Can Architect’s Fees be Totally Transparent?
The other day I was telling my sister about our business and I said something like ……. “We are building a brand based on honesty: there are no hidden commissions, no posturing….we don’t pretend to be who we are not or make exaggerated claims about what we have done or can do, and…….. we areContinue reading
Do you need a project manager when you are building a house in Spain?
The short answer is no you don’t. What you need is an architectural practice that offers a wrap-around service. Let me explain………. When I say you don’t need a project manager what I mean is you don’t need someone who sits above the architect and the professional team coordinating and communicating. This is because inContinue reading
Architect’s Responsibilities, Guarantees, and Warranties in Spain
What are the responsibilities of an architect in Spain? Let me kick off with the obvious and then move on to what you probably really want to know which is what kind of guarantees and protection you get when you build a house in Spain. The architect is responsible for ensuring, that the building compliesContinue reading
Eco Vida Homes Ethical Code of Practice
Eco Vida Homes is a “company of Chartered Surveyors” by way of the fact the John Wolfendale is a qualified RICS member. We are also architects, technical architects, and a contractor. John still carries out valuations and building surveys to RICS standards as an independent professional. Eco Vida Homes is therefore regulated ethically by theContinue reading
How to Write an Architect’s Brief for Marbella Spain
Remember Mr Spock from Star Trek? He was able to exchange minds with someone so that both he and they had a complete understanding of what is happening in each other’s mind: a mind meld. Having melded they join forces to defeat the common enemy. Mr Spock would have made a good architect because whatContinue reading
What does a technical architect do in when you build a home in Spain?
Technical architects also known as aparejadores play a vital role in construction projects and their presence is required by law. The career path for a technical architect is somewhat shorter than for a normal architect ( a university degree and practical training). Some Spanish architects call themselves arquitectos superiores, rather pompously, to distinguish themselves fromContinue reading
How to Choose Your Architect in Marbella Spain 3 min video
Quick 3 minute video with the basic facts: Author: John Wolfendale Bio: John is a founder of Eco Vida Homes and is passionate about bringing modern design and construction practices to Spain. He believes a home which is warm in winter and cool in summer is largely a matter of design and selective use ofContinue reading
Questions to ask your Marbella Architect about their fees
This blog post is one of a series of three. The other two are “Questions to ask your Architect about their Experience” and “Questions to ask your Architect about Your Particular Project”. Architects can charge whatever they like. This hasn’t always been the case and in the past their fees have been stipulated by theContinue reading