http://smphotonewsagency.com/Images/SMLaNotiziaLondraXX2web.pdf

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We are glad to share with you our 2nd Release of NGA Article on the magazine LaNotiziaLondra,on Pag 19you can read the article written in Italian.

Below is the translation in English for everyone:

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In the UK you are not legally forced to hire an architect for a construction project. This means that technically you can absolutely do the design part yourself and rely on a builder to take care of the rest. Make sure about several things.

Do you know what you want?

If you have doubts, know that architects they are trained to think outside the box and visualize spaces and so they could push further your ideas. If, however, you have a precise idea of what you want then it might not worth paying the fee of the architect (usually between 8% and 12% of the value of your project).

Do you have time to be on site?

Ask yourself if you have time to be on site, if you can handle delays without stress, if you feel like it to sacrifice time with your family and act as a project manager. A

excellent project manager and organized with timing and budget. There is a balance in how often you should go to the place. Going there too often could disturb the process and prevent builders from carrying out your work correctly. It may also give you the demoralizing feeling that things aren't right progressing. On the other hand, not going enough could cause a error remains too long and that its correction becomes complicated and expensive.

Do you trust your builder?

Of course, if you're looking to move forward without an architect, it's important to discuss this with your builder and establish a relationship of trust. Find a reliable contractor who do a good job on time is essential.

How about a design-build company?

A design-build firm is a construction company that delivers also internal design services. This means you only have one point of contact as he can take care of

everything from design, to construction and construction management. These services will be reflected in the price but it will be cheaper and easier than turning to two different companies, for example e.g. an architect and a builder. The disadvantage of using a company design and construction is who is in it is generally in the contractor's best interest to construct the extension in the best possible way economical as possible in order to maximize profit, so do not have someone external to counterbalance could lead to an inferior result. In other words, unlike a architect nominated by you, a designer in a design company and construction works for the builder.

And here are nine reasons to enlist why an architect

1) Architects have extensive knowledge and expertise in building design, methods of construction and materials. Can help you design a building that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, sustainable and safe. Furthermore, an architect will be able to advise you on the most convenient way to achieve your goals,

while still ensuring that the project meets all necessary standards.

2) An architect can act as a liaison between you and the contractors and builders. They can help you communicate your vision and ideas to the team and ensure everyone is on the same page wavelength. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure the project runs smoothly.

3) An architect can help you plan your project from start to finish, including creating a budget, developing a timeline and coordination of the work of several

contractors and builders. This can help ensure the project comes through completed on time and in accordance with budget.

4) An architect will ensure that the building design complies with all relevant building regulations and to planning laws. This means that costly mistakes and delays that may result from non-compliance can be avoided

5) The architect studied for years, he has passion, he is a professional if he is ARB and RIBA registered, he left us nights of sleep, he sacrificed hours with the

friends and family for arriving at that level. Either you have passion or you don't.

6) If it starts from the concept, the creative architect's ego will be satisfied and the the fact that his creation is carried out will determine the way and manner it is

the result at a very high level, sacrificing hours of sleep, family and friends.

7) Why wouldn't you want the builder taken by the emphasis of creativity he reverses the positioning of the kitchen under the skylights preventing all the

light from entering, ruining the aesthetics but especially the practical fact of how much a terraced house is important light. Because you wouldn't want to find yourself in

a 3 room loft with no living space, and with no lost empty spaces usable, or with a house that seems made as if it were a quilt patchwork because the client was an improvised architect. Personally, all things I have seen over the years years.

8) to each his own profession, if a professional has studied to do design he will be very good at designing and 9 times out of 10 more than one architect, if a professional designed to do the interior designer will have more skills than an architect and so will an architect if he studied for a certain number of years longer.

Several years of experience will be more appropriate in designing.

9) Because it is resilient, all unexpected events can happen, but the architect persists.

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Natalia Giacomino ARB, Doctor

Member of RIBA

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