Architect in Construction, An Architect is a person hired by the client to design a facility as per the ideas and requirements specified by the client. The world is a canvas for architects. They have the power to turn blueprints into real-life buildings. They develop designs that are more creative in aesthetics to satisfy the client. The design evolved by the architects has to satisfy the building laws and the state regulations too. Thus Architects play a crucial role in construction as they’re liable for the visual appearance of the buildings and structures before final structural design.
India’s extensive urbanization has transformed the landscape of the country. There has been a rapid expansion in the construction activity in the form of housing, commercial spaces, seaports, roads, and much more. The Union government has planned to put lots of money into the infrastructure sector by 2024, which may swamp the market with tons of architecture job opportunities. Hence, the roles and responsibilities of an architect are going to be enhanced repeatedly within the coming years.
Roles of Architects in Construction
Once a client approaches an architect, initially, a meeting is conducted to discuss the needs and requirements of that project. Several meetings are conducted until both parties are satisfied with the conceptual design.
Architects pour in both artistic and functional minds for the design of structures. They also contribute to improving energy efficiency, by designing sustainable buildings that maximize natural lighting and ventilation, while reducing the heating and cooling loads. Thus they have several responsibilities during various stages of the project.
Responsibilities of Architect in Construction
The work carried out by an architect has to be properly organized in the forms of records, of different contracts, project details, cost, and budget details, the time limit, and the daily progress report. Substantially, the architects have to work with the civil or structural engineers for discussing the technical issues that might arise during the design implementation. The key responsibilities of an architect in construction projects are mentioned below as per the specific roles:
Project Discussion
An architect is hired by a client to create a detailed design of the client’s concept or idea. Before the design approval, various meetings and discussions with different team members and engineering professionals are conducted. This helps in realizing different technical difficulties that would be faced ahead. The topics discussed during those meetings are client requirements, expected budget, site characteristics, safety, and local planning regulations. The project discussion administered by the architect includes the subsequent works:
- Initially understanding the client’s requirement through a detailed discussion.
- Discussion about the expected budget, site characteristics, and other planning regulations of that area.
- Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the site.
- Bringing and presenting the feasibility study
Preparation of Drawings
A construction project has enormous design drawings that need to be prepared before the design execution on site. Initially, the sketch designs are prepared which will show the building location giving an idea about the layout of different spaces within the site. The different drawings an architect can render includes floor plans, site plan, elevations, structural drawings, 3D models and 3D views. Many revisions take place to incorporate changes as per the client’s needs, budget and regulations. The ultimate blueprints guide the builders to deliver the desired structure. This also includes plans for structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. Other technical documents that must be created along with these plans are design instructions and technical specifications for contractors. Following the ultimate design drawings, comes the contract proposal, which allows for cost estimates and the timescale of the project.
Cost Estimation
Cost estimation at different stages of the project helps to gain better control over the budget. Architects visualize the entire building, bringing together creative ideas and designs to the construction industry. But these also require a structural design and MEP installations. Architects and engineers must be careful with cost estimations. They shouldn’t underestimate the material costs and construction timeline as this helps to achieve effective cost estimations.
Contracts
Architects also help during the contract negotiation phase. They may suggest different contractors for different activities. Once all tenders are received, the architect carries out an analysis based on all the tender reports. The analysis results are compared with the client’s expectations and budget. Based on the client’s demand, the architect commences the construction on site as per the standard codes and regulations. The architects also have to check the invoices using invoice generator at the month end to check the payment requested in correspondence to the completed works at the site.
Construction Stage
Once construction begins, the architect performs site visits and meetings, negotiations with contractors. Some of the documentation that takes place during construction phases will require the architect’s signature and approval.
Bibliography
Management, C., 2021. Roles and Responsibilities of Architect in Construction – The Constructor. https://theconstructor.org/construction/architects-roles-responsibilities-construction/18511/
Tobias, M., 2021. Roles and Responsibilities of Architects in Construction Projects. Ny-engineers.com. https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/architects-in-construction-projects
MIT ADT University | MIT Art, Design and Technology University. 2021. Roles and Responsibilities of an Architect | Blog. https://www.mituniversity.edu.in/roles-and-responsibilities-of-an-architect/
