The Cost-Saving Power of Architectural Design in Times of High Inflation

Cost savings start at sketch stage not during construction

Generally speaking, hiring an architect costs more for a project than other alternatives. This is symptomatic of a number of factors. Likely the greatest factor being that an architecturally designed home is a custom home. Compare for example buying a suit off the rack versus that from a tailor. The mass produced version is always going to be cheaper, but the suit should be well made and fit better. I would also suggest that there are some myths and misunderstandings about the true costs of engaging an architect to design your home. The biggest one of these is up-front build costs vs long term running costs and resale value. Just with any purchase, if you buy a quality made product, the up-front cost is going to be more but at a point in the future the value of quality make/design begins to outweigh the initial savings one might have made in the purchase if opting for the cheaper path. In this article I’d like to outline ways Architectural design can help to slay the inflation dragon!

It’s a strange point in time (early 2023) for the construction industry when there’s a profit squeezed building boom and a record number of volume builders going into liquidation. Inflationary periods pose significant challenges for building projects, leading to soaring construction costs and budget overruns. Strategic architectural design can serve as a valuable tool to mitigate the impact of inflation, allowing for savings without compromising quality or functionality. By integrating innovative design principles, optimising space utilisation, and prioritising energy efficiency architects can create homes that not only withstand inflationary pressures but also contribute to long-term savings throughout a building’s lifecycle.

Maximising Space Efficiency:

This one is critical and the best way to keep costs down. Optimising the overall square metres required can significantly reduce construction costs. By adopting smart design strategies such as open floor plans, flexible layouts, and multi-purpose spaces architects can eliminate unnecessary “space waste” while maintaining functionality. Careful consideration of movement through a building, efficient storage solutions, and strategic optimisation of the expensive areas of a house like kitchens and bathrooms all contribute to keeping costs down.

Prioritising Energy Efficiency:

Energy costs increasingly represent a substantial portion of a building's operational expenses, making energy efficient design a critical mechanism to lower housing costs. Architects can incorporate sustainable elements such as passive design, daylighting, optimised insulation, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems to minimise energy consumption. By integrating renewable energy technologies like solar panels, heat pumps and smart building technologies into their designs architects can create efficient homes with zero to low utility bills contribute to lowering the ongoing maintenance costs of a home.

Value Engineering:

This term has become a point of cynicism amongst some architects, where a client’s initial budget doesn’t match expectations and some heavy carving is required to bring the project back into line. The original intention of the term is when Architects work closely with engineers and contractors to identify and employ cost-saving alternatives for materials, construction methods and structural systems. An example of this is reducing the requirement of steel, integrating speedy construction methods or being judicious in the placement of concrete. By balancing functionality, durability, and cost-effectiveness architects can propose innovative solutions that deliver the desired outcomes while mitigating financial impact.

Long-Term Maintenance and Durability:

Good architectural design can significantly reduce a building's long-term maintenance costs and durability. By selecting high-quality materials, specifying low-maintenance finishes, and integrating durable construction techniques architects can reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements. Considering the life cycle costs of building systems and components during the design phase enables architects to make informed decisions that minimise ongoing maintenance expenses. Investing in resilient design features that withstand wear and tear, natural disasters and climate change can contribute to substantial savings over the life span of a home.

These are only some of the ways Architectural design can battle the inflation dragon. Sustainable and cost-effective architectural design contributes not only to immediate savings but also to a more sustainable future, benefiting both the home owners and the environment. To go back to my suit analogy, a well fitted custom suit from a tailor should last a lifetime, that is unless we can’t slay the belly dragon!