The role and responsibility of the architectural professional, goes far beyond just providing floor plans or great designs. Your architectural professional removes the burden from your shoulders and is appointed to act as your agent. We essentially act as the middlemen and women between the following parties:

• Client – Council / Local Municipality

• Client – Contractor / Builder / Subcontractors

• Client – Specialists / Engineers

• Client – Suppliers

As architectural professionals, we contribute our expertise to the project by heading the design team and coordinating their output with that of other teams. Our commitment is to manage and resolve problems and make informed decisions either on your behalf or assist you to make informed decisions about the direction of your project.

Designing a building is a very nuanced and exciting process – there are many different ways an architect can achieve a beautiful and composed design, however not every design may be what you, as the client, are looking for.

It is important to take the time to contemplate what you are looking for in any building before you meet with your architect in order to be able to effectively communicate your desires. Consider your architect as a painter trying to capture the image that you already have in your mind; the more information you give them, the better they will be able to understand and reflect on what you are imagining.

Here are some guidelines to consider when preparing for the initial consultation:

1. Prepare a list of questions for your architect, they know stuff!

2. Have your ideas ready to go and share with them your thoughts.

3. Be upfront about your budget!

4. Seek advice and input during the discussion.

5. Ask them to explain the planning process.

6. Ask for clarity regarding professional fees and payments.

7. Ask for previous or similar projects or work done.

Generally speaking, we work across multiple scales. However, we tend to lean more towards a contemporary and modern style of architecture with simple clean lines at the core. Although we always enjoy the challenge of working on new and exciting design styles.

It is a legal requirement in South Africa to obtain planning permission prior to building, renovating or extending your home, as per Section 4(1) of the National Building Regulations and Buildings Standards Act, which states: No person shall, without the prior approval in writing of the local authority in question, erect any building in respect of which plans and specifications are to be drawn and submitted in terms of this Act.

If you’re considering extensive building works or renovations which will have an impact on the structure of your building, you’ll need your building plan approved before any construction begins. This is to ensure that all the construction plans comply with guidelines and related regulations.

Your municipality is responsible for checking and approving all building plans and they'll consider various factors, including the impact on the surrounding environment and health consequences of the development before approving any plan.

It is illegal to occupy a building without an Occupation Certificate. So, Yes! You absolutely need an Occupation Certificate.

Once building plans have been approved, the council issues a building inspectors form outlining all inspection stages for your property. It is imperative to follow these inspection stages in order to ensure the timeous issue of your occupation certificate.

The process of getting an occupation certificate is as follows:

1. Building plans are approved.

2. Building / Construction Work Begins.

   1. Trench + Foundation Inspection

   2. Sub-Floor Inspection

   3. Roof Inspection

   4. Sewer Drainage Inspection

   5. General Inspection

   6. Final Inspection

3. The Result of the Final Inspection can either be:

   1. Refusal

   2. Beneficial Occupancy

   3. Occupancy Certificate

4. Occupation Certificate is Issued

If you’ve undertaken major renovations/construction without plans, a building inspector is entitled to enter your property and stop construction. Thereafter you may be allowed to complete the process of obtaining plan approvals before construction can restart, or you may be issued with a court order to demolish the structure at your own expense, in which case you would be liable for any associated legal costs. In severe cases, you may be fined or even receive a prison term.

If you attempt to sell a property that has been renovated or built without approvals, when attempting to sell the property, the prospective buyer may withdraw the offer. A savvy buyer will request a copy of the existing building plans. Should those not reflect the upgrades the authorities may be alerted to the unapproved alterations and there will be no recourse other than appointing a professional to draw up the changes and obtain approvals.

This also applies to those who buy a home with unapproved plans.

After the construction or renovation process is complete, it is recommended that you have your property revalued, which can be undertaken by an estate agent, or even an official from the financial institution that holds your bond.

This may be important if you wish to apply for additional finance through your home loan, or intend on selling the property in the near future.