Site Root

Forum Post: Re: PII

Kit Harvey — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:13:00 GMT

Hi Conrad

I'm afraid I can't do anything about the smallprint in insurance policies. If only!

The ARB provides some helpful guidance on what to consider when reviewing PI policies - see http://www.arb.org.uk/professional-indemnity-insurance-guidance-register

Also, I would recommend you speak to a decent broker as they will know what cover is available in the market for your particular requirements.

I suggest you therefore re-post your query on the General Forum on this site to canvas views of other architects who will be better placed to comment on particular brokers and insurers.

Kit

Forum Post: Re: Title of goods. Builder hasn't paid merchant for materials.

Kit Harvey — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:02:00 GMT

Thanks John. Good point.

Obviously, payments outside the contract should be avoided if at all possible, as they will always carry greater risk.

Also, whoever is certifying or recommending payments (be it the QS or architect), should include, in the payment recommendation, full details of all materials that are delivered to site. That way, there is a greater chance of ownership in those goods being transferred to the client/developer.

Kit

Forum Post: Re: New Permitted Development (larger extensions)

Bertie — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Eddy

Have you been appointed by someone under the new scheme then? Excuse me for being a busybody but I was wondering whether the scheme would prove positive or negative for architects (and technologists by association) in that larger projects could be classed under permitted development so interested to know.

Simon - what are your views?

Blog Post: Energy saving measures boost house prices

Richard Buxton — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:03:00 GMT

New research released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) reveals making energy saving improvements to your property increases its value by 14% on average - and up to 38% in some parts of England.

For an average home in the country, improving its EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) from band G to E, or from band D to B, could mean adding more than £16,000 to the sale price of the property. In the North East, improved energy efficiency from band G to E could increase its value by over £25,000 and the average home in the North West could see £23,000 added to its value.

The report, which took into account over 300,000 property sales in England between 1995 and 2011, is the most comprehensive research in this area to date. It indicates that energy efficiency is now a key factor influencing the sale price of most residential dwellings in England.

Kevin McCloud, broadcaster and co-founder of the Grand Designs Future Living home retrofit company, said: “There are some 26 million homes in Britain, most of them about as well insulated as a rabbit hutch, and they need immediate help to be made less wasteful. This timely report tells us what we suspected all along: that people really value the well-insulated, energy-efficient home; that modest investment in measures to make our homes more comfortable, healthier and cheaper-to-run really pays off.

“The Green Deal is now maturing into a helpful way of financing a lot of the retrofit solutions around. Homeowners can now start to make these changes, alleviate the burden of high energy bills and improve the value of their prime asset.”

Nearly half (46%) of properties in England are currently band D – but compared to this, a typical home in the West Midlands in band B is estimated to be valued at nearly £17,000 more. In the North East this could be over £19,000, £3,000 more than the national average.

For a full copy of the report click here

Forum Post: Re: We need a cut in the Vat charged on refurbishment projects to stimulate growth

Bertie — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:57:00 GMT

Hi Richard

I know exactly what you mean! I'm similar to you in scale and type of practice and VAT comes as significant add on to most jobs, as the vast majority of what I do is to existing buildings.

So far as I understand the economics of it, VAT isn't charged on 'essential' items (classic economic example is bread, but also listed building work, and apparently new homes,) but is on 'non-essentials' (classic example again in this case is cake, and apparently extensions.) The government could do with reassessing its entire approach to refurbishment and works to existing buildings in my mind; there is far too much emphasis on new build white box homes when we should be encouraging reuse of existing (often better in terms of spatial allocation and proportions etc) housing stock. There are many, many reasons why they should do this but no action is taken.

I’d be happy to throw my weight behind any proposal for putting pressure on them to do this, I think George Clarke vaguely covered it, but we should be using the RIBA et al. to push harder for change.

Blog Post: BRE and BuildingSMART launch BIM training

Richard Buxton — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:31:00 GMT

A training programme to give industry professionals an essential understanding of building information modelling (BIM) has been launched by BRE and industry standard-setting body BuildingSMART.

The courses are modular and are aimed at managers, designers, contractors, and engineers that are in the work place, with specific tailored training for each discipline. The training focuses on how to implement BIM and the practices required to meet client and industry requirements.

