Be very careful when choosing an architect

[pat anderson]

Warning for those researching into getting an architect.

We employeed an architect last may 07 to help us get project approval on an extension to our house.

Eventually we submitted the plans in August. long story but they failed in december for various reasons the main one being there wasn't 3m from the proposed wall to the frountline of our plot . Apperently every architect in the country knows this rule apart from ours. She refuses to change the plans - she says she has done her work correctly - and also refuses to do anymore work for us - as we are not nice to her , actually all things considered we have been extremely patient ,the camara quite rightly refuses permission .

we have found a brilliant arcitect that has helped find out all the problems the camara had with our plans(the original wouldn't even tell us that ) but she can't do the work for us as the original architect has the copyright on any project we want to do. So we are stuffed - the only thing we can do is take the matter to the ordem dos architectos and wait for them to release us from this witches contract . and hopefully agree we should get our money back but There is no way of telling how long thats going to take.

So if you are looking for an architect - get loads of references first before you enter into any contract.

[Mike Banks]

I cannot comment on Portuguese law, but in the UK, I believe that the ownership of the copywrite would depend on the relationship between yourself and the architect. As you had commisioned her for this project, and presumably also paid her, then the copywrite may well belong to you, although the actual drawings, and related notes and materials would belong to her. I suggest that you consult a Portuguese lawyer on this point.

[maccasa]

hi - have you tried Jorge maghalaes @ dpa architects in Albufeira - excellent man and knows his laws - e mail is dpa@oninet.pt

rgds Richard Mckenzie