What Services Does an Architect Provide?
by Madhat Architecture Madhat Architecture - Design FirmResidential Architects near Me is more than a
designer of buildings. He or she is a highly trained, licensed professional who
provides important professional services that benefit both his or her clients
and the general public at large. This article addresses the different services
that an architect provides and explains the various skills that an architect
has.
Architecture services include two
interrelated but distinct endeavours: the planning and design of buildings and
spaces, and the administration of construction contracts on behalf of clients.
Design and planning incorporate more than merely the aesthetics and
organization of buildings; it also ensures that the designs for buildings
conform to zoning, building codes, and safety requirements. Commercial Building
Design Plans involve the architect acting as the agent of the client in
various capacities during the design and construction process to protect the
interests of the client, such as assisting with negotiating with contractors
for bids, and verifying that contractor constructs the building as designed.
The
following breaks down the phases of a typical building project and the role of
architectural services during each phase:
1. Initial Consultation, Pre-Design,
and Schematic Design.
A
client meets with an architect and together they define the purpose and basic
requirements for the building, known as its program. An architect may also
provide other pre-design services such as master planning and historic research
on an existing building or building site. General design ideas, or concepts,
are presented and developed with client feedback into the schematic design,
which provides a rough sketch of how the building will be organized and what
the building will look like. This process ensures that the building
requirements are clearly understood well before construction documents are
produced. During this highly interactive phase, an architect helps the client
make the most informed decision possible from the very beginning of the
project. The architect can also help the client identify opportunities, cost
savings, and extra value in the project of which he or she may not have fully
been aware.
2. Design Development.
Once
a scheme is chosen by the client, the rough sketch is developed into a working
set of plans and elevations. Such drawings give a general sense of what the
final building will include and give a rough idea of the cost. Through design
development drawings, the architects help the client and contractor get a clear
grasp of what the building will be before the final contract documents. This
opportunity for review can make a big difference in helping the client
understand the size, quality, and cost of a project before the contract
documents are completed, so that any necessary changes can be made to the
drawings before construction.
3. Construction Documents.
Plans,
elevations, and other drawings are refined to produce a set of drawings and
specifications that will be used to erect the building. The architect works
with the client to select appropriate materials and finishes to ensure a
high-quality final building. The architect will coordinate with other design
consultants, such as civil, structural, or mechanical engineers, that may be
needed for the project, depending on its complexity or as required by law. The
drawings and specifications represent a legal definition of what the contractor
will build, along with other documents produced during bidding, known collectively
as the contract documents. A complete, full set of construction documents helps
minimize unforeseen problems and cost overruns during construction.
4. Bidding/Contract Negotiation.
The
architect acts as the agent of the owner/client and solicits bids from
contractors. The architect can also advise the client in his or her decision
process to select a contractor. Once signed, contract documents define the
project. An architect can help the client break down the submitted bids to make
a true apples-to-apples comparison so that the client receives the best value
and quality during construction.
Architects can offer all of these services or a select few depending on the needs of the client. An architect’s fee reflects the amount of work that he or she is required to do and can be calculated in several ways based on project and client preference.
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Created on Aug 6th 2021 07:24. Viewed 318 times.