What is the Role of an Architect?

Construction of buildings, offices, businesses, and other structures is a multi-step process. The first part, and perhaps the most important, is the design. The function of an architect is to design a structure and plan for its ultimate use. To fully understand the function of an architect, we must consider their role from the initial meeting to the final plan of a project, and even their involvement during the process of structure construction.

Architects are artists and engineers. They must design structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and safe.

Learning Client Requirements

Meetings with clients to discuss their needs and wants are the beginning of every project. Discussing needs may include the purpose of the proposed structure, the budget, and the clients’ expectations. The number of persons who will occupy the structure and the function of each of those persons is also important. Anticipated growth of the clients may also impact the design. These initial discussions are an important part of what an architect do, helping shape the design according to the client's requirements.

For a project involving a new residence, the architect will want to know the number of persons that will use each of the major parts of the structure. For business or professional structures, the architect will need to understand the function of each part and how customers will use the structure.

The goal of this meeting is to help the architect create a design that will meet the client’s needs.

Creating Designs

The next step after understanding a client’s needs is for the architect to create a design. This may take the form of a sketch, model, digital representation, or plan.

The designs will eventually take the shape of the structure for which the clients’ needs dictate.

These illustrations help communicate the general look and feel of the building to clients and other stakeholders. This section of a architect’s work focuses on translating feedback into architectural sketch concept.

This feedback plays a key role in architect’s work because without it, the architect will have no way of implementing customer’s feedback into drawing.

Developing Construction Document

When a rough sketch is developed and approved by the client, the architect can develop detailed construction drawing. Construction drawings can include plans, elevations, sections and detailing describing the building elements and services.

Prior to the construction, the architects and engineers use Building Information Modelling (BIM) to simulate and coordinate different building elements. This approach helps iron out discrepancies in construction prior to the onsite work.

The construction documents serve as a “how to construct” manual for the contractor.

Working with other Professionals

It is the responsibility of the architect to bring all the relevant professions together to achieve a successful integration of different building services. These services include, structural and civil services, MEP services (Electrical, Plumbing and Fire services) and other services.

Architects have to ensure that the available space is used efficiently and effectively to achieve the intended function of the building.

Architects have to ensure that the building complies with building codes and other regulations. These codes govern the minimum requirements for the building to be safe and accessible.

These requirements provide architects insight to develop designs that are buildable and acceptable.

Matter of Materials and Design

Architects make recommendations that influence the overall appearance and performance of the facility. Recommendations may consider the cost of the facility, its effect on the environment, how it will be used and maintained, and other design requirements.

Architects integrate features to improve the energy efficiency of a building and may incorporate daylighting to reduce the energy use of the building. Additionally, the features incorporated into the building may benefit the occupant and the environment by conserving water and other resources.

Support the Structure

Construction documents do not end an architect’s obligation to a client. Resolving contractual obligations may require the architect to oversee the construction of the facility.

Architects may respond to design-related queries and ensure changes to the construction do not compromise the design.

Architects may consider a design that integrates a number of features to implement the client’s desired function of the facility while supporting the surrounding community.

Having a clear plan may guide the design and construction of a building that is able to accommodate the function for which it was built. Houseura may assist clients of architectural firms in attaining architectural planning, construction and project integration services.