Who benefits?
I've been told I am "a little wordy". My inclination is towards the "full picture". This is a great thing for my architecture - it comes from the same place as my desire to think things through from all angles and share as much of my knowledge as possible, one of my favourite things about my design process.
If you are someone who likes to dive deeper into the architectural theory - awesome - this one's for you...
RADICAL TRANSFORMERS
If you are someone who craves a total transformation of your home, be it either one floor or all floors of your home, good architecture and design can serve you massively (when can it not!).
This is so much more than a clever interior space rethink. This is when your home gives you everything you want in a location, siting, views, neighbours, privacy etc, but lacks an interior layout that functions or flows how you want it to.
Radical home transformations create new homes from existing ones. Some times they "add" (like extensions), but more often they "remove" (like interior walls). Older homes, that have been extended over the years, can feel disjointed and the rooms out of proportion.
Get your radical transformation right and you will struggle to believe you are walking into the same home. It is thrilling to take something old and make it new, where you walk through your front door, barely recognise it as yours, and finally feel like you are home.
Make no mistake, this is a complex process. To "conceptually" take your home apart and put it back together again takes a deep thinking, analytical and creative brain. A designer who can remove their own ego from the design process, who can honour the patience and time good ideas take to mature and develop, while also providing architecturally sound and unbiased floorplan options.
Above all, look for a designer (puts hand up*) who loves the jigsaw puzzle of it all. They will bring the energy and enthusiasm needed for this type of work. Be discerning.
DESIGN REFINERS
You've been through the concept design process, you have your planning permission + possibly your building warrant too, but something just doesn't feel right, or you feel you have gaps in your design.
The interior spaces on your drawings aren't giving you that "Eeee, I can't wait to build this thing, so I can live in it" vibes. Chances are, unless you've built from scratch before, or have a background in space planning, you are looking for additional support as you progress through more of the design thinking of you new home.
Refining a design can be radical or bite sized. You could re-design the entire interior layout, much like a radical transformer - but with the bonus of having no demolition work, as nothing's built yet.
A "bite sized" option would be keeping you internal walls + rooms as your drawings show, and begin to futher explore your fixture + fitting options. Discover the exact kitchen + bathroom layout you would like, the perfect stair, a more efficient utility or boot room space, fitted storage not yet considered, maybe a feature window redesigned to suit you specific taste. Begin to fill in your home design in a way that benefits you most.
Design refining might also include discussions on lighting layouts, radiator positions, flooring options, tiling layouts, feature fireplace design, fitted bookshelves, furniture positions, door hinging positions, pantry shelving, exterior patios, exterior finishes, rooflight sizes + location - it's your choice.
There are so many ways in which a design can be refined before you start on site, to smooth the path for the build.
Pro tip: very rarely would you need to apply again for planning permission, should you change the entire interior layout of your "not yet built" home. You have more flexibility than you think, before your contractor starts on site.
NEW BUILDERS
You haven't found the perfect home, so you have decided to imagine it into being. Nice.
Whether you are just starting out and looking for a designer that "gets you", seeking new ideas + architectural inspiration, possibly you have your eye on a plot but don't know if it works for you or maybe you have already obtained planning permission but aren't in love with your interior / exterior layout yet and are seeking an impartial second opinion from an experienced architectural designers eye. Architecture from the Design Bothy is available to help for all of these needs.
No ego. Just good design.
HOME EXTENDERS
When you don't want to move home AND want a home environment that works better for you, but don't want or need a radical transformation, then a home extension + a part refurbishment of let's say, the rear of your home, may be the best option for you.
Many extension projects require a thorough consideration of how the extension will integrate with the existing home, to give you the perfect flow into your new open plan kitchen / dining space, or the perfect layout for a new master suite with garden access.
This is the perfect opportunity to create more space AND make your existing spaces work better for you. The (in)famous flow and function is as relevant to this type of work as to any other home improvement.
MINI TRANSFORMERS
Home transformations don't have to be on an epic scale. Adding an ensuite or utility room, opening up an external wall to the garden, adding in some rooflights, rearranging some interior walls, can give you that special space that allows your home to give you that little bit more.
All interior design alterations can benefit from an architectural designers eye - this could literally be one meeting, one phone call, or some concept floorplans to let you communicate effectively with your builder and help you not to miss opportunities.