FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Designing the internal and external living spaces that match your needs now and into the future means expressing your requirements to a flexible, community-based architect who listens and facilitates rather than simply peddling images, according to Archicentre Australia.

Members of the national architect’s advisory service do not conform to ‘niche’ or ‘starcitect’ trends  Archicentre Australia director Peter Georgiev says.

“These trends take away from the individual requirements of each and every residential occupant but, unfortunately are commonplace in today’s volume-based approach to constructing homes and apartments as well as additions to existing homes.
“Our member architects facilitate rather than impose, while our website – www.archicentreaustralia.com.au – enables potential customers to gain confidence to engage effectively with our architects,” he says.

During the design process, it is important that customers make up their own minds. “Image making is about 10% of the value of an architect and by listening to the needs of knowledgeable customers, member architects facilitate the design process.

“This takes into consideration matters such as urban location, site type/size, orientation, slope,  climatic and solar aspects to create comfortable, healthy, happy, sustainable and liveable spaces.

Peter Georgiev says ‘starcitects’ are often about spin and this is not helpful. “The same can be said for volume-based builders, with their ‘dream-home’ statements.

“Any architect worth talking to should know all about the emergence of building types and construction techniques – their strengths, pitfalls, regulatory framework and the like.

“This becomes the springboard for a useful conversation – rather than simply focusing on ‘image making’. Architects of any value will go beyond pastiche.

“Start up a conversation about your thoughts and let the rest flow from there … talk about process, consultants, builders, fees. On the latter point seek a fee proposal that provides some degree of clarity – a fixed fee and hourly rate proposal.”

“Once a feasibility design process has established a parte and cost guide, there should be an opportunity to seek a shopping list approach to tasks and associated fees. Where the tasks are indeterminate, an hourly rate can be appropriate. Otherwise, various processes can by quoted as fixed fees.”

An architect who only does a certain thing – either in design or as a partial service – is not much chop, Peter Georgiev says. “The value of being an architect is that you can bring experiences of design, statutory negotiations, construction techniques, ability to communicate effectively with consultants, builders and trades – to the conversation table.”

He says that Archicentre Australia’s member architects are also members of the Australian Institute of Architects. “It makes sense for customers to know that we are aligned to the peak body which gives voice in the worlds of politics, policy and business.”

For more information go to www.archicentreaustralia.com.au

 

This media release has been written and distributed by:

Archicentre Australia

Peter Georgiev, Director

Level 1, 9 Strathalbyn Street,

Kew East, VICTORIA, 3102

Phone: 1300 13 45 13 | 03 9859 9950