Business Management BIM is a one day course aimed at Associates, clients, directors and managers

Project Management BIM is a two day course aimed at Senior Architects, Senior Design Engineers and Senior Technicians

Design Management BIM is a three day course aimed at Design Architects, Design Engineers, and Technicians

The training courses, which start next month, lead to accredited professional (AP) status.

For more information on the training programme go to www.bre.co.uk

Forum Post: Re: Free appraisal for your practice website

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:17:00 GMT

No Eddy, not too late! I'll be back soon with some thoughts (might be Monday)

Blog Post: RIAS award winners announced

Richard Buxton — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:00:00 GMT

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced 12 winners, representing the very best of current Scottish architecture, at its annual Awards Dinner earlier this month.

Iain Connelly, President of the RIAS, commented: “75 submissions from throughout Scotland, ranging in cost from zero to over £30m is a tremendous vote of confidence. It absolutely confirms that this award, in only its second year, is now the single most important recognition of architectural achievement in Scotland.”

The 12 awards winners, listed below in alphabetical order with a short RIAS citation, are:

The Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock (£7m approx.)

“This building seems wholly appropriate for its superb waterside setting. It is elegantly contemporary in its materials and form, both open and welcoming.”

The Chapel of Saint Albert the Great, Edinburgh (contract value not for publication)

“This building is markedly different from the historic property to which it is attached. However this is a supremely elegant and attractive solution, a place of worship that invites visitors in.”

Dunfermline High School (contract value not for publication)

“The sheer scale of this major new secondary school demanded a simple, navigable plan and separation of facilities. This is well achieved with materials and art enhancing the daily experience of its users.”

Forth Valley College of Further and Higher Education - Stirling Campus (£15.6m)

“This is a deceptively simple contemporary building within an expansive landscape setting, incorporating workshops, studios, classrooms, a library and social spaces with elegant understatement. “

Ghost of Water Row (no budget - all work and material given in kind)

“This project was architecture as installation art. Commemorating the late sculptor, George Wyllie Hon FRIAS, it was a powerful evocation of local history while also signalling a creative future.”

House, Lenzie (contract value not for publication)

“This reworking of a 1970s house creates a new relationship with the building’s site, with contemporary, yet timeless, materials and form.”

4 Linsiadar, Isle of Lewis (contract value not for publication)

“Built out of a former croft, this new home has a rugged, almost natural, presence within the island landscape. Drawing upon history, this building also very positively signals its newness.”

Mareel, Lerwick (contract value not for publication)

“Set on an historic waterfront site, this is an important cultural facility. This building embraces theatre, cinema and performance, reflecting and encouraging creativity.”

The Sir Duncan Rice Library, Aberdeen (£30.63m)

“This is a contemporary international structure within one of Scotland’s most important historic settings. Its internal arrangement cleverly challenges preconceived notions of “the library”.”

Thomas Telford Parliamentary Church Berneray (£300k)

“This simplest and plainest of stone built structures encloses a marvellous new home. The layout of the interior and the way natural light is brought into every area is ingenious.”

The Turf House, Isle of Skye (£132k) (Pictured)

“The new Skye vernacular, timber-clad homes in the landscape, is here taken to a new level. This is architecture of a relatively modest scale, but significant ambition.”

WASPS South Block, Glasgow (contract value not for publication)

“Adapting a behemoth Victorian city block into new studios, gallery space and visitor facilities is crisply and ingeniously achieved. An intelligent and appropriate facility within a very creative city.”

Blog Post: Manchester architect suspended for two years

Richard Buxton — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:40:00 GMT

Mr Faheem Aftab of Manchester has been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and suspended from the Register of Architects for two years.

Mr Aftab had been referred back to the PCC following an earlier hearing, so that the Committee could reconsider whether he had made a dishonest statement to the ARB in respect of his insurance arrangements. He had previously been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct in relation to five other allegations arising from a domestic project he undertook through his firm A-Cube Architects Ltd (now in liquidation). The allegations were that he had acted in a manner inconsistent with his professional obligations in respect of the informal and undocumented appointment of the builders; had offered a service that combined consulting services and architectural services without explaining that no independent architectural function could therefore be provided; had failed to provide adequate competence and resources for the project; had failed to provide sufficient terms of engagement; and had failed to carry out works without undue delay and within agreed cost limits.

