An architect's role is as varied and fascinating as their designs; these are the professionals who guide the process of creating functional spaces, from concept to full realisation of their projects.
An architect's role as a leader of various projects, from something as small as an addition to someone's home to something as large as a hospital, college campus, or an entire neighbourhood, is to bring together the client's creative ideas and visions while keeping in mind the needs of those who will be using the space.
Architecture allows you to use the right side of your brain, your creative side! Every structure is unique. Every project is unique. Architecture is an art that collaborates with science to create places for people to live, eat, work, and play.
Architects are involved in more than just the design of a building. As a licenced professional, they are also in charge of public safety and project management. Their role is critical at every stage of the building's construction, from the initial concept to the completion ceremony.
Architects are obligated to protect the health, welfare, and safety of a building's occupants, so construction knowledge is absolutely required. Anyone who designs a building without knowing anything about construction is an artist or a designer, not an architect.
It is important to note, however, that a building beyond a rudimentary structure is too complex for a single architect to take on or fully comprehend. There are sometimes gaps in knowledge, and it takes collaboration with other architects and engineers to safely and successfully complete a design.
An architect is frequently involved in a project after it has been completed because buildings evolve to incorporate new surroundings and ideas.
An architect's work can be divided into three major roles or phases:
Design
Documentation
Construction
An architect in the design role is hired by a client to create detailed designs of a concept or idea that the client wants to bring to life. This part of the role requires a great deal of technical knowledge and responsibility, as well as creative design ideas.
Building and safety regulations, as well as local planning regulations and restrictions, must be followed. Depending on the project, laws governing the preservation of the local environment or any historical parts of a building may apply.
It is critical to hold regular client meetings in order to establish requirements and discuss detailed design proposals. It is also critical to lead the team of other professionals who will work on this stage of the project, such as engineers, designers, and financiers.
During the documentation phase, the responsibilities include capturing the design on paper, producing detailed drawings, and testing the design's feasibility using technology such as CAD. This stage may necessitate ongoing revision and redrawing to accommodate changes based on the client's requirements, budget, and regulations. After the design documents have been completed, a second set of documents must be created.
These are the construction documents, which translate the design into instructions and technical specifications for builders and contractors. When the project reaches the construction stage, the architect will be on-site for site visits and meetings, supervising the construction and signing off on various pieces of work, negotiating with contractors, and dealing with and resolving any problems that arise.
Because of the variety of roles, there is also a variety of workplaces. The majority of the design work will be done in the office, but there will be visits to clients' offices, meetings with planning offices and local government, and, of course, site visits.
An architect may work from their own office, from home, or from a number of company offices, depending on whether they are freelance or employed by a company. Travel and international conferences, placements, or meetings may be required as part of the role.
