Design Discussions

Frequently Asked Questions
Paul McAlister Architects Paul McAlister Architects

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work outside of Northern Ireland?

Yes, absolutely! We have designed homes all over the island of Ireland. We will work anywhere if the project is right.

How much do you charge?

You can select all or part of our services and our fees will be worked out depending on your requirements. Some projects are best worked out on an hourly rate whilst others require a fixed fee or percentage fee. We may suggest a combination of fee methods to suit the project.

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So.......... you want to renovate an old building?
Paul McAlister Architects Paul McAlister Architects

So.......... you want to renovate an old building?

There can be a lot of reasons to renovate or repurpose an old building.

For starters, it can be easier to get a mortgage to renovate, and one can get more money than for a new build home.

That being said however, here are the pros and cons of renovating your new home.

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5 Things to expect when building a new home
Paul McAlister Architects Paul McAlister Architects

5 Things to expect when building a new home

Choosing to create a home that is tailored to your needs and preferences and can often enable you to get more added value for your project. We look into the 5 things to expect when building a new home.

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The Irish Gate Lodge - Reimagined
Paul McAlister Architects Paul McAlister Architects

The Irish Gate Lodge - Reimagined

Ireland once had 10,000 gate lodges but only half of the surviving 6,000 are occupied, many are architecturally significant, a neglected treasure displaying a range of architectural styles by the roadside.

The gates with their lodges were built to retain livestock and at the same time to deter intruders. However, in the space of approximately 150 years the gate lodge changed from the function of defence and vigilance into a fashion statement.

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Why are Architects so Pretentious?
Paul McAlister Architects Paul McAlister Architects

Why are Architects so Pretentious?

While conducting a search on Google recently, I typed in why are architects……….

The results surprised me. The suggestions were Necessary, Arrogant, Needed, Pretentious, Low Paid etc.

I did not see suggestions like Visionary, Contemporary, or Ultra-Modern.

To clarify, Architects need to be flexible, we need to respond to the vision and needs of our clients.

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PPS 21: Sustainable Development in the Countryside
Paul McAlister Architects Paul McAlister Architects

PPS 21: Sustainable Development in the Countryside

One of our new contemporary designs complies with the guidelines of PPS 21.

We had an opportunity to create a traditional design but with some nice contemporary touches. The “barn” shape appearance provides living and dining spaces with a double garage to the rear.

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Bungalows don’t have to be boring
Paul McAlister Architects Paul McAlister Architects

Bungalows don’t have to be boring

The bungalow has become a common feature in the Irish Countryside with many being build throughout Ireland and especially since the 1960’s when the long rectangle shaped plan first appeared.

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Only an Architect is an Architect.
Paul McAlister Architects Paul McAlister Architects

Only an Architect is an Architect.

Starting to plan your build is exciting but it can also be confusing to know who you need to work with and where to start. In this post, we will cover the different types of architectural professionals so you know who will be best suited to your project.

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Adding Value by Design
Paul McAlister Architects Paul McAlister Architects

Adding Value by Design

Adding Value by Design One of the most difficult ideas to get through to a new client is that the price for commissioning an experienced architect is likely to be more than other designers who also offer a similar service.

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