A-Cube Architects Ltd was appointed to provide architectural services by a long-standing friend and his fiancée relating to major extension works to what was to be their matrimonial home. There were no terms of appointment in place and the only contractor’s tender returned was vastly in excess of the clients’ budget.

To reduce costs, Mr Aftab suggested using building workers he had worked with previously, and who would work on a project of his and the complainants’ project at the same time. He would pay them for both projects and recharge the complainants the cost. He would take payments from them, and pay on their behalf. No contract was ever put in place.

There were numerous problems with the works, including inappropriate behaviour by workmen, damage to a neighbouring property, breaches of Building Regulations, sub-standard work, incorrect specification and a general lack of progress. The workmen had threatened to walk off site because they were not being paid by Mr Aftab or his company, resulting in the complainants having to pay them direct to ensure work continued.

When the complainants refused to pay A-Cube Ltd any more money until a full breakdown of costs and receipts had been provided, A-Cube Ltd issued County Court proceedings. A-Cube Ltd’s claim was struck out, and judgment entered for the complainants on their counter-claim, for a figure, later agreed by the liquidator and put into a consent order but never paid, of £129,000.

After the complainants complained to the Architects Registration Board, the ARB enquired about the adequacy of Mr Aftab’s professional indemnity insurance. Mr Aftab sent a copy of his policy to the ARB and stated that he had properly notified his insurers of the claim, and that it would be covered. He told the ARB that insurers were dealing with the claim, jointly with A-Cube Ltd’s liquidators (because the firm was by then in liquidation), and that he understood the insurers were going to cover any successful claim against A-Cube Ltd.

In fact, the Committee heard, the insurers had written to A-Cube Ltd some 18 months earlier, declining insurance for this project on the grounds of misrepresentation and non-disclosure of the potential claim, which position they had not changed. Because A-Cube Ltd’s insurance was ineffective, and the firm was in liquidation, Mr Aftab’s clients have been unable to, and are unlikely to, recover any of the £129,000 judgment in their favour.

Mr Aftab attended the hearing and denied that he had dishonestly misrepresented to ARB the true position of his professional indemnity insurance cover, being of the belief that he was being asked a question concerning the liquidation of his company.

The PCC found that while Mr Aftab was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct in respect of his misrepresentation and on any objective view had acted without integrity, it also accepted that at the time he did not act dishonestly, as in his own mind he did not have dishonest intent as he genuinely believed that ultimately the insurance company would see what he regarded as its error and pay out. Because of this, the PCC found that he had not been dishonest, stating: “Mr Aftab said to us that he felt that the reason his email of 7 December 2010 was not dishonest was because he felt that if the insurer did review the case and did take on board what he was saying then they would cover the claim, and he considered this e-mail was all about the liquidation. That he did not identify the real issue was not dishonest, he said. He did not believe it to be untrue, even now, although he agreed it was, in his word "clunky". It is not enough for Mr Aftab to have a belief system of his own, but if there is any doubt he has the benefit of it. This is, frankly, an appalling way for a professional man to behave towards his regulatory body, but he did tell the client of the problem with the insurance, and so, for this, and for the other reasons set out in his favour, on the balance of probabilities we find that he was not dishonest.”

The Committee considered all of the mitigating factors in the case, including Mr Aftab’s previously unblemished record; his admission of all but one of the allegations; the acceptance of his failings; his expressions of regret and remorse toward his former clients; that he had not benefited financially from the conduct complained of but, on the contrary, had suffered financially as a result of his firm’s liquidation; and that Mr Aftab is passionately committed to architecture, and his successful career had been blighted or extinguished by this case, and the whole business had been prompted by a desire to assist long standing friends.

