Understanding the value that an Architect can bring to your project, is difficult if you are not used to property and construction.
It is surprising how many people don't actually know what an architect does, and are perplexed at the time it takes to produce good architecture and the drawings and production information required for a project.
Many Clients think that the simple drawings they are provided for, to submit a planning applicaiton are it, and they can build from these drawings. Not realising that to carry out a good quality build, the Contractor will need a set of Stage 4 drawings. This will enable them to price and build from these, and it takes the thought away from the Contractor, or problems caused by not building to design detail.
What Does an Architect DoArchitects are not only responsible for Concept drawings, designing buildings and showing what they look like [we dont just draw 'pretty pictures']; a good Architect will also provide you with all the Technical drawings, Schedules, Reports, Specifications and advice necessary to actually build your project. The extent of information needed will depend on the type of project and its value.
Architects also inspect buildings being constructed to ensure that they are being constructed in accordance with the drawings, regulations and approvals, as well as acting on the Clients behalf in all dealings with the Consultant Team, Contractors, Sub Contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, and ensuring that the Cleints requirements are implemented.
Site Services are subject to Instruction on Smaller projects. Site Services would be included on Commerical Projects where a Full Service is Required/Instructed. With the introduction of the Building Safety Act, it is Important that Site Inspection Services are included in the contract. Failutre to construct in accordance with the design drawings will invalidate Insurance.
A recent RIBA survey has found that many people do not know that Architects go to site and are responsible for inspecting works on site and advising on construction and complaince with their drawings and the regualtions. Many people also did not know that Architects make Planning and Building Regulation applications.
As registered architects we can also carry out inspections of the work on site and certify this as compliant - Certification Service' as well as carrying out a Full Contract Administrator CA role.
Links to Other DocumentsUse the links on the side menus to explore our Resouces and General Guidance documents; these documents have either been produced by ourselves, or as links to external websites to assist you.
You may also like to look at the links to our practice pages which explain more in depth about what is involved in each stage. We also occassionally produce blog news articles on specific subjects. [where we link to another parties website these will open in a new window]
There are a number of Guidance documents we will provide you with during the inception/scheme and technical design stages of a project which will be dependant on the site, your project brief, the project budget, the building and its condition, the site and specific criteria relating to the site, its location, Local Authority requirments, and Regulation requirements and the extent of our involvement.
.......