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What can an architect do for you?

 

With their training and overall grasp of the design, building and contractual processes, architects are uniquely equipped to design, inspect construction and administer the building contract for projects. A widespread misconception is that choosing an architect is much like choosing a service provider. Why involve an architect when it would seem that anyone with a small amount of talent and a PC could design a home? An architect covers all aspects of a building project. With their training and overall grasp of the design, building and contractual processes, architects are uniquely equipped to design, inspect construction and administer the building contract for projects. He would typically obtain/create an accommodational brief from the client, interpret the brief, produce sketches for approval, design the building, obtain input from other consulting professionals, document the project for the contractors to build and then supervise the construction on site.

The independent architect, independent in the sense that he is guided by objective professional considerations in rendering advice, offers his client a personal service tailored exactly to the client’s requirements and budget limitations. He should be free to explore all ways and means of obtaining for his client the most economical and favourable tender for the building work on an objective basis.

During the construction phase of a project, the architect plays a vital role in ensuring that the contract is well run and the specification is adhered to.

 

Tried and tested over time, in an industry that has been highly innovative and continues to be so, the traditionally established relationships between client, architect and contractor have proven themselves to be the most satisfactory. Trust and good communication are prerequisite to the design and construct process, ensuring a mutually satisfactory product. Architects have comprehensive training and understand how buildings work. They furthermore know that the whole should be greater than the sum of the parts, and will advise clients when stylistic aspects are getting the better of common sense construction.

 

Registration with the National Home Builders’ Registration Council (NHBRC) is now mandatory for all house builders, and money may not be lent by a bank in the event of dealing with a non-registered builder. An architect can assist in the completion of the required documentation and will provide you with the professional reassurance that your investment is well designed.

 

General Points:

 

• Architects are trained to take your brief and can see the big picture.

• Architects look beyond your immediate requirements to design flexible buildings that will adapt with the changing needs of your business.

• Architects solve problems creatively

• When they are involved at the earliest planning stage, they gain more opportunities to understand your business, develop creative solutions, and propose ways to reduce costs.

• Architects can save you money by maximising your investment.

• A well-designed building can reduce your bills now and increase its long-term value.

• Architects can manage your project from site selection to completion.

• In many building projects the role of the architect includes co-ordinating a team of specialist consultants such as landscape architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, interior designers, builders and subcontractors.

• Architects can save you time.

• By managing and co-ordinating key project elements they allow you to focus on your organisation’s activities.

• Architects can help your business.

• They create total environments, interior and exterior, which are pleasing and functional for the people who work and do business within them.

 

Article Source: RIBA : http://www.architecture.com/UseAnArchitect/WhyUseAnArchitect/WhyUseAnArchitect.aspx

 

 

Commercial Buildings

 

• Many commercial tenants search for new office space with pre-determined concepts. Here are 10 reasons to break that mold by enlisting the services of a professional architect:

• Architects can reduce your square footage requirements. - Workplace configurations and build-out options need to be considered for any new headquarters. Architects know the limitations and opportunities for any office space you are considering. By making the most out of your office, and thus reducing square footage needs, they can save you money over the entire life of your lease.

• Architects will consider the nature of your business. - For example, legal firms require more perimeter offices (with a window!) to satisfy their partners and senior colleagues. If your company holds frequent meetings, then you may wish to arrange for more conference or huddle rooms.

• Architects will evaluate your space needs over time. - If you are a rapidly growing company, you may need additional support areas such as kitchen facilities, mail rooms, etc. If your firm is struggling, you may need structural alternatives to reduce your office space in a timely manner.

• Architects can affect employee productivity. - The size, adjacencies and locations of workstations, offices, huddle rooms and conference rooms can affect workflow as well as employee work habits and output.

• Architects can evaluate the building you select. - An office building may have structural limitations based on a number of factors. Architects can evaluate these elements, even when your prospective landlord may hesitate or be uninformed about these matters.

• Architects know how to evaluate space-related statistics. - Architects are conversant with terms used to measure square footage including building loss factors, rentable square feet, carpetable square feet, etc., terms likely to come up during negotiations and in the boilerplate of your lease.

• Architects can suggest ways to build your I.T. infrastructure and ensure scalability. - The lack of scalability, a key watchword for many industries, can limit your ability to add new technologies as they become available. Architects consider these factors in all their permutations, an especially intricate task when we do not know what the next new technology will be.

• Architects can interface and supervise key staff during construction. - Architects know how to interface with general contractors and related specialists to ensure your office space achieves its full potential. They can also work with structural design and HVAC engineers, furniture vendors and other essential suppliers.

• Architects can evaluate a building’s design elements and their effect on your customers. - Does the building and/or your new office project a sense of stability, modernity, hi-end service, etc.?

• Architects work closely with real estate brokers and legal representatives to ensure all your needs are met. - Some issues cut across architecture and deal terms that are negotiated by a broker and may also have legal ramifications.

• Experienced architects know how to work as a team with your other advisers to help obtain the best space possible.

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JohnHannigan

 

 

Residential Buildings

 

When you are building a new home, you want to have it your way, and rightly so. Everything from the floor plan layout, the home’s character and style, features, systems, materials, and décor should reflect who you are and your philosophy on life. Hiring an architect for the design and project management of the home can make the whole process go smoothly. Here are some of the skills an architect brings to a project and some of the functions he or she performs:

 

• Understands the Scope of the Project: A licensed architect understands the details and phases of the project and has the expertise to develop and refine the vision so you can understand the scope of the project.

• Knows State and Local Codes: The licensed architect is knowledgeable in the building codes applicable to your project and designs the structure of the home to meet these codes. They usually prepare most of the documentation necessary for you to get your building permits, saving you both time and money.

• Hires the Team: When you secure an architect’s project management services, he or she heads the team and makes sure everyone knows their job. They answer the myriad of questions from the builder and their subcontractors, and makes sure any changes do not affect the structural and architectural integrity of the design.

• Oversees the Project: The licensed architect is involved in the day-to-day construction of the project, making him or herself available for consultations, meetings, and questions from the site. Some architects will also hire the subcontractors for you and then establish and manage the construction schedule. Throughout the project, your architect is your advocate, staying true to your design and your budget.

• Can Green Up Your Project: Are you interested in building a green home? A green architect will give you numerous options for saving money and protecting your investment in the home design and material selection processes.

• If you’re planning on building a new home, hiring an architect is well worth your investment to ensure the end result is exactly what you wanted.

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JeremyBonin