DesignDogs — builders in Dublin

DesignDogs works from Boden Heath, Rathfarnham, in Dublin. Before arranging a visit, ask the practice whether it takes on projects in your part of Dublin, as the areas an architect covers can vary from one practice to the next. A short call will settle this quickly.

Architect fees are usually set by how much of the work you take on, whether that is a full service or only some stages. The Architect price guide gives typical prices in Ireland and points to the size and complexity of the project, the scope of planning and drawings, and for many jobs a share of construction cost. Ask for the fee basis in writing before you commit.

For energy retrofit work, the rules to check are SEAI grant eligibility and whether a registered One Stop Shop covers the job, since one may apply to your project. For other architect work, ask the practice which professional body its architects belong to and how to verify that membership. Ask for names and check them yourself before you appoint anyone.

A first meeting usually covers what you want to build or change, the site and any constraints, and your budget and timescale. Ask beforehand whether the first consultation is free or charged, what it covers and what you will receive afterwards in writing. It is usual in Ireland for this to be confirmed before any design work begins.

DesignDogs has no Google rating yet and no Google reviews are on record for it. Ask the practice for references from recent clients, since a reference you can phone will tell you more about how a project ran. Ask about the scope of their work, whether the timetable held and how changes were handled.

Bring a clear brief of what you want, such as the rooms or spaces to change and how you use them, along with any existing plans, survey drawings and photos of the site. Note your budget range and your timescale, and any planning or grant questions you already have. Having these ready makes the first conversation and any quote faster.

You can ask for a quote by phone. Give the job, the address or area in Dublin, photos, any plans you have and when the work would suit you. You can also send a request through the DesignDogs Locufy page, so you reach the practice from one place.

Compare DesignDogs with other architects in Dublin found on Locufy by setting their quotes side by side. Check the services each one covers, what its quote includes and the experience it shows for work like yours. A comparison of fees, scope and the sort of projects each firm has delivered tells you more than price alone.