Most people think of an architect as a building designer, but unless you have engaged an architect before most people don’t really know what an architect does. I often get asked what I do for a living and I usually respond with “Oh, I’m an Architect and I have my own design firm” to which most people respond with “Oh that must be very exciting, designing buildings etc…” So, most people see architects as building designers, but they don’t realise that an architect is so much more…
Yes, an architect is a building designer that’s a given, but did you know that an architect is a designer, a project manager, a supervisor, a contract administrator, a colour consultant, a mind reader, a material specialist, a thermal insulation specialist, a solar design specialist, an environmental specialist, a coordinator, a negotiator, a cost consultant, a 3D spatial designer, a quality control expert, an aesthetics expert, a composition expert, a problem solver and so, so much more all rolled in to one…
If you google “What does an architect do?”, you will most likely come up with the following statement in one form or another:
“Architects can have a role in all aspects of the project, from site selection and feasibility studies through construction, observation and project closeout procedures.”
So, what does it all mean? Let me explain…
If you are a residential client and your looking to build your dream home, an architect can assist you in every single aspect of the project until you move in and then continue to look after your new home until the contract has finished. In other words, an architect can bring your dream into reality and ensure that your dream is designed and built exactly how you pictured it.
So, what does an architect really do I hear you ask?
Well, let’s put it simply…
“An architect is a mind reader who can extract from you exactly what you building dream is and turn it into reality…!”
Along this journey your architect will guide you through every single stage in the process right from the beginning where he or she will extract from you everything that you desire for your new home and put it into the design (Sketch Design Phase). Your architect will engage and coordinate all consultants that are required i.e. engineers, town planners, building surveyors etc. and ensure that your dream is approved by the local council (Town Planning Stage). Your architect will then draw your new home and create a set of construction drawings for the builder to build from and have them certified (Building Permit Stage). Your architect will then assist you in the appointment of a builder by issuing your construction documents out for tender and then reviewing the tenders ensuring that everything has been covered by the builder before their appointment (Tender & Negotiation Stage). Your architect will then manage the building contract and supervise the construction from start to finish. He or she will manage the construction budget, review any variations, respond to any questions from the builder and manage any problems that occur (Contract Administration Stage). Once your dream home is complete and you have moved in, your architect will then manage all defects that arise to ensure the final product is exactly what you desired for a full 12 months after completion (Defects Liability Period).
So, an architect is far more than just a building designer. An architect is a building professional that has all the technical knowledge, skills and experience to manage your project from start to finish so that you don’t have to.
If you don’t know where to begin on your next project or would just like some advice on what can be done? Call Spire Architects in 1300 177 473 to arrange a free, no obligation private consultation.