Reasons Why You Need an ARCHITECT (Part 1)

Over time, a lot of people tend to misconstrue the roles and responsibilities of architects, especially when it comes to building constructions.
People sometimes liken the role of an architect to that of a builder or civil engineer. Even though these professionals all deal with buildings or constructions in one way or the other, they all have their distinctive roles and responsibilities.

If you’re one of those people who don't seem to understand what the roles and responsibilities of an architect in a construction project are all about, you don’t have to look any further because we shall be giving you the answers in this article as you read on.



Who is an Architect?
An architect is a degree-qualified design professional who has received expert training on how to design, plan, and supervise construction processes.

Duties and Responsibilities of an Architect in a Construction Project

1. Provide counseling service(s) to clients
Aside from the architectural service they render to clients, they also provide counseling or advisory services to enable clients to achieve the best result with their construction.
They advise clients on the various steps to take with the construction sites and the type(s) of design that will work best for the building. This way, they ensure that clients can get optimum results with their construction.
In the same vein, an architect discusses the goals of the project and various design ideas with the client to ascertain their feasibility during the construction.

2. Draw design(s) for construction project(s)
Architects are saddled with the responsibility of drawing designs for construction projects. They are experienced professionals in drawing or designing homes, office buildings, shopping malls, among others.
They are also experienced in implementing bespoke designs as visualized by the client, while also advising about the advantages and disadvantages of such designs.

3. Design a building plan that fits all construction requirements
An architect is also responsible for ensuring that the plan is in line with the various requirements that a construction project needs, especially in the state or locality that the construction is to be done. Such requirements include fire regulations, building codes, building styles and structures of the construction location, and zoning codes.

4. Planning and developing the design
roles and responsibilities of architect in construction
After the final construction plan has been designed, the architect proceeds to plan and develop the design by working with other construction professionals. They make sure that the plumbing, structure, ventilation, and electrical and heating system of the building are positioned in their rightful places

5. Must be equipped with technological know-how
With the advancement in technology, most architects now use computers to produce digital designs via various architectural software. Modern architectural software like CAD and BIM have been able to assist architects to speed up their designs. Hence, an architect must be technologically savvy to produce digital blueprints for construction.

6. Knowing the various housing laws and incorporating them into the construction work
Every state has a set of laws or ordinances that guide the processes of building construction. An architect is responsible for knowing these laws and making sure that he or she incorporates them accordingly as the design is planned.
This will help to prevent the client from having any problem with the government or the law in the future, especially when it has to do with how the building was Constructed

(I have a total of 12 points, I will post the remain later, Watch this space; TO BE CONTINUED)

Continuation....

7. Suggesting or choosing various contractors for the construction project
Since most architects work closely with other building professionals like civil engineers, builders, and interior designers, it is easier for them to help the client in choosing experienced building experts that can help to execute the project.

8. Working hand-in-hand with other professionals to get the job done
After the architect has been able to successfully select the experts or contractors that he or she will be working with, he is saddled with the responsibility of working hand-in-hand with these professionals.
This is done by interpreting the design, supervising the progress of the building process, and ensuring that the design is made a reality as envisioned by the client.
The architect works with builders, engineers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other experts to enable them to do the construction the exact way it appears in the design. He also helps to explain any vague aspect during construction and monitor workers on how to adequately interpret the design.

9. Bringing artistic and creative elements to the construction
Since architects are creative in their way, they have the responsibility of ensuring that the construction is not only structurally okay but also aesthetically appealing.
Some buildings are creatively constructed to look like the shape of various objects. Such astonishing edifices can only be made possible by talented and super creative architects. Therefore, an architect has an important role to play when it comes to the aesthetics of a building.

10. Determining the features of the construction site to understand its limitations and potentials
An architect equally has the responsibility of visiting the construction site to be able to determine its limitations and potentials. This is an important role that’s usually performed to deliver a satisfactory job to the client.
The architect surveys or inspects the land and tries to determine the feasibility of implementing the designed construction. He looks at the possibility of how effective the construction will turn out once it’s completed. After doing this, he advises the client on the pros and cons that might accrue from the usage of the site for construction.
Also, architects who have added certification in land surveying will be able to determine how efficiently the soil can withstand the weight of the building to produce a solid foundation and structure. (My personal recommendation here is for your Engineer to do this, Engineers are better skilled here)

11. Help to ascertain the cost estimation or budget for the construction
Architects who have many years of experience in construction find it easy to determine the overall cost estimation of projects. They can offer a realistic budget to the clients after investigating the cost of materials and labor that will be used for the construction. Although this is the work of a quantity surveyor.

12. Help clients to obtain a permit from the government
Before construction work can be carried out in any state, you need to seek approval from the government of that state. This can be done by obtaining a permit or license to carry out the construction.
Depending on the structure and size of the building to be constructed, architects are often responsible for collecting permits from the government on behalf of the client. Oftentimes, they present the blueprint of the building to be constructed to the government for research and analysis before approval can be granted.