Architects are professionals who plan, design, and construct buildings. This highly creative profession requires you to have a knack for mathematics along with general architectural knowledge. Here is a look into the important role of architects in building design.
Table of Contents
1. Client Interface
The first contact point of any building project is to meet the clients. The clients share the ideas that they may have with the architect, while the architect provides an expert perspective. Your first impression is therefore crucial because the client needs to feel confident enough to entrust the building to you, the architect. One way to make a positive first impression is by carrying striking architectural binders into your client meetings.
2. Structure Planning
Several roles in construction are held by architects. Chief among these is the planning and design of a building or a structure. They are charged with deciding upon the size and shape as well as the materials that will be used for the construction of a particular building. This means that, for instance, a part of the client meetings involves showing tile sample boards for client approval.
These professionals are also responsible for determining whether the structure will be completed within budget and whether the overall cost of the project will be considered affordable or not for the client. An architect needs to plan a building design properly so that it meets all the required criteria, while at the same time being aesthetically pleasing to its inhabitants.
3. Consider Practicalities
Architects also have to consider the practicalities of a given project. After all, aesthetics might take precedence over all else for the client, but practicality must be an architect’s top priority. An architect has to come up with a workable plan for the construction of a building, keeping in mind the various constraints that may affect the construction. All the requisite planning documents must be in place, and the architect has to ensure that all the necessary permits are in place as well.
4. Implement Safety
It is the responsibility of the architect to ensure that all safety measures are in place as well. This can only be achieved by making sure that measures such as fences and security gates are safe to walk through, as well as ensuring that the ground is clear of any potential obstacles. All these precautions are necessary, and only an experienced architect can ensure that they are carried out effectively.
5. Site Assessing
Site assessors are responsible for assessing the strength and viability of different parts of a project, as well as the site itself. Site assessors should have a thorough knowledge of local building regulation to ensure that construction procedures and codes are being followed correctly. They are also responsible for checking that no major defects are present in the construction. Site assessors are usually required by law to carry out this role before any permission is granted for a building project.
6. Versatile Skill Set
An architect’s role in the design of a building can be combined with that of an electrical contractor or builder, if possible. If so, the architect must have the necessary skills as well as knowledge to ensure that the interiors and workings of the building are suitable for use as well as being aesthetically pleasing. It is important that all parties involved in the construction of the building adhere to building regulations, as well as the strict guidelines laid out by the architect. If any mistakes or deviations are made, it is the responsibility of the architect to notify these parties in writing, and the responsible party will be held legally responsible for these acts.
Conclusion
Architects play several important roles when it comes to building design. They need to hold client meetings so that they can plan accordingly. Architects have to consider practicalities, implement safety measures, assess the site and take on other roles regarding the building functionality.
