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Wednesday, 13th June 2007

Architecture week: Inspiration for a brighter future

INSPIRATION: Design for living
INSPIRATION: Design for living
ARCHITECT Martin Percox is preparing to go out and talk to ten new clients about their aspirations for their homes and how they can best be achieved within their budget.
 
He will spend around an hour in various properties giving them the benefit of his 30 odd years of experience but receive not a penny.
 
Instead the 10 householders have all made a £40 donation to Shelter in exchange for his time and expertise.
 
It is all part of National Architecture Week, an initiative by the trade body RIBA – The Royal Institute of British Architects – which decided a decade ago to try and raise awareness of architecture and house design and do their bit for the homelessness charity at the same time.
 
It used to be a tenner but even at £40 it is an incredibly cost effective way to voice your own ideas in front of a professional or get inspired by theirs.
 
Martin, who works from his own single practice in Manchester, said: “I see it as my way of making my own contribution to the voluntary sector and I have probably done about 60 visits over the years I have been involved.

“As well as helping the homeless, it has led to me getting one large commission – to fuse two grand old cottages outside Bolton into one property. Generally though it gives me a chance to meet real people in their homes and hear how they feel about them, how they like to live and what their aspirations are.

Tremendous
 
“Sometimes architects can be guilty of spending too much time talking with each other and not talking to ordinary people so this gives me a tremendous insight into the way people treat their homes.”
 
His clients over the years have ranged from very well read and focussed professionals looking to discuss major plans, to a couple in east Manchester who knew absolutely nothing about the role of an architect.
 
Over the last decade the RIBA initiative has raised over £650,000 for Shelter and Martin said: “Because there is no commitment on either side it is a much less stressful way of getting information and advice, for expressing your plans and seeing if they could work or if there are better options.
 
“As soon as a client/professional fee is involved you have to be a bit more careful.”
 
Another 13 architecture practices are also taking part, which means upwards of 100 people looking for ways to improve or extend their homes – a clear indication that the cost of moving is forcing more people to stay put and improve instead.
 
But progressing from initial consultation to commissioning can be an expensive leap with most architects charging 10 per cent of the final build costs as their fee, and some up to 17 per cent.
 
As with employing any other professional clear communication and putting things down in writing is the key to keeping the relationship going and make sure at the outset what level of input you need. The RIBA website has detailed advice on how to get the best out of an architect.

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Pitfalls
 
It does not point out the many pitfalls, however, and you should always speak out immediately if you are unhappy with any aspect of drawings or work.
 
Martin said: “The overall price can be a shock for some people. Then there are the other costs like building regulations and tender documents. And it can be hard to convince people that they will save money in the long run and they will add more value to their property.”
 
The emphasis of this years architecture week is climate change and sustainability and Chairman of RIBA north west, Roger Stephenson, said: “It is a particularly timely opportunity for homeowners to seek professional advice on how to make their homes more energy efficient and I expect this scheme to be a huge hit once again.”
 
Adam Sampson, Chief Executive of Shelter said: “One in seven children in Britain are growing up homeless or badly housed, with devastating effects on their health, education and future chances.

“The money raised by RIBA will be used to help Shelter’s vital work with homeless and badly housed people – and this year, you can also discover how to make your home more environmentally-friendly.

“Changing your home for the better could help transform the lives of those children and families whose futures are being wrecked by bad housing.”

Architecture Week runs from June 15th – 24th and if you are inspired to consult with an architect there is still just time to register.

Log on to architectureweek.org and follow the links. You will have to pledge a £40 donation to Shelter at the time you register and will then be matched with an architect from one of the 14 practices in Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester that are taking part if there are places still available. The website also lists a full series of events taking place in the north west to highlight and explore the region’s architecture.