The website that helps you find your perfect architect

It sounds so simple — why hasn’t anyone thought of it before? “The eureka moment was when I realised that, from the client side, although there are showcasing sites and basic directories, there’s no way of finding practices in one place that will meet specific needs,” says Miller, 32. Unlike existing referral services, where a homeowner hands over a list of requirements to an agency, which then finds an architect, the new website allows you to direct the search yourself — according to its creator, this gives you total creative control.

This former pub in Westminster was used as offices before being turned into a six-bedroom house (barbaraweissarchitects.com)

The only criterion for listing is that architects must have been nominated for, or have won, a regional or national award. The list of about 40 practices so far signed up is impressive: it includes the winner of the 2007 Manser medal, Alison Brooks Architects, last year’s Stephen Lawrence prizewinner, AY Architects, and Carl Turner, who won last year’s Manser medal for Slip House. Miller hopes to have more than 50 studios by launch time, and says that, so far, no one has turned him down.

“It’s another way for people to find you, particularly for residential work,” Turner says. “It’s difficult for [homeowners] to find the right practice because there are a lot of architects, and they may find it hard to differentiate between the good, bad and indifferent. This is a pre-approved list of people who will do a good job.”

So, how easy is the site to use? I log on and try to find the perfect architect for my fantasy ground-floor renovation, which involves opening up my kitchen, adding a downstairs loo and maybe squeezing in a study. I select the project type (residential), budget (tiny) and location (London). I’d also like it to be sustainable.

Unfortunately I can’t narrow down my search further. The site suggests seven possible practices, only three of which are based in London. Clicking on the first, Ash Sakula, takes me to the practice’s contact details and two sample projects. Alas, both are commercial developments, not individual homes. I decide to “get inspired” instead, viewing showcase projects from a sleek loft in Oslo to the British embassy in Yemen. I’d like to see something more tailored to my needs.

Miller, who has been working on the site for four years, says phase two will bring more options. Nevertheless, this curated collection of award-winners is a great place to start seeking your perfect match. “I’m providing clients with the tools to create their dream,” he says. “It couldn’t be easier.”

architectsrepublic.com

Smerin’s extension to a west London villa (smerin.co.uk)

Blueprint for success: how to choose an architect

■ Do your research: the web, whether it’s Architects’ Republic, Riba (architecture.com) or simply search engines, should provide some local firms and inspiration.

■ Call them up. Architects aren’t lawyers: they won’t charge you for a phone call. Sound them out and see how they react – how easily can you get through to the main man (or woman)? If you have to leave a message, how quickly do they get back to you?

■ Invite potential architects to visit the site for an initial consultation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and be upfront about what you’re looking for and how much you want to spend – this will help them to develop a realistic outline proposal. A visit can also establish whether or not you’ll get on.

■ Ask for references – find out if they’ve completed previous projects on time and within budget. And see if you can visit examples of their work.

■ Once you’ve picked your architect, work on developing a brief. Look around for inspiration, and be open to ideas, but be firm about what you want. Once you’re both clear on that, you can develop more detailed plans.

■ Get a contract to protect both sides’ interests and cover you should anything go wrong. Riba publishes standard ones that you can adapt for your project.

■ Fix your budget and stick to it. Allow about 10% contingency, but don’t be dishonest about how much you’ve really got to spend – an accurate figure will help your architect come up with the best project for the money.

■ Be decisive about the final plan. It will end up costing much more, and drive your architect round the twist, if you keep changing your mind.

■ Lastly, don’t be intimidated by an architect. It’s your house and your money – so, however impressive their credentials, if you think they’re overbearing or they’re pushing you too hard, maybe they’re not the right choice for you.

A new-build by Robert Dye in north London (robertdye.com)