When you build a place to stay, work, play, meet, etc., the first thing that comes in your mind is that you need that just according to your taste while being safe at the same time. An architect is that person who helps you to accomplish that goal of designing a building that is perfect and secure.
It can be intimidating to hand over a stranger the power of designing your dream building. Especially the one who charges a lot of money to complete the task?You may wonder why you need an architect while you already have a plan for the construction. To know the answer to this question, you will first need to know who an architect is, and what do they actually do.
Who is an Architect?
An architect is a licensed professional trained in the art and science of construction design and planning. He has the skills to develop the concept for your dream structure and convert them into images and plans. An architect is someone who loves design. He allows you to explore the creative part of your brain by mixing it up with science, making your creative art functional.
Architecture is about artists working together with science to make a structure not only appealing in appearance but also functional, economical, and safe. An architect considers all the factors while leading the process of functional design. Whether it is a small project as a minor extension to remodeling an entire neighbourhood, an architect brings together all your creative ideas and visions designing them into a practical solution.
Architects are leaders who are good in both art and science, as they have various roles to play in the process of building construction. They lead the process of creating space and making it functional while realizing the concept of the clients and designing the whole structure.
What Does an Architect Do?
An architect is not only involved in the design of a structure; he is also responsible for all the phases involved in the project. From the primary discussion with the clients to the final step of the construction work, an architect stays focused on the success of the project, making sure everything goes perfectly. The duties of an architect involve- designing, managing, engineering, supervising, and most importantly communicating with the clients and builders on a regular basis.
As an architect holds the responsibility of understanding the clients’ concepts and dreams, designing it into a functional and practical structure, the architect must communicate with the clients on a regular basis. Not only does an architect need to communicate his ideas to the clients, but also with the construction crew. A successful architect must always be good at communication.
As they are licensed professionals, architects are also responsible for overseeing the projects along with public safety. They are needed in all the stages of building construction. Not only are they involved in the steps of designing to the end of construction, but they also need to stay updated as the structure and its surrounding evolves.
We can split their roles in the process of building construction in three parts:
- Design
- Documentation and
- Construction
1. Design Phase:
This is the first step where the architect discusses the project and ideas with the client. They discuss the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project. The architect can show previous designs depending on which the client can decide on something feasible and environmentally safe while preparing the cost analysis and specifying all the requirements the chosen design must meet. Then the architect makes a design presenting all the ideas for the clients to review.
Once the clients agree on the initial design, the architect works on developing a drawing demonstrating the outer appearance along with all the details needed for the construction. The architect will also make a drawing of the structural system of the building and specify the building materials. He also has to comply with all the building and safety regulations, local planning regulations, and restrictions. Regular meetings with clients are important to establish any new design requirements.
2. Documentation Phase:
After the design phase, the architect has the responsibility to document the designs on paper. Before, the architects had to rely on pencil and paper to capture those documents. But nowadays, as technology advanced, CAD and other similar technologies are used to produce more precise drawings.
Once the drawings are documented, the architect needs to show the drawings to the clients and revision the designs once in a while. The architect needs to redraw the design based on any changes based on the clients’ requirements and budget. Any building regulation or safety protocol left out in the previous design should be incorporated in the newly revised design documents. After the design documents have been approved by the clients and building control, the architect can move on to the construction phase.
3. Construction Phase:
An architect not only designs the structure, but he also helps the clients with obtaining construction bids, selecting contractors, and negotiating construction contracts. Documentation is needed in this phase to translate all the designs into instruction and technical specifications so that the contractors can understand all the steps
The architect also needs to visit the construction site to make sure that the instruction is followed properly using the appropriate materials. He is also responsible to ensure the quality of the construction works, which they need to, follow up on till the construction work is completed. If any changes are required, the architect is responsible to negotiate with the contractors, while resolving any issues that may arise.
It may seem easier and inexpensive to just avoid hiring an architect while you can already have a dream design for your place. But in the long run, having the expert assistance of an architect can save you from any future issues that may arrive causing you to spend much more than you anticipated. An architect can assist you to have a structure that is cost-effective, safe for the occupants, functional, and environment friendly.
Thinking about hiring an architect for your building? Give us a call or send us an email.