I am often asked why it is important to use an Architect, when sometimes it can be cheaper to use an un-registered plan drawer or architectural designer, what’s the difference?

To call oneself an ‘architectural designer’ you don’t necessarily need any formal qualifications or experience, whereas the title ‘Architect’ is protected by law and can only be used by people registered with the Architects Registration board (ARB), having gone through the relevant training and demonstrated ...

It’s a classic family dilemma; everyone wants to use the bathroom at the same time in the morning. Tempers fray, cries of: “What are you doing in there?” and much stomping around, exasperated sighs and slamming of doors are frequent accompaniments to the leaving for work/school cacophony.

Instead of letting the situation continue, it’s time to consider installing an en suite bathroom to ease the pressure on the morning ablutions.

Space considerations

It is wise to carefully consider ...

It is the last chance to sign up for the RIBA's 'Architect in the House 2012' and help to raise money for the Charity Shelter. Registration to the scheme closes on Monday 11 July, so if you or your friends or colleagues are considering signing up to the scheme, then now is the time.

So far over 1,200 fellow RIBA architects have donated their time in support of Shelter and over 2,500 homeowners have signed up to Architect in the House 2012, raising over £200,000.00 for the charity Shelter.