What Is an Architect?
An architect is a qualified, registered design professional who guides you from concept to completion. Architects focus on creating well-considered, tailored spaces that respond to how you live, the character of your home, and the constraints of your site.
If case you couldn't tell, we’re architects who specialise in residential projects — extensions, renovations, and new homes that provide a sense of calm, that are light-filled, and rooted in their setting.
Architects typically:
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Work closely with you during the design process
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Produce detailed drawings for planning and construction
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Help appoint and manage consultants (e.g. structural engineers)
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Guide the project through planning and building regulations
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Stay involved during construction to protect design quality and help resolve issues
What Is a Design & Build Company?
A design & build company offers a combined service: they both design and construct your project under one roof. This approach can be appealing if you want a simplified, "all-in-one" route from idea to finished build.
They typically:
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Provide in-house or outsourced design (often based on set templates or solutions)
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Handle planning applications and approvals
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Manage construction using their own team or subcontractors
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Offer a fixed price for the whole package
This can work well for straightforward builds or clients who want to be less hands-on with the design process.
Key Differences
| Architect | Design & Build Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Bespoke design, client vision | Cost efficiency, delivery |
| Design Quality | Tailored, site-responsive, long-term value | Often based on standard layouts |
| Flexibility | High — evolves with your input | Medium — based on package options |
| Fees | Professional service, paid in stages | Quoted as part of total build cost |
| Contractor | You choose the builder | Builder is included in the company |
| Transparency | Costings are independent and competitive | Less visibility into breakdown of costs |
So Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your priorities.
Choose an architect if:
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You care deeply about the design, detail and long-term performance
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You want your home to reflect how you live
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You prefer to appoint the best builder for your budget and needs
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You want design independence, not a package solution
Choose a design & build company if:
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You want a faster, more packaged route to completion
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You’re less concerned with bespoke design
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You prefer to deal with a single point of contact from start to finish
Can Architects Work Alongside Builders?
Yes — in fact, that’s the most common approach.
At Studio 40, we design your project in detail and then help you tender it to trusted builders. That way, you can compare quotes, understand costs transparently, and choose a contractor who’s right for you.
Once on site, we can stay involved to help manage quality, resolve issues, and act as a bridge between you and the builder.
How Studio 40 Works
We take on a limited number of residential projects each year so we can give each one the attention it deserves. Our work is collaborative, context-driven and quietly modern. We don’t do templated plans or off-the-shelf solutions.
From kitchen extensions to one-off new builds, we design with light, proportion and flow in mind — creating homes that feel both calm and contemporary.
Still Deciding?
We’re happy to talk through your options — whether you’re choosing between working with an architect or a design & build firm. We’ll always give honest advice, even if that means we’re not the right fit.
Contact Studio 40 to start the conversation.
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