{"id":7072,"date":"2024-04-19T06:30:25","date_gmt":"2024-04-19T04:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-architects\/"},"modified":"2024-12-24T13:39:46","modified_gmt":"2024-12-24T11:39:46","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-architects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-architects\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you need to know about architects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>An architect draws building plans and supervises works for (new) construction and renovation. How much does an architect cost? When is it mandatory? What does he\/she do? How do you choose the right one? Read it here!     <\/em><\/p>\n<h2>What does an architect do?<\/h2>\n<p>An architect combines creativity with technical knowledge to create functional, aesthetic and safe spaces. He\/she ensures that the final building meets all technical and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/woningkwaliteitsnormen\/\">legal standards<\/a>. He\/she designs buildings and structures such as:  <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>hotels<\/li>\n<li>houses<\/li>\n<li>tunnels<\/li>\n<li>schools<\/li>\n<li>bridges<\/li>\n<li>dams<\/li>\n<li>factories<\/li>\n<li>warehouses<\/li>\n<li>airports<\/li>\n<li>train stations<\/li>\n<li>concert halls<\/li>\n<li>malls<\/li>\n<li>hospitals<\/li>\n<li>apartments<\/li>\n<li>office buildings<\/li>\n<li>&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You agree the range of tasks with him\/her in advance, so that he\/she knows what to do and so that you don&#8217;t pay for things you don&#8217;t need. He\/she performs tasks such as: <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Client consultation: discussing your needs and budgets.<\/li>\n<li>Create conceptual design: create sketches that meet your vision, desires and requirements.<\/li>\n<li>Create technical design: create detailed, correct dimensional drawings that engineers and contractors can work with.<\/li>\n<li>Arranging building permits: getting permits and approvals in order.<\/li>\n<li>advice on contractors: helps you choose your contractor<\/li>\n<li>Coordinate fellow professionals: collaborate with engineers, contractors, builders, etc.<\/li>\n<li>manage construction: monitor construction progress and be the point of contact for problems and changes during construction.<\/li>\n<li>Manage budget: follow up on expenses.<\/li>\n<li>coordinating with the client: communicating with you to make sure the build meets your needs and expectations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>What is the cost of an architect?<\/h2>\n<p>The short answer to the question: There are no set rates for an architect&#8217;s fee. The long answer to the question:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An initial consultation is <em>usually<\/em> without obligation, but for specific services such as design sketches, they often charge a fee.<\/li>\n<li>Discuss in advance what you expect from him\/her. The more tasks in his\/her remit, the more expensive your project will be. <\/li>\n<li>Record all agreements in a written agreement.<\/li>\n<li>He\/she should clearly define what services he\/she provides and what he\/she charges for them.<\/li>\n<li>The costing method (of the fee) depends from architect to architect:\n<ul>\n<li>a percentage of construction costs<\/li>\n<li>a lump sum (e.g., based on square footage)<\/li>\n<li>an hourly fee<\/li>\n<li>a combination of the above.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>You pay VAT on it at 21%, including for renovation work.<\/li>\n<li>You usually pay the costs (the fee) incrementally as the work progresses and according to terms stated in the agreement. An example of the division:\n<ul>\n<li>15% at conceptual design<\/li>\n<li>30% on construction application<\/li>\n<li>20% at start of works<\/li>\n<li>25% at progress of works (staggered by phase: structural work, techniques and finishing)<\/li>\n<li>10% on completion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>You pay separately for additional services such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/epc-gemeenschappelijke-delen-appartement\/\">EPB reporting<\/a> or safety coordination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The cost of an architect depends on such things as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the requirements of the project.<\/li>\n<li>the size\/size of the project.<\/li>\n<li>his\/her duties.<\/li>\n<li>his\/her costing method.<\/li>\n<li>His\/her work situation: self-employed or an architectural firm.<\/li>\n<li>the complexity of the project: new construction or renovation, degree of workmanship, uniqueness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>When is hiring an architect mandatory?<\/h2>\n<p>Under Belgian law, it is mandatory to hire an architect for any construction or renovation for which you need an environmental permit. In <a href=\"https:\/\/codex.vlaanderen.be\/PrintDocument.ashx?id=1011469&amp;datum=&amp;geannoteerd=false&amp;print=false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this list from Codex Flanders you will find a list of exceptions<\/a>. In case it is not mandatory, it still pays to hire one anyway: <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>He\/she looks at your project in the longer term. E.g..   <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/een-overzicht-van-alle-woning-scores-en-peilen\/#:~:text=Energie%20woning%20scores%20en%20peilen\">Energy Targets<\/a><\/li>\n<li>He\/she gives you correct and objective advice. E.g. About materials and technical interventions  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rolmaat-op-tafel-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Architect at work with plan, helmet and tape measure on table\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rolmaat-op-tafel-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rolmaat-op-tafel-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rolmaat-op-tafel-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rolmaat-op-tafel-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rolmaat-op-tafel.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>How do I choose the right architect?<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: Determine your goals and desires<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Is it a residential property, commercial building, renovation or something else?