The building industry is complex, ever changing and highly competitive. The impression that large building companies can produce a similar product to an architecturally designed home, or that one can cut-and-paste ideas from magazines, then throw them to a draftsperson or builder, is, in our opinion, very misleading. Unfortunately this has often made the position of architects seem mysterious, convoluted, abstract and sadly vulnerable to misinterpretation. At Michael Rowell Architect, we aim to demystify and cut through the confusion to make our profession and its respective services easier to understand and more accessible without ever compromising on the quality we are renowned for. While there is no denying that it takes much skill, time, knowledge and experience to create great architecture, Michael Rowell Architect’ commitment to clear and transparent communication allows our design process to not only be efficient but enjoyable. Below are ten of the most frequently asked questions. We hope this helps to better understand what we as Architects can offer, how the industry works and whether or not Michael Rowell Architect is right for you.
The course to become a registered architect is not brief, averaging ten years from the commencement of university to registration. This places architects in an entirely different league to building designers or draftspersons. The title “architect” and the term “architectural” are protected by the Architectural Registration Boards and can only be used by those who have earned it.
Registered architects are highly qualified and skilled at finding creative solutions. They understand space and how to use it to best advantage, resulting in buildings that, over and above being purely functional, enhance our experience of their use and offer visual delight. The architectural registration board of Victoria (ARBV) has a website listing names of those registered.
Architects are the specialists of the building design world. Unfortunately, the use of architects in Australia is often seen as an expensive luxury when, really, it is an investment in our largest assets, our homes or places of work! Architects have been unfairly compared to draftsmen or building designers, which has led to misunderstandings regarding fees. There is no true comparison that can be drawn between them due to the differing qualifications and skills.
specifically:
- Architects understand the true meaning of customisation. Providing three options as with many design and construct companies, is not a customised service. It is a menu and does not allow for true creativity.
- Architects please both heart and eye, but never at the expense of function.
- Architects respond to the site, location, and surrounds with sensitivity. Display homes on irregular blocks or sloping sites cannot respond to their context.
- Architects appreciate regulations, codes, and diplomacy with regards to local councils. A project that moves through town planning quickly saves valuable time and money.
- Architects offer energy efficient and sustainable results as they are mindful of how buildings affect and respond to the environment. They are often at the forefront of new technologies and approaches towards energy efficiency.
- Being able to claim a home is architecturally designed is a marketing strategy commonly employed and on inspection visitors will note the enhanced quality.
In a time of fast and instant information, many claim to be experts despite having no formal training. The
misconception that anyone can design has led to an environment of cheap imitations, inefficiencies, and mistakes that can be very costly.
Design is more than just pretty images, or daring ideas. It is about making good decisions that can eventuate into enhanced living and added value.
As registered architects, our responsibility is to achieve the most value for our clients with affordability and feasibility in mind. Interior and landscaping considerations are therefore an integral part of our service and done in-house from the onset. Michael Rowell Architect also considers development projects and how to achieve maximum yield for the developer client. Efficient design speed, communications and project coordination are all key towards an architectural service that maximizes profits.
Email us to learn more about the affordability of Michael Rowell Architect and how we can bring value to your
Prior to contacting any architect, there are a few things that must be considered.
- Have you purchased land?
- Do you know how much you want to spend on the project?
- Are your finances in order?
- Are you ready to start?
These are common questions that should be satisfied prior to starting a project.
If you have read through the FAQs in this section and are still keen to progress, then we suggest you give us a call to discuss your project further. We will try to provide you with a rough fee estimate for our services. If those fees fall within your expectations the next step would be to book an appointment at our office to discuss things further.
Please contact us on 0419 348 505
Please submit your questions and queries to our email address – michael.rowell6@bigpond.com
We are located in Melbourne (Brunswick West) and Western Victoria (Ararat)