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When being hired for architectural design services, one of the common questions that architects get asked is: how long will architectural drawings take? And the answers depends on the scope of the project.

For small projects, like a small extension or conversion, the process of creating architectural drawings usually takes around 1-2 weeks. However, for bigger or more complex projects it could take 4-6+ weeks to complete and present back the architectural drawings.

If you need professional architectural services to work on the designs and produce architectural drawings, start by discussing the details of your project with local architects. Once they understand the scope of your project, they’ll be able to estimate how long it will take them to complete the drawings.

Changes to architectural drawings

For obtaining planning permission for construction work, it’s worth noting that often the first version of architectural drawings will be rejected with suggested changes needed. That’s normal, but when planning your project it’s a good idea to factor in time for drawings to be revised.

They may be small, quick changes. But they could be bigger, more time-consuming changes. If you hire a good local architect, they should have a strong working knowledge of local councils, restrictions and what will or won’t get approved – which reduces the likelihood of major drawing changes being needed.

Find the best local architects near you

If you’re eager to get started with your construction project, we can help you find the best architects and architectural technicians near you. Use our quick and easy online search to find and contact architects in your area. Or request a quote and we’ll do the legwork for you by reaching out to recommended professional architectural services in West Lothian.

Architects offer a wide range of professional architectural services, depending on the type of project you’re hiring them for. Below are some of the most common reasons why homeowners hire architects.

Common professional architectural services

• Measuring and surveying properties

• Preparing feasibility studies and identifying possible constraints

• Guide you through the planning and building regulations processes.

• Monitor your planning application.

• Assist with finding and selecting other contractors.

• Produce and manage tender (liaising/advising appointed contractors, sourcing materials for the project).

• Manage the contract you have with builders and construction professionals.

• Certify work that has been completed.

Architectural design services

Design work is one of the most popular services that local architects offer, and can be extremely useful – especially when preparing planning applications. Here are some of the common architectural design services:

• Preparing and submitting drawings for Planning Permission

• Producing conceptual and technical designs, including material advice, electrical, heating and plumbing plans

• 3D architectural rendering services

Why hire a local architect?

When it comes to planning a construction project or home improvements that require planning permission, there are a number of reasons why hiring a local architect can often be money well spent:

• Architects are trained in creating highly functional designs that make the most of every inch of space available

• Local architects are experienced in dealing with local planning offices and having a working knowledge of the best approach to get their designs approved

• Hiring an experienced architect will avoid costly design errors

• Having a strong architectural base to work from can help the rest of the construction process go more smoothly and will help builders know exactly what they need to know

  Want to hire local architects who are efficient, experienced and will provide an excellent standard of professional architectural services? You’re in the right place. Use our online search to find the best architects recommended by your neighbours.

You might have heard the term architectural technician when you’ve been researching professional architectural services. Simply put, an architectural technician helps prepare architectural drawings, compile technical information (such as surveys), and help prepare proposals and contracts.

Architectural technicians don’t have to be registered with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) to describe themselves as such. That means they may not necessarily have academic qualifications or experience to offer architectural design services.

That’s not to say that architectural technicians are skilled and capable professionals. It just means that it’s important to check what experience, qualifications and accreditations they do have.

Architectural technician vs architect

In the UK, to be able to call yourself an architect you need to be qualified and be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). This is to ensure that all architects have a certain level of skills and experience, as well as making sure that they adhere to a professional code of conduct.

It typically takes 7 years to train as an architect and, once qualified, they can offer a full range of professional architectural services – from concept design to detailed construction drawings and specifications.

An architectural technician, on the other hand, doesn’t have to be qualified or registered. They are often on their way to becoming a fully qualified architect with some qualifications and experience under their belt, but they’re not quite there yet.

As mentioned, architectural technicians tend to focus on helping with preparing architectural drawings and contracts but will often have limitations in the extent of the architectural services they can offer.

Check if your architect is registered

It’s easy to find out if someone is a genuine architect by searching on the ARB register. Reputable local architects may also be a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

You can also search for local architects using our online search. We carry out extensive checks on all our members to make sure that they have the relevant qualifications and insurance that they claim – if not we’ll make it clear on their profile, so you know exactly the level of professional you’re dealing with.

For projects that require architectural drawings, it can be helpful to understand the process that your architect will go through when turning ideas into plans.

These days, most architects will draw architectural drawings using specialised design software, such as AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Revit, and Civil 3D.

Types of architectural drawing

It’s not just one type of architectural drawing that they create, there’s a range of drawings and plans that architects might need to create – depending on the project:

• Floor plans – These are effectively a map showing a building’s internal layout in relation to the external walls, with a separate plan for each floor.

• Site plans – A site plan shows an aerial view of the whole building or group of buildings, including boundaries and access points

• Elevations – Elevation drawings show a vertical plane of a building either from the exterior or the interior

• Cross section – A cross-section drawing will demonstrate what can be seen if you were to slice the building like a cake, showing the view from a particular perspective

• Detailed drawings – Focusing on a small section of a construction project, a detailed drawing will give a high amount of detail to show how various elements and materials of a building come together, such as window openings, or structural connections for floors and walls.

• Concept drawings – Usually these are rough sketches to communicate an initial idea to help establish the direction of a project.

Hire an a professional to create architectural drawings

If you’re ready to find an experienced local architect to help you draw up architectural drawings, we’re here to help. Use our request a quote tool and we’ll reach out to multiple architects in your area and get them to contact you directly to discuss your project and provide you with quotes for the costs of their services.