Newcastle’s best architects – Newcastle Weekly

If you are building a home or a commercial property, or doing some renovations, one of Newcastle’s best architects can design a building that is aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly, functional and energy efficient.

Architects provide a range of services and designs, such as energy efficient buildings, urban design, home improvement, interior design, retail design and residential design. No matter the project you are undertaking, there will be an architect to fit your scope and budget.

How much does an architect cost in Newcastle?

Architects generally charge at a percentage of the total build fee, usually somewhere between six to 12 per cent of the total build cost, depending on what is included in their services. For example, if you are building a $500,000 property and only require an architect to create plans, then they may charge six percent of the total build cost, which would equal $30,000.

If the planning process is more complicated, the architect may charge a fee closer to 12 per cent of the total build cost, or $60,000.

What to look for in a good architect

Building a commercial or residential property is a huge financial undertaking, and one that you want to get right the first time. Here are three things you may want to ask about before you sign an architect on for a project:

Current registration: The title of architect is a protected title, meaning that only someone who is a fully qualified architect can legally call themselves one. The Australian Institute of Architects has a directory that can be used to search for architects to ensure any you are discussing work with are fully registered.
Fee structure: Often issues arise during property builds that are unexpected, and, sometimes expensive! It’s important that your architect can talk you through a transparent and simple fee structure, so you aren’t hit with any surprise costs at the end of the project.
Signature style: Each architect will have a unique style and eye for design, but that doesn’t mean that their style will suit you! It is a good idea to ask for plenty of examples of their previous work, or you could see whether there are any public buildings near you they have designed in the past to go and view – nothing beats seeing their work in real life! While there are plenty of architects that are multi-disciplinary, if you have a specific focus that is important to you, such as sustainable design or energy efficient buildings, then it makes sense to hire an architect who specialises in that field and shares your vision.

The best architects in Newcastle

To be listed as one of Newcastle’s best businesses, Newcastle Weekly requires them to have maintained a track record of positive reviews on Google and Facebook, with a minimum average of 4/5 stars.

We also check to see if businesses have verified customer reviews.

When looking for an architect in the Hunter region, check out our list of Newcastle Weekly’s best local businesses below.