Common Myths About Working with an Architect
When many people hear the word architect, they picture expensive houses, high-end design, or complex buildings in glossy magazines. In reality, architects work on a wide range of projects - from modest home extensions to bespoke dwellings - and the role is far more approachable and practical than many realise.
In Northern Ireland, I often meet homeowners who are curious about involving an architect but hesitant because of misconceptions they’ve heard. These myths can prevent people from getting the full benefit of good design and the reassurance that comes with professional guidance.
So, let’s clear the air. Here are some of the most common myths about working with an architect - and the truths behind them.
Myth 1: “Architects are too expensive.”
This is perhaps the most common misconception. Many people assume hiring an architect is a luxury reserved for large budgets. The truth is that an architect can save money in the long run.
By planning spaces more efficiently, advising on materials, and reducing energy bills through low-energy design, an architect ensures your investment stretches further. Poorly designed or rushed projects often lead to costly mistakes - extensions that don’t flow, rooms that feel dark, or heating bills that spiral. A well-designed home avoids these pitfalls.
Myth 2: “Architects will impose their own style.”
A good architect doesn’t arrive with a ready-made “signature style” to impose on every project. Our role is to listen, understand, and translate your needs into a home that reflects you.
Yes, every architect has design principles - for me, it’s a focus on sustainability, comfort, and carefully considered detail - but the end result is always tailored to the client. A home should reflect its occupants, not just the designer’s ego.
Myth 3: “An architect is only needed for big projects.”
Another common myth is that architects are only for large-scale new builds or grand designs. In reality, many of my projects are smaller extensions, renovations, or reconfigurations of existing homes.
Sometimes the smartest design solutions come in the smallest packages - a kitchen extension that transforms family life, a reworked layout that makes a home feel twice as big, or a garden room that creates flexible work space. No project is too small to benefit from architectural input.
Myth 4: “Architects just draw plans.”
This myth reduces our role to a technical service when, in fact, architecture is about problem-solving. Yes, we produce drawings, but those drawings are the outcome of a much bigger process: analysing your needs, developing creative ideas, navigating planning permission, managing building regulations, and coordinating with builders.
Think of the drawings as a recipe — they’re only useful because of the thought, knowledge, and design expertise that went into creating them.
Myth 5: “Hiring an architect will delay the project.”
Some homeowners fear that involving an architect means months of design work before anything gets built. In truth, taking the time to plan properly at the start often saves time during construction.
Poorly prepared projects are the ones that get delayed - through planning refusals, design changes on site, or unclear instructions to builders. An architect ensures your project is well thought out from the beginning, reducing stress and delays further down the line.
Myth 6: “Architects don’t understand budgets.”
It’s true that architecture involves creativity, but good architects also understand the importance of budgets. We work with quantity surveyors, provide cost estimates, and design within realistic financial parameters.
The goal is not to design the most expensive house possible, but to achieve the best design outcome within your means. That could mean choosing materials carefully, designing for energy efficiency, or phasing a project over time.
Myth 7: “Architects aren’t necessary if you have a builder.”
Builders are skilled professionals who construct buildings, but their role is different to that of an architect. Without a clear design, a builder has to make decisions on site - and these may not align with your needs, planning requirements, or long-term comfort.
An architect provides the vision, the details, and the documentation that guide the builder. Together, architect and builder form a strong team, each bringing their own expertise to the project.
The Reality: Architects Add Value at Every Stage
When you strip away the myths, the truth is clear: architects add value at every stage of a project. From the first conversation to the final handover, our role is to listen, design, advise, and safeguard your vision.
Whether it’s a modest extension in Belfast or a bespoke new dwelling in the countryside, involving an architect ensures the design is thoughtful, sustainable, and tailored to your lifestyle. Far from being an unnecessary luxury, an architect is often the most important investment you can make in your home.
Final Thoughts
Working with an architect is not about extravagance - it’s about quality of life. It’s about creating spaces that feel right, support your needs, and reduce long-term costs.
At RHD Architects, we believe every home deserves to be well-designed, energy-efficient, and personal. If you’re planning a project in Northern Ireland and want to explore how we can help, we’d be delighted to talk, feel free to get in touch.