However, the Committee decided that the findings of unacceptable professional conduct were very serious, stating: “In this case we have noted the enormous impact on the client. The architect failed to pay heed to the most basic of boundaries; was he the architect, was he the contractor, was he neither? He issued Architect's Instructions, but did not seem to be the architect. Ultimately he ceased to be involved and sued the client for money he said was outstanding. He had paid out money for the client, and then collected money from the client whilst at the same time letting the client pay some bills direct. Having done all those things there were then difficulties with his insurance, and he was less than frank with the ARB about those issues, as we have found. The matter with the clients extended over some years. The clients have recovered nothing of their enormous loss, and nor will they. These are serious matters indeed.”

In the circumstances the PCC considered that it would be inappropriate to impose anything less than the maximum 2 year suspension possible.

File: Apartment renovation, Tower Bridge, London

graham ford — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:13:00 GMT

The client’s brief:

The client asked GFA to completely strip out the existing interior of this 1980s residential block back to the concrete core and rebuild the interior maximising the living areas which had previously been cramped and uninspiring.

Architect’s response to the brief:

Graham Ford architects design provides a much larger living space with views through the apartment from front to back creating a light and spacious interior. New architectural elements were introduced such as the glass and timber panelling to the existing stair, new timber floors with underfloor heating and a floating ceiling with concealed lighting. New bathrooms and a new kitchen were added.

In conjunction with GFA the clients have selected a range of modern furniture including a Eero Saarinen table and a Ross Lovegrove chandelier. The result is a beautiful new spacious interior.

www.grahamfordpartners.com

File: Tea With an Architect Comes to Plymouth and Exeter

Jonathan Braddick — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:45:00 GMT

As part of the Love Architecture Festival 2013 in Devon / the South West Tea With an Architect is coming to Plymouth and Exeter in association with the local Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) branches.

On the 25th of June members of the Plymouth branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have volunteered to meet members of the public in the Drakes Circus Shopping centre between 12 midday and 6pm to dispense free advice over a cup of tea. Gabrielle Omar, the founder of Tea With an Architects (of The Apprentice Fame) is due to attend the Plymouth launch event, which promises to go a long way to promote the value of good design and the Architectural profession.

Gabrielle will then be hot footing it over to Exeter where she will be launching the Exeter Tea With an Architect session that is due to take place at the Magdalen Chapter Hotel at 5pm.

The events are a great opportunity for home owners to meet local architects and gain some free advice in an informal relaxed setting.

www.architectdevon.com

www.jonathanbraddick.co.uk

www.architecturesouthwest.co.uk

Forum Post: Re: Other ways to 'friendlify' the profession...

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:01:00 GMT

Hi Heloise and welcome to the forum!

TWAA (or Tea with an Architect) is an initiative set up by Gabrielle Omar, an architect, a member of this site and one of last year's contestants on The Apprentice (acquitted herself well, lasting till week 10 out of 12).

In short, TWAA is a series of events around the country where members of the public are invited to come and have a free consultation with an architect over a very unintimidating cup of tea.

Events so far have taken place at a number of trade and consumer shows (such as ecobuild), and a selection of other venues. A lot more in the pipeline, with the emphasis moving towards getting the profession into high footfall venues.

Gabrielle is one of life's great enthusiasts. I know, very enthusiastic people are often a pain in the a%r&e. She isn't - my point is that she's incredibly busy, running around getting stuff organised. But she'll be back soon to give an update.

Forum Post: Re: How do you work out the cost of your design options for a client in the early stages?

Kathy Basheva — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Hi Immanuel,

I found a year ago the Housebuilder's Bible, on Amazon for £32 : www.amazon.co.uk/.../ref=sr_1_4

Of course, there are better and later editions etc.

It is basic and it has a baseline refurbishment of an ultra simple house in Milton Keynes. No architecture I am afraid, but it covers costs including labour pretty well. If you extract special packages and ask for trades to price them, it can give you a benchmark of where the costs are. Also, I will always advise in case of refurbishment to allow for 10% caveat for the unknown.

Hope it helped.

regards,

Kathy

Blog Post: Oldham Coliseum looking for an architect

Richard Buxton — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:17:00 GMT

Oldham Council is looking for an architect to convert its Victorian library and extend Oldham's cultural quarter.

