Owning your own home

resi was great for us! But that was in 2018 ..

I would speak to at least 3 and it's not something I would skimp on, at least upto and including RIBA stage 3. After that, it depends on your experience and your builder.

We're going through this process at the moment, and I don't think his fees are far off that. But he's promising to appoint contractors, keep an eye on the build, handle issues etc. Which I think will be worth every penny in theory. This wasn't Resi, but a small local agency.

IME it’s about how tricked out you want to go, and how much you know what you want.

If it’s a fairly standard thing like a side return, loft etc I’d go with Resi.

If it’s more a case of “we want more space but need guidance on where it would go and how to achieve it in the most efficient and elegant way” then it’s architect.

In terms of interiors, my impression is that Resi will be pretty safe, but if you have a strong aesthetic sense you can do what you want in the volume once it’s built. An architect will bring their own aesthetic to the project, you just have a to find one you align with.

Resi, like Amey, are total basic bitch.
Local architects will be 5-15K.
Value depends on where you sit on the @amey >>> @Tenderloin scale

I also know someone who is in a 3 year battle with Resi as they used them and their vetted builders and their house fell down.

They know how to charge, Jesus

A bit late to the party, but with architects % of project cost, the major issue is that they have no incentive (in fact the complete opposite) to stick to the budget, so can often push for things that push the cost up. Obv not all will do this but you have to be VERY clear about budget and what you will accept/not accept, particularly if they are managing the job.