Architects, much like their drawings, are known to be Multi-Dimensional at work. Architecture is a field that requires one to be on their toes at all times and to keep shifting and adapting to new roles. And so, architects are invariably readjusting and casting roles that fit the day right. There are multiple and very diverse roles that an architect plays while designing and planning. Let’s dive deeper into the responsibilities of an architect and realise the versatile roles they have to impersonate as designers.
The Conventional Roles of an architect
It’s safe to say that ‘Architect’ is an umbrella term that encompasses much more than what a layman can perceive. Here’s a list of different Roles that architects play during various Stages:
1. Client Assistance and Consultation
The first and foremost role that an architect has to employ. Here an architect assists the client with their brief and discerns their requirements. The client’s requirements are not always apparent and reasonable, but the architect takes time to surmise and interpret the client’s demands in the most accurate way possible. The most important trait the architect portrays during client meetings is patience and clear judgement.
2. Research and Analysis (Scientist Mode)
In a project, the design process comes much later. First, an extensive amount of research and analysis is done to understand the site and the context. Substantial research in the initial stages backs the entire design later. Hence in this stage, an architect incurs the role of a researcher and data collector.
3. Concept Developer (Wizard)
Once there is adequate data for the architect to examine and reflect on, the conceptualising and brainstorming begins. This stage requires the unswerving flow of creative juices to create something offbeat and reliable to the client’s brief. An architect is nothing short of a genius at this stage.
4. Detailed Drawing Development (Precisian)
After multiple panel discussions, brainstorming, ideating, reflecting and finally freezing the design, the architect is unhesitant to plunge into the details. This role is a bit tedious, but God, do architects enjoy detailing!
In this stage, the architect is committed to leaving no room for errors and misconceptions and adds as many details as attainable.
5. A Technician
Yes, you read it right. After client approvals and agreements, the design is further refined and fine-tuned. Now the game is elevated, and the drawings are converted to appropriate scales and dimensions. In this stage, the architect works along with the engineers and produces technical details. The materials, fixtures, fittings, finishes, textures, specifications etc.
6. A Negotiator
Architects tend to deal with several people during every project, and that trains them enough to become Pro Negotiators. Good negotiation skills are imperative in this line of work. In this stage, the architect deals with contractors, collaborators, clients, builders and engineers.
These are some of the notable roles that an architect cultivates during a project.
More Imaginative and Passionate Roles of an Architect
Architecture may not be all fun and games, but sometimes it is. Apart from the mundane tasks and responsibilities, architecture brings forth a lot of splash and frolic. Here’s a list of Fun Roles an Architect gets to play.
7. Traveller
Perhaps the best role an architect gets to play in this field. Because architecture is in every nook and corner of the world, the opportunities and reasons to travel are more. The one thing that is perpetual in this field is learning, and there is no better way to learn architecture than by travelling. And this is one of the biggest perks of being an architect.
8. Napkin Artist
Yes, it is as productive as it sounds. Architects are pretty much working all the time, at least mentally. The best idea comes to an architect when they least expect it, hence the invention of the famous napkin sketching. Besides, architects don’t like losing time at all, and so when their hands happen to be unoccupied, they start sketching even on the napkins.
It may sound absurd to the outside world, but from an architect’s perspective, it’s delightful.
9. Photographer
Not to brag, but the perspective with which an architect sees the world is eccentric and fascinating. And so, what better than to capture that prospect through another pair of lenses. Architects are core documentarists and want to film just about everything. That’s why photography is the handiest skill and is utilised by all architects in some capacity.
10. Writer
Well, if this isn’t one of the most fulfilling jobs as an architect. Writing is a task that is hands-down inescapable for every architect. In one way or another, every piece of architecture built needs a write-up or description. And if the architect is skilled at writing, then even better. This role helps architects verbalise and communicate their designs to the world that doesn’t understand drawings.
11. Design Thinker
Architecture is a lot about planning and designing around human lives. Design thinking is vital because it’s human-centric, and that’s what most architecture is all about. Architects, through design thinking, incorporate creative and critical thinking in their day to day lives to provide the best solutions to their clients and add value to the world of architecture.
These were some of the creative roles an architect plays and adds freshness and personality to architecture.
Responsible Roles of an Architect
- Architects must design, keeping the economic constraints in mind, always.
- Architects must abide by the building codes and regulations set by the government.
- Architects must try their best to uplift and empower the economically weaker sections of society.
- Architects must exercise an open-ended approach.
- Architects must always show their clients and the general masses the right path toward architecture.
- Architects must imbibe people skills, sharp listening and treat all their clients with equality and respect.
- Architects must help restrain gender roles through sensitive architecture.
- Architects must try and be optimistic.
- Architects at all costs must be pro environmentalists.
- Architects must subscribe to the true calling of architecture.
Bibliography
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