Preparing for your first architect meeting
Reviewed October 2026 · Not legal, planning or financial advice
The first meeting sets the brief, and the brief drives fees, design and cost. Homeowners who arrive with a clear brief, a realistic budget and good questions get more from it.
What to bring
- Photos of the house, front and rear.
- Rough measurements of the house, garden and side passage.
- What you want the space to do — not just the size.
- Your total budget, including fit-out and fees.
- Any planning history, deeds or earlier drawings.
- Examples of extensions you like and dislike.
What to ask
- Which planning route do you expect, and why?
- What surveys do we need before design?
- What do your fees cover — design, planning, tender, inspections, certification?
- Will you act as assigned certifier if the extension is over 40m²?
- How would you handle daylight to the existing rooms?
- What would you change about our idea?
Who to engage
Registered architects are listed by the RIAI. Architectural technologists also design many house extensions. For structure, a chartered engineer. For larger projects, a quantity surveyor can price the design before tender. Check builders on the Construction Industry Register Ireland.
Regulations and their interpretation change. This guide explains the position as we understand it in October 2026. Confirm what applies to your house with an architect, planning consultant or your local authority before relying on it.