So you have the plot, a shed load of ideas, a few sketches, clippings from magazines and some ideas around how the interior should look, and it must be green!!

So how do you find a suitable architect who is on the same wavelength and understands the green building principles?

Persuade one of the architects on here to do the job, or get them to recommend someone close to you?

I would go by personal recommendation, and ask around.

Make sure he understands what you want. All too often architects forget who the client is and design what they think is right.
Make sure you get one who values your input.

If you want one that understands green building make sure you check his portfolio.

Also make sure the architect will allow you to manage on site if thats what you want and not force you to use them for that.

How about you telling an architectural technician what you want?

You can have the same prob with architectural technicians as architects, although I think it remains a good idea for the clueful. We used an architectural technician a friend recommended, but he turned out to be no good from a green point of view, and would have been great if what we wanted was 'cheapest possible build', but that's not what we asked for. I just did it all myself in the end which was slow, and no doubt cost me extra, but I got what I wanted (It's great, and people even say it looks nice :-)

Not forgetting there's a difference between Architectural Technician and Architectural Technologist - the latter requiring BSc Hons.

A gnats eyebrow short of a BArch

Sounds a great project. You could try Pat Borer architect at CAT for some time who lives near Oswestry.

Can also recommend you good structural engineer in Shrewsbury who understands all the green stuff.

Where is your plot?

I definitely agree with the suggestion to get recommendations. I also think that finding one that can build the spec and type of house that you want is a priority. So ideally they have done something similar before or they make a very strong case that they are qualified. Local is good - it makes communication and site visits much easier. Spend enough time with them before hiring them to convince yourself that you can work with them. And take up references.

I don't believe that 'relationship with the local planners' thing that clients look for because it sounds like sense from their friends and advisors. The only way that seems to help is when terrible crummy applications get through and one fears that e.g. farmers have leaned on their Councillor mates to get Consent for yet another dreary conspicuous bungalow for family member in some virgin field, prob against Officers' recommendation.

There was a time when there were architectural old-hands in Planning Depts, that one could have a creative design conversation with, but that's long-gone, and now there's a different breed with no time for that. Sometimes LB and Conservation Officers have a bit more time for such conversations. But the turnover of staff is considerable and it's rare to deal with the same Officer twice.

What works is not special relationship, but just obviously knowing what you're talking about (not difficult to beat the average on that), presenting proposals with excellent drawings (again, very easy to stand out from most of the rubbish they have to look at), playing the advanced Sustainability/Energy card (they often go out on a limb to support that), and treating them as peers, not as annoyances to be manipulated (advice like 'ask for more, so they can cut you down'). They often seem pitifully grateful for the latter!

Ask for exactly what you really really want, beautifully drawn, no games, just substantiate its 'rightness' and let that energy carry you through.

Tom- I can't disagree with the majority of what you have said but my experience in our area is that there has not been a rapid turnover of staff. Sure there has been some rationalisation but the key staff have remained and been in place for many years. So there are long standing relationships and professional respect between certain architects and the planners and it is just one of the factors to look out for in choosing an architect. Taking this into account has served us well - it just so happens that they also listened to us and had some excellent design ideas as well

Posted By: fostertomI don't believe that 'relationship with the local planners' thing that clients look for because it sounds like sense from their friends and advisors. The only way that seems to help is when terrible crummy applications get through and one fears that e.g. farmers have leaned on their Councillor mates to get Consent for yet another dreary conspicuous bungalow for family member in some virgin field, prob against Officers' recommendation.

There was a time when there were architectural old-hands in Planning Depts, that one could have a creative design conversation with, but that's long-gone, and now there's a different breed with no time for that. Sometimes LB and Conservation Officers have a bit more time for such conversations. But the turnover of staff is considerable and it's rare to deal with the same Officer twice.

What works is not special relationship, but just obviously knowing what you're talking about (not difficult to beat the average on that), presenting proposals with excellent drawings (again, very easy to stand out from most of the rubbish they have to look at), playing the advanced Sustainability/Energy card (they often go out on a limb to support that), and treating them as peers, not as annoyances to be manipulated (advice like 'ask for more, so they can cut you down'). They often seem pitifully grateful for the latter!

Ask for exactly what you really really want, beautifully drawn, no games, just substantiate its 'rightness' and let that energy carry you through.

Thanks ecohome for your helpful comment. Fairly obvious that I was not implying anything but perhaps safest not to bother helping other people for fear of the PC brigade of which you are clearly a member.

Posted By: nigelof which you are clearly a member.

Oooooh! FWIW I think ecohome was quite right and nearly pointed it out myself. Never thought of myself as particularly PC.

This forum used to be a really pleasant place to be where help was readily offered by many.
Now there is just so much snipping.
My post should have said he/she and I have never ever suggested there are no female architects. But isn't it all a bit sad you have to be so so careful because someone is going to jump up and down.
And if you read through the whole topic someone else has said 'he' inadvertently they can wait to get picked up upon.

If the general feeling is that this sort of thing is good then so be it then I will respect your views but will probably refrain from joining in in future.

...note also the careful use of the jovial, 'raspberry smiley: :P

J