I’m considering these additions to the house. I got an architect in to provide a quote for both. The loft conversion wasn’t a problem but he said the extension would be astronomical as the foundations would be too complex (house is built on a slope with about 5ft height difference between it and lower part of the slope). So then I got a structural engineer in (from recommendation by friend who had bungalow conversion to two storey). Said engineers were considerably more pragmatic and came up with an altogether more agreeable suggestion. They also said they have in house architectural technicians who would help us with a new floor plan and prepare the drawings etc.

This being the case, are architects better employed where something flash is being designed / Listed building etc. and generally overkill for the regular loft conversion/extensions that most people want? Is that the area where architectural technicians make better cost sense?

Worth talking with them and getting a fee quote, make sure they explain what they are and are NOT including in the fee. Also speak with other architects/technicians/plan drawers and see who you like to work with.
And consider if you are going to project manage the builders or need help on site, valuing the work etc. That way you will build up a feel for the process and who can help, but mostly who you can work with as it is a working relationship, which you are paying for.
Plans and schedule of works likely to be required for planning, building regulations, builders to quote off, party wall award? (if near neighbours), and structural details as you have mentioned. More details should mean a more accurate price quote.
Also ask for examples of their work and who locally they have worked for, ask anyone you know locally to recommend someone, always a good way forward.
Good luck and enjoy.

In short, yes. Architectural technician is perfectly adequate for your needs.

Getting the structural engineer on board was a good move as well, at least you know the job is feasible within your presumed budget.

We tried an architect first for our loft conversion, and she reckoned the roofline was too low to meet regs. Got a second opinion from a specialist loft conversion firm who came up with a pragmatic solution to the problem (for those interested, they dropped the floor bearing joists below the tops of those holding the ceiling below, thus gaining bout 6 inches of extra height).

Moral of the story – if you trust the professionals in that field, then use them. Architects seem to be more of a generalist, design led approach. Ours did have some nice ideas that were incorporated into the design when we had it done.

OP,
Where are based ? I’d say neither an Architect or Structural Engineer (but then I would as I’m a building, building control surveyor)as their knowledge of practicle construction, Building Regs is weak in my experience and if you’ve got headroom issues you’ll need someone who knows the loopholes in the regs
If you want send me your number and I can talk you through options.

Thanks all. Andy (or the cat …) please can you email me via my profile so I can get in contact.

If you have loads of spare money that really needs spending then employ an architect, they are really got at spending it. If not use a technician.

Architect here. I love these posts. I’m just off out to stand in the road and hope some local driver takes pity on me!

Architect here. I love these posts. I’m just off out to stand in the road and hope some local driver takes pity on me!

I’d join you but I’m too busy pissing away my clients’ money, apparently.

We’re having a couple of extensions built at the moment, and used an architectural technician for the drawings for planning.
We don’t have a lot of the information that I’m sure an architect would include, such as lighting and socket plans. Also we have had to change from two dormers in the upstairs extension to one due to joist positions. An architect would probably have identified this problem due to more experience.
Our technician did come up with a very good solution to improving the ‘flow’ of the house, so we are overall very happy.
The cost differences were considerable, but if we had a bigger budget I’m sure we would have used an architect.
BTW our builder is very good and has really helped us sort out any difficulties/amendments so far. Very tidy too.

Enjoy!

Mike,
YHM.

andy

You want it to look nice, architect
You want it cheap, AT
You want it to stand up, SE

😆

Seriously though, come up with some idea sketches and I’d go for the SE & AT route and discuss it with them.