A successful building project doesn’t end with planning permission - having an architect involved during construction has many benefits.
At Richmond Bell Architects in Salisbury, Wiltshire, we believe that a successful building project doesn’t end with planning permission—it’s during the construction phase that your vision truly comes to life. Whether you’re embarking on a new home, a renovation, a barn conversion or the restoration of a listed or heritage building, having your architect by your side throughout the build offers real benefits.
Once building begins, many decisions are made on site. By keeping your architect involved, you gain an advocate who understands every detail of your design and ensures it is delivered faithfully. This means your contractor has accurate drawings to follow, design features are protected, and any changes are handled sensitively.
One of the most effective ways to ensure consistent support throughout your build is to appoint your architect on a fixed fee basis, which guarantees a set number of hours each month along with a scheduled site visit. This structured approach provides clarity from the outset, both in terms of cost and availability, so you know exactly what level of service you can expect. Unlike ad-hoc requests, which may be reactive and harder to budget for, a fixed appointment creates a proactive rhythm of communication. This ongoing involvement helps your architect stay fully engaged, anticipate potential issues and provide timely input, keeping progress smooth and predictable.
We recommend scheduling monthly site meetings as part of the appointment. These structured reviews allow the client, quantity surveyor, contractor, and architect to walk through progress together, monitor quality, and resolve issues before they escalate. At Richmond Bell, our team leads these meetings to keep communication open, ensure your budget and timeline remain on track, and give you confidence at every stage.
The best results come from collaboration. Our architects work closely with contractors, engineers, and specialist consultants to make sure every aspect of the build is aligned. This is particularly important for sensitive projects, such as a heritage or listed building renovation, where preserving character and detail requires input from skilled craftspeople and conservation specialists.
At a recent restoration project in Salisbury, Wiltshire, having a regular appointment with us for the construction phase helped with a quick resolution to a problem that developed on site.
When old roof tiles were removed, the structure of the existing roof was found to not be adequate to support new insulation. We liaised with the contractor and the structural engineer to come up with a solution, co-ordinating the roof repairs, designing the new roof and producing the associated detailed drawings in a timely manner.
Having time already set aside for the project reduced the delays to the project schedule caused by the unexpected problem - often an issue with older buildings.
Unexpected challenges can arise during any construction project – from the unique quirks of a barn conversion to the hidden complexities of older buildings. With Richmond Bell Architects appointed throughout the build, you have immediate access to expert troubleshooting. Our team ensures solutions are practical, cost-effective, and sympathetic to the design intent.
During the build phase, additional drawings and clarifications are often required. Our architects provide these promptly, helping contractors deliver the project accurately. For new homes, this means precision in construction. For conversions and restorations, it means protecting the integrity and character of the original building.
Richmond Bell Architects is proud to be an RIBA Chartered Practice, which means we uphold the highest professional standards in architecture. All of our architects are registered members of the Architects Registration Board (ARB), giving you complete confidence that your project is in safe hands. This professional accreditation ensures that every stage – from concept through to construction – is guided by rigorous standards of quality, integrity, and client care.
Our clients trust Richmond Bell Architects to deliver not only inspired designs but also smooth, well-managed construction journeys across the south and south-west.
By continuing to appoint your architect throughout the building phase, you gain quality assurance, professional oversight, and the reassurance that your investment – whether a new build, renovation, or restoration – will reach its full potential.
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