Architect Technician in Lmk, Clare recommendations needed

[Battapieman]

Hi,
Has anyone used a Architect Technician in Limerick or Clare recently?
What kind of prices do Technicians charge?
Is it a set fee or a percentage of the house value?
We are thinking of an easy design style (4 corners, nothing extravagant, something in the 3000-3500 sq feet).

Do Technicians need a full Architect to sign off their plans?
What are the pros / cons of using a Technician?

All feedback is appreciated!

Cheers,
Battapieman

 

[sydthebeat]

can of worms to be opened here......

Architects are formally educated in architectural design, whereas technicians are formally educated in architectural construction.

Some technicians are good designers, some architects are bad designers
some technicians are bad constructors, some architects are good constructors.

Always look for evidence of previous work.

No, technicians do not need architects to 'sign off' the plans.

If you are thinking of a relatively simple design maybe the technician is the way to go.

The pros and cons might be:
Pros
1. The technician most possible will not charge RIAI architect rates
2. The drawings will be most technically orientated and easier to price and build from. the design should comply fully with building regs.
3. The technician MAY be more up to date with planning issues in the area.
Cons
1. you may not get the uniqueness and style of design a good architect can give you... (good architecture does not equate to bigger construction costs)
2. The architect MAY be more up to date with local planning issues.


Simple answer is to look at previous work... and the compare fees to end product.

 

[Battapieman]

many thanks for your reply Syd,
I'll post here again after we've spoken with some local techs & architects.