronavirus, or are self-isolating.
  • Any symptoms, no matter how mild must result in a postponing of the works.
  • Contractors should wash and sanitise their hands when they arrive.
  • Maintain correct social distancing of two meters at all times.
  • Contractors are encouraged to use a buddy system, to ensure a bubble of workers, together in any one context.
  • Contractors should not access the household’s refreshment facilities and bring their own. 
  • Contractors should be provided with disposable handwashing and drying facilities separate from the family

What Are The Guidelines For Maintaining The Site?

Your home or project will become a workplace for all intents and purposes, and it is important to follow the rules carefully.

You must: 

  • Maintain social distancing of two meters.
  • Limit the numbers of people on-site together.
  • Encourage contractors to arrive by car or van, not public transport.
  • Ensure neither contractors or anyone else in the home has any coronavirus symptoms 

What Else Should A Homeowner Do To Prepare?

  • Communication is vital for your contractor or architect. Ensure you understand each other and the procedures you are adhering to.
  • Have plans to reduce risks wherever possible. Implement a buddy system for contractors to work together in a bubble.
  • Plan your project well, especially allowing for deliveries to arrive possibly later than usual. We advise not beginning any job until the materials are ready. 
  • Sanitise as much as possible and ensure surfaces are wiped down with antibacterial cleaners frequently. Provide hand sanitation for your contractors. 
  • Minimise contact with the work area. This means removing pets and children from space.
  • Embrace technology and use zoom, skype and other means of electronic communication for speaking to your contractors where possible.
  • Ensure you have the correct insurance in place for all eventualities and contractors. 
  • If anyone is shielding or has symptoms of coronavirus, you must inform your contractors. Only emergency work can be carried out in these circumstances.

Finally…

Take heart, it is still possible to have renovation work done during a lockdown, or other local area restrictions, it just requires some careful planning and of course, an experienced architect is well placed to advise you on how! 

Work With Us

You got space and we got the idea. We offer stunning designs for your residential, commercial, landscape, and interior design. We are the passionate architects for a better living.

Talk To our Team