Few really understand who an architect is and what their responsibilities are. To this end, an architectural firm in Chennai answers some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is architecture?
An art and a science, architecture is the field that designs buildings and places where people can work, live, play, and eat.
Who is an architect?
A person trained to plan and design spaces that can be occupied by people is an architect. They are also licensed to create functional areas. Generally, their work encompasses everything, that is, from creating the building concept to actually constructing the design. The primary role of an architect is to bring a client’s vision or dream to life while ensuring the requirements of those who will occupy the space.
What projects can an architect work on?
An architect can design and build anything, including:
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A small additional room to a house.
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A massive hospital
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A university campus
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A residential complex
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A commercial building
Do architects have construction knowledge?
One of the duties of an architect is to keep the well-being and safety of the occupants a priority, which means that a rudimentary knowledge of construction is vital. Because an architect participates in all phases of construction, that is, from conception to opening, they require practical information about construction. Although it should be noted that architects should not be construction experts, this is why complex projects require collaboration between architects and engineers.
A quick method to find out if a person is an architect or not is to find out if they have construction knowledge; those who do not have them are usually designers and artists.
What are the roles of an architect?
As stated above, the work of an architect is all encompassing. They play a critical role in each period of project construction. From the moment the pen is placed on the paper to draw the building to the moment the tape is cut, the architects oversee the project. Sometimes, even after completion, architects continue to work on the project. This is usually to develop the area around the building or to keep it in good repair.
The key responsibilities of an architect can be divided into three branches:
- Design:
This phase begins when a client hires an architect to create drawings of an idea that he has and wants to turn into reality. Designing requires:
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Creativity on the part of the architect
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Immense technical knowledge
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Responsibility to achieve both
When designing, the architect must take into account:
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Compliance with construction and safety regulations.
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Local planning and construction restrictions
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Laws related to the preservation of historic buildings or the local environment.
Ongoing client meetings occur during this stage and the architect calls in engineers, designers, and financiers for further planning.
- Documentation
There are three subdivisions of this stage:
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Capture the building design on paper.
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Create detailed project drawings showing every inch of the building
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Test the feasibility and practicality of the model using software such as CAD
This step of the job requires constant revisions and redesigns because:
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The client can request changes
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The first design is beyond budget.
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Regulations require adjustments in design.
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The proposal shows practical problems
After the design documentations are complete, a second assembly is created. These are known as construction documents and are used by builders and contractors during construction. Construction documents include:
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Instructions to workers
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Technical specifications
- Construction
This stage of the project is the actual construction part. The role of the architect, at this point, involves:
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Site visits to supervise construction
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Signature of tasks and jobs
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Negotiate with contractors for the best deals
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Find a solution to any problem that arises
Differentiate between civil engineer, architectural engineer and architect
- A civil engineer and architect
A civil engineer is also included in the planning and design of a building, but his work should focus primarily on:
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Ensure that the structure is safe for people.
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Ensure that the building can withstand extreme conditions.
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Make sure it can withstand daily wear and tear.
In comparison, the architect focuses on:
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The aesthetics of the structural work
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What the building looks like
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How does it feel
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How does it work?
Once the architect has drawn up the structure of the building, it is the job of the civil engineer to analyze its integrity. If there are problems, the civil engineer advises on modifications that make the design more plausible and practical.
- An architect and architectural designer
An architect must pass a registration exam to obtain a license to work. It is similar to a lawyer exam that lawyers must pass. An architectural designer does not need to pass the same registration test. Therefore, an architectural designer is not licensed and deals only with the design and not the construction side of the project.
