The Architect
Construction projects of all kinds are an assembly of connected elements. While they’re all important, one of the key players in a construction project is the architect.
An architect focuses on the look, feel aesthetics and functionality of a structure. They have technical knowledge of structural design and technical methods and understand how to put it together into a useful, livable space.
Whether it’s a new home, a home remodeling project, or commercial construction, an architect is the one who will lay the groundwork in design for the client and make it doable for the builders and contractors to create.
The Role Of An Architect
Most people think of an architect as the person who does the project drawings. That’s true, but there’s so much more to the work than just blueprints.
An architect takes the ideas and vision of the client and brings it to life. From putting it on paper to working with the people building, the architect has to balance the client’s vision with the state’s building codes and laws surrounding the construction. He or she employs both an artistic view and a functional mind to approach the design of a structure, and melds them into an idea that becomes the finished product.
In the initial stages, an architect meets with a client or clients to discuss what they want and need in a project. Once drawings are created, they’re shared with the client, who shares their input. Land, building codes, laws, and budgeting all affect the outcome of the project, and the architect makes sure that everything works. Although there may be changes before construction can begin, ultimately, the architect takes their input and updates the drawings until everything is perfect.
Once the client is happy, the architect is also a project manager, referee, overseer, point of contact, and go-between from that point until the construction is completed and the client moves into their new (or remodeled) space.
An Architect’s Responsibilities
Of course, the architect is responsible for creating drawings, but no longer are they done by hand. AutoCAD and other drafting software make drawings of all kinds faster and easier, as well as changes and updates.
Once the drawings are completed, it’s time to find out what it will cost to turn the drawings into reality. Cost estimation includes construction time as well as materials, permits, and other necessary expenses, and must be estimated correctly.
During the negotiations phase, the architect can make suggestions on contractors for the different parts of the job. Once construction begins, he or she performs analysis reports to compare to the client’s budget and expectations.
The construction stage puts the architect into the overseer role, doing on-site meetings and inspections, negotiating contracts, and working to resolve any problems that occur. Documentation that appears during construction may require the architect’s signature and approval.
Some of the architect’s other responsibilities include:
· Clarification of design elements and details to the construction teams
· Make any necessary changes to the design to comply with local regulations, correct the construction scope, or include additional value
· Review construction plans from other construction teams to ensure that they align with the initial plans
· Confirm and verify that the work has been correctly completed
After completion, the architect should leave documentation on the building with the new owners/occupants, and include recommendations for future maintenance, repairs, and other work. He or she should include contact information in the event the new occupants have questions or need help with any issues.
Call Pro Draft For All Your Architectural Design Needs
When you’re ready to begin building a house in Maui, remodel one, or add to your home or commercial property, Pro Draft is ready to help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and to answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland
