Growing A Large Architectural Practice

I thought I would do a quick post on an idea that has been doing the rounds in my head for several years and that is the idea of licensing my business.

I started my business as a 'one' man practice. This allowed me all the flexibility that I required in life ie in both business and pleasure. I could pick the business up or drop it to suit my family and my clients.

Then my business got so busy that I embarked on the employment route growing the business and then shrinking it as the recession took its hold.

As we emerge from recession I am embarking on the 'license' route as a definitive course of action for growing the business. I believe that if we offer Architects a 'head office' facility which will deal with their admin requirements, printing requirements, sales & marketing, invoicing and debt collection and EVERYTHING else that deals with the less enjoyable tasks of running a business then I figure that this will allow the Architects to deal with their passion ie the Architecture.

This is not a new concept. Other professional sectors have similar models e.g solicitors, engineers, accountants and dentists to name but a few AND it has to be said that more 'licensed' business suceed in the long term.

So there it is, the way forward. First meeting on this is Friday of this week and more details to follow in the New Year.

IF YOU ARE AN ARCHITECT INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE PLEASE CONTACT ME ON 01698 422358

Is The RIBA 'Stage Work Plan' Dead?

Right. I've just sat down with a wee Drambuie and Ice (a large one actually) in order to vent my frustrations on my blog.

I've been in the Architecture Business for over 10 years and in this short time I've seen many changes to the planning and warrant process to the extent that I now question the relevance of the Stage Work Plan.

Most of you will remember that the Stage Work Plan is a longstanding adopted framework by which Architects, The Design Team and typically the Construction Industry follow. It made a build a relatively easy 'process' with a known route and path to procurement.

I've noticed largely since establishing block architects that both planning and building authorities have really demanded too much information and all of it seems out of keeping with the Stage Work Plan.

Let me explain with a few recent examples, which in every way are only the tip of the ice berg.

We have recently been asked by Fife Council to add to our Site Location Plans the OS License Code BEFORE they will validate the application. Why is it the Council's remit to police such issues? They have delayed the registration of my Client's Application for something which is NOT a Planning Matter.

We are constantly asked on larger developments by Planners for full SUDS drainage designs. Why is this a Planning Matter? Surely the Stage Work Plan allows for this detail design during the Building Warrant or even Production Stages.

South Lanarkshire Council are undertaking a pilot scheme where we will need to provide coal reports for certain developments at the Planning Stage! This is an engineering matter usually undertaken by our engineers prior to warrant application!

Do you see where I am going with this? The information requirements are being brought forward by Planning Authorities and is out of keeping with the Stage Work Plan ultimately meaning that Our CLients are paying Much More and accepting a higher risk just to get through the Planning Stage. It's also getting much more difficult for us Architects to prepare and stick with fees as more and more information is being asked for up front at the Planning Stage!

Similarly Building Control are not much better! I am sure that all Architects will agree that other than window, door and finishes schedules we are now submitting 'Prodcution Drawings' for Building Warrant Application. It's impossible to advance a desigm to Production Stage without Planning and Building Control jumping on the design team demanding an amendment to the previously submitted applications. Architects are being choked by Planning and Building Control.

I for one would like the RIBA and RIAS to re-examine the Stage Work Plan or to redefine it so that it is in line with Planning and Building Control. Right now it's just a distant memory of little relevance to the industry!

Commercial Renovations Convert Into Rental Income

In Scotland today the demand for rented accommodation is positively exploding and many Scottish property experts are looking towards commercial renovations and refurbishments as a way to feed this hungry market.

In many of our city centres old sandstone buildings lie empty, unable to be rented out for business purposes due to the current trend of companies preferring open planned offices for their staff. This is where well planned commercial renovations can save these buildings and put them once again to good use.

The current financial crisis means that there are ongoing problems within the mortgage market and the Association of Residential Letting Agents has said that the UK is facing a “severe rental housing shortage” which is opening doors for many existing and would be buy-to-let landlords.

Investing in commercial renovations at this time may be a good idea. Many pubs once housed in these old buildings have closed due to the March 2006 smoking ban and the recession has hit smaller businesses hard causing them to give up their premises. Many of these properties can be found in city centres all over Scotland which make them ideal candidates for commercial renovations and refurbishments to be carried out, turning empty offices into residential flats for renting.

The market for these flats is growing as more and more young people find themselves unable to get onto the property ladder. They need somewhere of their own, can’t get a mortgage for a variety of reasons but are finding flats to rent in good areas are scarce.

In order to maximise rental income it is important to choose the right project. Picking the right property to renovate is similar to choosing where to buy a house. There are key factors to consider such as;

• Local schools
• Availability of public transport
• Garden and aspect
• How close are the nearest shops?
• How much is the council tax?
• What is the history of the building?
• What type of central heating does the property have?

These are a few of the general considerations that you will have to bear in mind before you begin your project but in addition, when you are renovating a property once used as a commercial building and converting it for residential use there are other issues for consideration such as;


• The local councils requirements for car parking and vehicle access
• The impact of increased traffic
• Requirements for amenity space set by the local council


The actual cost involved in commercial renovations has a great deal to do with the condition of the building and what it was originally used for. A very rundown property may not be financially viable and you should always consult an architect before committing to the project.

Having Block Architects working with you from the beginning will be an invaluable resource as our eye for what will and will not work may save you from making some costly mistakes. A good architect will be able to advise how many flats your building will comfortably turn into, how to best tackle the interior work, will explain what exterior improvements are needed and they will lead you through any paperwork such as planning applications and building warrants. We will do all this and more without using technical jargon.

We will deal with local council planning officers, builders and other tradesmen and we will keep an eye on your budget and your timescales to ensure that everyone is working towards making your project a success. In short, Block Architects are worth their weight in gold and engaging our service should be view as an investment you can not afford not to make.

So even in a time of property doom and gloom there is money to be made and rental flats to provide. If you are an existing landlord with a grade B commercial property, in the centre of a city, which is sitting empty, then you are well placed to start thinking about commercial renovations. Your empty building could soon be earning you a nice rental income.

For existing or would be property developers get an architect and start looking for property to renovate, there could be a gold mine in your city centre and you should start digging.

Block Architects can be contacted on Hamilton 01698 422358, Glasgow 0141 278 3632 or Edinburgh 0131 278 0445. We offer all our potential clients a 2 hour FREE consultation.