
Key to success
The key to success is to hire a qualified architect, and to have a written contract in place. Most non-architects who misuse the term 'architect' may not be insured, nor are they regulated. If they make a mistake, trying to recover any costs from them may be limited. By law architects must have professional indemnity cover, and may be struck off the register if they don't. Once appointed, an architect will help you develop your ideas. They will give you an indication of what is and is not achievable. Draw upon their in-depth knowledge as well as analytical and design skills, the design process should be the start of a very rewarding relationship. If it is not, change your architect.
Architects should not ever put their design interests above their clients.