Demystifying architectural language: 10 terms you should know before working with an architect

Most people working with an architect for the first time will encounter a whole new set of jargon being used. Here are some of the most common terms and their meanings.

Building Control: Refers to checks to ensure that your buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with Building Regulations to make sure they are safe and accessible. This can be done through your local council. Building Control is separate from Planning Permission.

Elevation: an elevation is a scaled, flat representation of one side of a building or structure. For example, a front elevation would show how the front your house looks, including doors and windows. Your architect may draw for you a number of elevations for your project, including side, rear or split elevations. Split elevations show the inside of the building when sliced in half.

Permitted Development: This means that you can proceed with a build without the need for Planning Permission, as long as your proposed plans fall within certain limitations.

Practical completion: Practical completion is typically defined as the point when a building is complete — apart from any minor defects — and the client can take possession or occupation.

Quantity surveyor: A quantity surveyor (QS) provides an expert’s view on the costs involved in your building or renovation project. A quantity surveyor will start by producing an initial budget cost plan based on the early designs. They can also help you during the build, maintaining real-time cost information to ensure the project stays within budget.

Retention: Retention is an amount of money withheld from a contractor until a job is complete. This normally is 2.5-5% of the contract's sum. It acts as a kind of security deposit: if defects are left by the contractor that they fail to remedy, the money is rightfully retained by the employer to fix those defects.

RIBA - The Royal Institute of British Architects is a professional body for architects primarily in the United Kingdom but also globally. RIBA Chartered Practices are quality-assured and are expected to conduct themselves following a Code of Practice.

RIBA stages - made up of eight work stages that each address a phase of a project’s progression, from start to finish. Many people hire an architect for all the stages but you can also just ask for support through some of the stages. Find out more about the RIBA stages here.

Snagging: A snag is a minor flaw that remains after the contractor has finished a project. They must remedy them before handing over the project.

Structural engineer: An expert who specialises in structural calculation and design in compliance with Building Regulations. You need to hire a structural engineer if you are adding, removing, or altering structures such as walls, chimneys and roofs.

Hopefully, if these terms come up in your conversations with your architect you’ll feel confident in knowing what they mean for your project.