Architects are incredibly skilled and perform some of the most important roles in construction. But it’s not just the initial planning they take care of; they are also necessary for various other building phases, from advising to ensuring the construction will be completed as expected. So whether you’re using architects Surrey to help you build your dream home, or an architect working on a large-scale building or site, here are a few roles they’ll take on throughout the design and construction process.
Ideas and discussion
Your architect will work in stages, and the first task they will carry out is discussing with their client what they hope to achieve. For example, if you are building a new home, you will meet with your architect, who will ask you what features you would like your house to have. During this discussion, you can tell your architect the characteristics you would like to feature within the building, your budget, and any other elements you have in mind.
During this time, the architect can give you their professional opinion on whether they think your idea will work and if any issues need to be addressed. When they are clear on your vision, they will then talk to others within the field, like engineers and contractors, to help get your final design approved.
Drawings and planning
When the ideas have been discussed with all the right members of the team, your architect can move on to the planning stages.
Architects used to have to draw by hand. Still, due to technological advancements, they can now take advantage of various types of modelling, like BIM – business information modeling, and CAM – computer-aided design software. This helps them work more efficiently and can help to maintain high levels of accuracy.
Before the final design, an architect will make changes necessary to suit their client’s needs. When the final drawing has taken place, it can be used to help with other documents that can help contractors when the structure is in place.
Estimations
Architects may take on this task when the final drawing has been accepted, but to what extent depends on the architect themselves.
Sometimes, an architect will be in charge of estimating the cost of materials used and how much the construction will cost them over the expected period.
They mustn’t underestimate either of these factors, as this can impact the budget and overall cost of the build. Some architects leave the estimating to others, like engineers, and advise on certain areas.
Site visits
When the contractors have been assigned, and the construction is underway, have you ever considered the architect’s role from here?
When the building starts, the architect will still play a part in the day-to-day order of things – for example, they will perform site visits and regular meetings to ensure everything is on track, as well as this; they will also be able to assist if any problems come up throughout this process to help keep the project progressing. An architect throughout the different construction phases must sign off various documents.
If you are interested in new home builds, head over to Carlisle Homes.
