Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

How much are their fees and how are they calculated?

The college of architect’s carries a number of guidelines on how to calculate the fees based upon the size, type, and build cost of work required,and can vary if the final project has increased in size or value - Johnson & Wilkey fix their fees from the onset as your appointed architect’s would carry this procedure out on your behalf.

How are the fees paid?

The architect’s fees are generally divided into three concepts.

Basic project fees 40%
Detailed project fees 30%
3. Site control 30% paid over the build period

Are the fees fixed?

This would be agreed upon with the appointment of Johnson & Wilkey Architect's. The fees are usually fixed upon cost of the build. We would establish if there are additional costs for changes, and at what stage is the design considered complete where further changes incurs additional costs.

We would recommend you agree a fixed cost based upon your design concept, varying only if your design varies vastly from the original brief.

Apart from the design what other services do Johnson & Wilkey Architects offer throughout the project?

Provide a 3D visual vision or image photo
Is the concept design free (if chargeable it is usually deducted from their main fees if appointed)
Organize the 10year insurance policy & OCT control
Organize the paper work for the occupation licence
Recommend no fewer than four builders to carry out the works
With the technical architect prepare the tender documentation
Check & evaluate each offer and recommend to you their preferred choice
Provide contractual advice
Carry out regular site visits and hold meetings (with minutes) with the contractors to check progress and quality and resolve any ongoing queries
Certify the completed works on a monthly basis and notify you of the amounts to pay
Provide photographs of the facades for the occupation licence application
Take away your worry of not understanding or speaking the language.

When you have chosen Johnson & Wilkey as your Architect's:

The process will be to agree a client brief
Location of the plot
Maximum design budget
Type of work, villa reform, extension etc
Type of design, modern, traditional Andalusia, rustic etc
Number and size of the rooms
Other "must haves" swimming pool, Jacuzzi, basement etc
Concept design, outline design
Organize the geotechnical and topographical studies
Submit basic project to the local authority.
( A second option would be to present both the basic and detailed plans at the same time
Submit detailed project to the local authority
Send approved project out for tendering

To ensure the design gives you the best end value

For the visual quality you will be asked to present us with a detailed brief possibly from magazine photo's cut outs etc which will help us to understand your project vision. With the technical side VALUE ENGINEERING we use our sister company Johnson & Wilkey Asociados who are Project Managers.

What is value engineering?

It is part of the value management process which question some of the original design solutions by having a second opinion from a group of independent technical people ( including the original designer ) to see if all the best options have been considered. This process can usually result in savings from 3-10% therefore ensuring the best end value for the you our client.

Will you as our Architect advise me of the total cost?

As your appointed Architect’s we will ensure all elements are included in the architect’s costings. We will also update the cost analysis as design changes are made and keep you advised at all times.

How long is the licence process?

How long is a piece of string-depending the complexity of the project, and the speed in which the design details are agreed.

The local authority have different time spells in which it takes to pass through their system ranging from 2-6 months depending on the work load of the relevant building department. The architect college normally take around four weeks to approve the plans.