How to Choose an Architect in London

The title architect is protected in the UK. Use the Architects Registration Board's register to verify the individual claiming that title, and distinguish an individual's registration from the name of a business.

RIBA membership and RIBA Chartered Practice status are different credentials from statutory ARB registration. Check the relevant current records rather than relying on a logo or assuming every team member has identical professional status.

Ask to see work comparable in building type, constraints and scale. A beautiful new-build photograph does not on its own demonstrate experience with a constrained terrace, occupied block or listed interior.

Ask which parts of the project the practice designed and delivered, what evidence supports the stated outcome and whether comparable clients can provide genuine references with permission. Do not confuse visual renders with completed photographs.

Check whether the fee covers survey, concept options, planning, revisions, technical design, structural engineering, tendering and construction-stage services. Establish the output at each stage and the basis of any additional charges.

Clarify statutory fees, specialist reports, independent party wall surveyors, investigations, VAT, expenses and work following major client changes or refusal. Two similar headline fees can buy very different services.

Find out who is your day-to-day contact and how architecture, structure and external advisers share information. A coordinated design process should make responsibilities clearer, not hide exclusions.

Shorplans has in-house architectural and structural expertise. Party wall surveying remains a separate specialist role: Shorplans can identify issues and coordinate with your appointed surveyor, rather than act as that surveyor.

Use a written professional appointment describing services, payment stages, responsibilities, insurance and the process for changes, suspension or complaints. Understand the agreed use of drawings and what happens if the project pauses.

Discuss meeting frequency, decision points and how budget and programme risks will be reported. Avoid selecting solely on a promise of a particular approval date or guaranteed planning success; those outcomes depend on factors no designer controls.