Most people have no idea what architects really do. You may think they design homes, but do you know what other things they are involved in? There are so many aspects to architecture that we thought it was time to share some of the things that we do . . . things you may not be aware of.
Prepare Construction Drawings
While designing a house may seem like it goes hand in hand with construction drawings, it’s surprising how many people realise that this is actually what architects do. The construction drawings are not just the overall design. They also include grading, foundation depths and everything needed to ensure the home is built safely. Everything from plumbing to electrical information must be included, which means the architect knows all about these things, even if they’re not actually plumbers and electricians.
Manage Site Budgets
Did you know that your architect is responsible for managing the site budget and ensuring that everyone stays within budget. This is something you should know, since you can discuss your budgetary needs and figure out exactly what should be done to a building if there are unexpected costs.
Apply for Planning Permission
Not only can an architect apply for planning permissions, but they are also in charge of keeping the construction site in line with regulations. Health and safety are important and the architect must manage the site with this in mind. However, most people have no idea that this is within the scope of an architect.
Select/Manage Building Contractors
Architects work with many builders and they already know the people who do the best work. They know who will listen to their ideas and requirements and they are excellent at managing the contractors. This means they can help make your entire building project happen, not just the design.
It’s often easier to work with the architect leading the way, because they already know who to work with and are experts at negotiating. They can also work with companies that provide the building materials and ensure that you get exactly what you want out of a building.
Your architect does far more than just come up with ideas for how a building should look. If you want to be sure that you are really using the architect to the maximum of their ability, you should ask more questions and find out what can be managed by them. You may be surprised at how much smoother your build goes.
Ready to enjoy all the expertise an architect has to offer? Why not get started now? Contact Spatial Design Architects to learn more.