The project is a collaboration between the Oldham Coliseum Theatre (OCT) and the Arts & Heritage Services of Oldham Council. It encompasses the re-use and extension of the existing former library building and the construction of a new linked theatre for cultural uses.

The objective is to bring together the producing theatre, young people’s theatre, community arts development, art gallery, heritage collections, and local studies in a single linked complex; combining a new build and a conversion of a much loved but currently empty Victorian library, linked via a bridge with Gallery Oldham and public space in the Library Gardens.

The deadline for expressions of interest is midday on the 24th June.

To register interest and for more information go to www.the-chest.org.uk

Forum Post: Re: Ask the Lawyer forum

Bertie — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 20:19:00 GMT

Thanks Kit - it's an area I imagine many of us learn a bit about while qualifying, but to have an expert on hand is hugely reassuring..

Forum Post: Re: How can I get a job opportunity?

Alejandro Gutierrez — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:16:00 GMT

Actually, no, but it is a good idea, the problem is that many Architectural Offices don't give me any job opportunity to get some UK experience, even when I told them free work for them. Do you know how I can contact or conect with UK based/educated professionals that are doing competitions?

Forum Post: how to work as architect in UK with my egyptian certificates

mona ghaly — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:56:00 GMT

hi i'm from france. i'm franco egyptian and i want to ask about how to work as architect in UK with my egyptian certificates. I graduated from faculty of engineering preparing masters in environmental design at cairo university.

Thank you

Blog Post: New guidance released on protecting homes from flooding

Richard Buxton — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:57:00 GMT

Two new publications that explain how homes can be made more resilient to flooding using new technologies have being launched as part of the SMARTeST project.

Titled Six Steps to Property Level Flood Resilience, one has been written specifically for property owners and one for local authorities and professionals.

The SMARTeST project has developed innovative smart technologies and products that can improve flood resilience in towns and cities. Ten European research institutes collaborated on the project to produce cost effective measures that can be used by individuals and communities to protect their homes. SMARTeST has focused on retrofitting the new technologies to buildings and/or through community-wide flood resilience systems.

The publication for property owners provides guidance on the correct installation and maintenance of technologies that can increase their properties’ ability to cope with floods – or limit the damage. This will often allow owners to return to their properties much more quickly than if they’d had no protection.

The guidance for local authorities and professionals focuses on making flood resilience technologies, particularly at property and neighbourhood scales, part of an overall flood risk management strategy.

Both publications will be made freely available on the National Flood Forum website and the SMARTeST project website over the next few weeks.

For further information on their availability, email Stephen Garvin at garvins@bre.co.uk

Blog Post: UK construction returns to growth

Richard Buxton — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:10:00 GMT

The May Markit/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) shows a rebound in both output levels and intakes of new work across the UK construction sector, largely driven by improvements in residential building.

The PMI index at 50.8 in May (a figure above 50 indicates expansion) up from 49.4 in April, shows a construction output rise for the first time since October 2012. House building in May was at its fastest pace for 26 months. The amount of spending on commercial and civil engineering projects did continue to fall, according to the survey, although in both cases the decline slowed from April.

Tim Moore, Senior Economist at Markit and author of the Markit/CIPS Construction PMI, said: “UK construction output appears to have finally pulled out of a tailspin in May, but the latest figures suggest that the sector is worryingly reliant on residential building work for thrust. Construction firms cited improving house building activity as the key factor behind a rise in new orders for the first time since May 2012. Meanwhile, shrinking spending on both commercial and civil engineering projects acted as a drag on overall new business growth."

When asked, construction firms said they were optimistic about the future. 40% of the firms questioned expect to see a rise in output over the next 12 months.

Forum Post: Re: Extending underfloor ventilation through new solid floor

David Hall — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:37:00 GMT

Hi John.

When we come across this situation we extend the air route under the structural slab using 100 mm dia pipes to the new external wall. If need be you will have to use as you suggest telescopic periscope vents to take you above ground level for new air brick position, by doing this you are still keeping the cross flow ventilation to the timber suspended floor to prevent rot.

The alternative would be to change the floor slab construction to a beam and block floor and you would then vent the void.

Hope this helps.

Regards

David Hall