<\/li>\n<li>What are the functional requirements? How will you use the spaces?\n<ul>\n<li>Housing: The number of bedrooms, kitchen layout, &#8230;<\/li>\n<li>Office: The number of workstations, meeting space, space for IT infrastructure, &#8230;<\/li>\n<li>Store: The layout of the sales space and storage area, accessibility to your customers and staff, &#8230;<\/li>\n<li>Factory: The number of production areas and workstations, the layout of storage space for raw materials and finished products, logistics routes and loading capabilities, &#8230;<\/li>\n<li>&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>What look do you want?\n<ul>\n<li>Style: Modern, classic, traditional, futuristic, rural, &#8230;<\/li>\n<li>Material: Brick, concrete, glass, wood, stone, metal, &#8230;<\/li>\n<li>Color and texture<\/li>\n<li>Proportions: Proportions of windows, doors, facades,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/de-juiste-garagepoort-kiezen-een-overzicht\/\">(garage<\/a>) gates, &#8230;<\/li>\n<li>Landscape: garden, terrace, balcony, &#8230;<\/li>\n<li>&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>What is your budget?\n<ul>\n<li>Are you entitled to premiums or subsidies?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>In what time period do you want to build or remodel?\n<ul>\n<li>Deadlines: Are there any deadlines you need to consider? E.g., for permits and authorizations <\/li>\n<li>&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Do restrictions apply?\n<ul>\n<li>Local building codes<\/li>\n<li>Zoning requirements<\/li>\n<li>Environmental considerations: Sustainability and maintainability.<\/li>\n<li>&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Are there other individuals or organizations that help decide?<\/li>\n<li>&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Do research<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Ask for recommendations from friends, relatives or colleagues.<\/li>\n<li>Search online via Google and check out related websites such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.architect.be\/vind-een-architect\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">architect.be<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Find inspiration in (online) magazines, through blogs and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/appartementpuntbe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pinterest<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Browse the online portfolio and discover the architects&#8217; style and credentials.<\/li>\n<li>Check licenses and certifications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Compare different architects<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Discuss your requirements and wishes.<\/li>\n<li>Exchange ideas.<\/li>\n<li>Ask for more references within your chosen architectural style.<\/li>\n<li>Discuss your budget and cost model.<\/li>\n<li>Get a concrete quote.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Notice:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An initial consultation is not always free. So be sure to read all the terms and conditions carefully. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: Choose the right architect<\/h3>\n<p>Does it click with your architect? Then you&#8217;re in the right place! The collaboration with your architect is for a long term and it should go smoothly. Accept the offer and get to work together.  <\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rekenmachine-op-tafel-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Architect at work with plan, helmet and calculator on table\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rekenmachine-op-tafel-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rekenmachine-op-tafel-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rekenmachine-op-tafel-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rekenmachine-op-tafel-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Architect-aan-het-werk-met-plannetje-helm-en-rekenmachine-op-tafel.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.architect.be\/bouwers-en-verbouwers\/wanneer-werken-met-een-architect\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Architect<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homedeal.be\/architect\/kosten-architect\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homedeal<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.immoweb.be\/nl\/kopen\/ereloon-architect\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immoweb<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zimmo.be\/blog\/2024\/02\/05\/hoeveel-kost-een-architect\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zimmo<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Stiasteny, L. (2024, April 19). Everything you need to know about architects. Apartment.be. Accessed on (date XX\/XX\/202X), from https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/alles-wat-je-moet-weten-over-architecten   <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An architect draws building plans and supervises works for (new) construction and renovation. How much does an architect cost? When is it mandatory? What does he\/she do? How do you choose the right one? Read it here! What does an architect do? An architect combines creativity with technical knowledge to create functional, aesthetic and safe [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":6042,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1120,1127],"tags":[2678,2676,2683,2679,2677,2681,2682,1385,2680],"class_list":["post-7072","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buy","category-rent","tag-architect-en","tag-architect-fees","tag-choose-an-architect","tag-construction-en","tag-cost-architect","tag-cost-of-an-architect","tag-hire-an-architect","tag-new-building","tag-renovation-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7072","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7072"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7072\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6042"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7072"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7072"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7072"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}