What Does An Architect Actually Do?

A highly trained and skilled professional, an architect is in charge of the planning and designing of buildings, playing a key role in both the initial stages and the eventual construction. Part mathematicians, part artists; architects are professionally licensed to ensure buildings are safe, stylish and durable. Let’s take a closer look at the key functions carried out by professionally trained architects.

Schematic Design

At the earliest stage of the process, architects will meet with their clients, discuss their project requirements, develop the design and assess the current state of the construction site. This is known as the “schematic design” phase and will typically result in your architect producing an extensive list of design materials, renders and models to provide enough detail for the client to both evaluate and approve the design specifications.

Design Development

After the schematic design phase has been completed and initial specifications and ideas are approved, it is now the task of the architect to document these plans further in greater detail. The design development phase is in place to pay closer attention to electrical systems, air conditioning, plumbing, fire safety, interior design and more to ensure your projected building will meet the necessary standards of safety and environmental regulations as well as any building codes. 

Construction Documents

Now that the designs have been evaluated and approved, it’s at this moment your architect will begin preparing the necessary construction documents that are required to enable your construction work to begin. This document is an essential tool and is provided to the contractors in order for them to access a clear set of assembly instructions they can follow. When planning your construction, we recommend passing this document on to a select group of potential contractors to gather a sense of the average cost and time for the project to be completed from a handful of sources.

Construction Administration

The final stage of the process is a highly important one, as the designs finally become realised over the course of the construction process. Generally speaking, architects are put to good use in a number of important ways during this stage, but will typically take on a more hands-off, consultation role as the contractors take over the heavy lifting. In some cases, the architect will have more responsibility at this stage, managing the subcontractors themselves on behalf of the client, but at any rate, it’s important that your architect is available to answer questions, generate new materials and amend designs to existing construction documents where necessary, to ensure the construction process is as smooth and as accurate as possible.

At Integrated Designs & Associates Ltd, we have over 27 years of experience operating architectural design services in Birmingham, across the West Midlands and the rest of the UK. As such, we should be your choice for architectural engineering whether your project is commercial or residential. Get in touch with our team today.