What architects do and why you might need one
An architect does more than draw pretty pictures. They design buildings, manage planning applications, handle Building Regulations approval, and oversee construction on site. Whether you're extending a Victorian terrace, converting a barn, or building something new, an architect translates your ideas into something buildable, compliant, and (hopefully) within budget.
You don't always need one. Small extensions under certain thresholds might only need a building control officer. But for complex projects, listed buildings, anything requiring planning permission, or when you want professional design input, an architect earns their fee.
In Cardiff, where planning rules are tighter than they used to be and many properties have heritage constraints, having someone who knows the local authority's quirks is worth the investment. They'll flag problems early—like access issues, daylight angles, or neighbour objections—before you've paid for drawings that won't get approved.
Architects also manage the whole project timeline. They'll brief engineers, coordinate with contractors, check quality on site, and chase sign-offs. It's project management plus design expertise. That coordination saves you time and headaches, even if you're hiring a main contractor who's supposed to manage things themselves.
What architects cost in 2026
Architect fees in Wales run on a few different models. You'll typically pay either a percentage of construction cost, a fixed fee for specific services, or hourly rates. Each suits different project sizes.
Percentage-based fees are standard for larger projects. You'll usually pay 8-15% of the total construction cost, depending on project complexity and the architect's experience. A £200,000 extension might cost £16,000-£30,000 in fees. A £500,000 new build could be £40,000-£75,000. The percentage slides down as projects get bigger—a £2 million project might be 6-8%.
Fixed fees work better for defined scopes. A planning application and drawings package might be £3,000-£8,000 depending on size. A full service from concept through completion could be £15,000-£50,000 for a modest house project, or £75,000+ for larger work.
Hourly rates range from £90-£200+ per hour depending on seniority and location. Senior architects cost more but move faster.
Some practices also charge stage payments—smaller fees at concept, planning, detailed design, and site stages. This spreads cost and lets you pull out if things look expensive.
Don't hire purely on price. A cheap architect who misses planning rules or design flaws costs far more in amendments and delays. Mid-range, established practices often offer better value than either the cheapest or most expensive options. Always ask what's included—site visits, specification writing, contract administration—and what's extra.
Qualifications that actually matter
Look for two main credentials: ARB registration and RIBA membership.
ARB (Architects Registration Board) is the legal one. Any architect calling themselves an architect in the UK must be registered with ARB. It's a protected title—like being a doctor or solicitor. ARB maintains professional standards, handles complaints, and ensures architects have the right qualifications and insurance. Always check the ARB register online before hiring. If they're not on it, they can't legally call themselves an architect.
RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) is the professional body. Most good architects are RIBA members, but it's voluntary—ARB registration isn't. RIBA members sign up to a code of conduct, get CPD training, and often have better insurance. RIBA practices can be found on the RIBA Architect Finder, which is a decent starting point.
Other useful markers: Part III qualification (the final architecture degree), which shows they've completed the full training. Some architects specialise—conservation architects for listed buildings, or residential specialists if that's your project type. These specialisations matter in Cardiff, where Georgian terraces, Victorian villas, and post-war estates need different knowledge.
Insurance is critical. Check they have professional indemnity insurance (PI insurance) covering their work. This protects you if something goes wrong. Most ARB-registered architects must carry it, but verify the coverage limits match your project size.
Don't be shy asking for references, examples of similar work, and evidence of qualifications. Good practices will have all this readily available.
Cardiff-specific things to know
Cardiff's housing stock is mixed—Victorian terraces in Canton and Cathays, solid 1920s semis in Llandaff, newer estates in the south. Each type has its quirks. Terraces are narrow, often with tight rear access, making extensions tricky. Loft conversions need careful roof assessment. Listed buildings, particularly Georgian properties in certain wards, come with heritage constraints that complicate even simple changes.
Cardiff Council's planning department has become stricter on design. They want developments that 'fit' neighbourhoods—extensions shouldn't dominate the original building, new windows should match period details, and Conservation Areas get extra scrutiny. An architect familiar with local Conservation Area guidance (there are several covering Cathays, Pontcanna, Llandaff, and Cyncoed) will navigate these faster than someone new to the area.
Flood risk is worth mentioning. Parts of Cardiff (particularly near the Taff and Ely rivers) fall in flood risk zones. Architects need to factor this into design—ground-floor uses, raised thresholds, resilient materials. Your architect should check flood risk maps before sketching anything.
Building control in Cardiff is efficient compared to some councils, but they enforce regs strictly. An architect who knows the local Building Control team and their preferences will smooth approvals.
The local architectural scene centres on Cathedral Road, Park House, and the Bay. You'll find established practices with deep Cardiff knowledge, newer independents, and sole traders. Cardiff's construction industry is active with major regeneration ongoing, so architects here tend to understand both small domestic work and larger mixed-use schemes.
Checking with local trades and builders for architect recommendations is smart—they'll tell you who delivers on time and keeps costs realistic.
How to find and choose an architect
Start with the ARB Register or RIBA Architect Finder. Search by location (Cardiff) and project type if relevant. This gives you a solid list of qualified practices.
Next, narrow by fit. Look at their portfolio—do they do the type of work you need? If you're extending a Victorian terrace, find someone who's done similar projects, not just someone who does nice new builds. Most practices show recent work on their websites.
Contact three to five practices with a brief description of your project, budget, and timeline. Ask if they're taking new clients and their availability. Get initial thoughts on feasibility—some might flag obvious issues before you formally hire.
Most architects offer a free or low-cost initial meeting, maybe 30 minutes to an hour. Use this to meet the actual architect (not just admin staff), discuss the project, and ask about fees and services. This is your chance to assess if they listen, ask sensible questions, and explain things clearly. An architect who immediately launches into solutions without understanding what you want is a red flag.
Get fee proposals in writing. It should detail what's included at each stage, payment terms, and what costs extra. Clarify whether site visits, revisions, or specialist reports (structural, M&E) are included or billed separately.
Check references—ask for contact details of recent clients. A quick call asking 'Did they deliver on time and budget?' is worth the few minutes.
Once you've chosen, get a proper appointment agreement signed before work starts. This formalises the scope, fees, timescale, and both parties' responsibilities. It protects you both and avoids misunderstandings later.
Key questions to ask an architect
Before appointing, ask these eight questions. The answers reveal a lot about how they work.
'How will you charge—percentage, fixed fee, or hourly?' Understand the model and what's included. If fixed fee, what happens if scope creeps?
'What does your fee cover at each stage?' Clarify whether planning, Building Regulations, site visits, and specification are included or extras. Stage payments or lump sum?
'How many site visits will there be, and at what stages?' Quality architects visit during construction, not just at the end. Fewer than three or four visits for a modest project suggests limited involvement.
'Do you handle Building Regulations approval or just submit drawings?' Some architects submit but don't manage the back-and-forth with Building Control. Hands-on involvement is better.
'Have you worked on listed buildings or Conservation Area projects?' If your property has heritage status, this experience matters enormously.
'What's your process for managing cost and keeping projects on budget?' Ask for examples. Do they value-engineer designs if costs creep up? How do they handle contractor overruns?
'Who will I work with day-to-day—you or a junior?' There's nothing wrong with juniors, but know who owns the project. Will the principal architect you're hiring actually be involved, or are they just signing off?
'What happens if the project stalls or we disagree?' Understanding exit terms and dispute resolution upfront prevents arguments later.
Good architects answer these without hesitation and ask you equally probing questions about budget, timescale, and constraints.