Whether you’re building your dream house from the ground up, extending an existing build or carrying out simple interior renovations, a wish list for your dream home is likely your starting point. Smaller budgets will of course mean simpler designs and efforts to maximise space – it’s complexity and fine detail that add to the cost, after all. Your vision will be dictated by your lifestyle, the way you use your living space and your budget. But, if money were no object, what would your dream home look like?

If you’re hoping to kick-start a self-build project later this year, it’s vital you find the right designer for the job – and provide them with a thorough brief. Here, we take a look at why choosing the right architect for your build is the most important decision you’ll make and consider exactly what should be included in their brief.