While many people assume they know exactly what an architect is, if asked to describe the actual work done in the profession, they may find it difficult. An architect is often thought of as a designer, but his skill sets and responsibilities are diverse. The most important role the architect may play for the client, aside from creating the basic design, is working as the project manager and dealing with the team of professionals involved in a project. Dean Camlin, owner of Dean Robert Camlin and Associates, Inc., an architectural firm in Maryland, explainsm, “As the one in control of the building design, an architect is typically experienced at coordinating all of the various entities involved in every aspect of the building project. If the architect is not asked to do this, the work of coordination falls to someone else. Many owners are not equipped for this task.”
The Basics
An architect’s job begins with the basics of planning, which is the part everyone expects when they consider architecture. The process begins with client meetings where the architect listens and responds to client requests. The architect’s job is to take the desires of a non-professional and create a building that reflects those desires, along with a building that is structurally sound, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Basically, he is blending function with art. The design will include both interior and exterior components. Even in instances where an architect is designing for the renovation of the home, exterior factors need to be taken into consideration.
For years, architects created 2-dimensional drawings of their plans. As the field evolved, architects also created 3-dimensional models of projects that allowed everyone involved the ability to conceptualize the plans more easily. Sometimes these models are displayed in the lobby areas of buildings accessible to the public. In more recent years, models have become 4-dimensional, and through the use of computer software, the architect is able to create accurate models of the project, incorporating a number of other factors they were previously not a part of the design. For instance, architectural software allows architects to anticipate and correct plumbing or electrical issues during the design phase more accurately than ever before.
Diversifying
In addition to the plans of the structure itself, a skilled architect is able to incorporate many factors into his planning. For instance, he might call on the services of a landscape specialist for help in creating exterior surroundings that blend with the design of the structure. In some cases, architects are able to complete their own landscape design, depending on what the client desires.
Architects also need to be familiar with the interior systems of a building. Whether creating new structures or renovating existing buildings, factors like electricity, plumbing, and ventilation effect the design. It is important for an architect to understand these components of buildings so plans can be created to accommodate these important aspects right from the beginning. If an architect makes designs without consideration for things like heating and plumbing, changes will need to be made during the building phase of the project.
Jack of All Trades
Perhaps the most impressive role of the architect is to act as your liaison and project coordinator. Once the designing is complete, the architect can observe the building phase and ensure that everything is going according to plan. This makes it easier for you because you have the watchful eye of an expert who is familiar with your project, and because you will not need to spend a great deal of time going from professional to professional, gathering information and updates. Camlin explains, “As the one in control of the building design, an architect is typically experienced at coordinating all of the various entities involved in every aspect of the building project. If the architect is not asked to do this, the work of coordination falls to someone else. Many owners are not equipped for this task.”
Most architects prefer to be a part of the process from beginning to end. According to Camlin, “One reason we prefer to provide construction administration services is so that we can be involved in arriving at a solution to help resolve any errors quickly, before they become unduly costly. Another reason is that a situation that may look like an error may actually be the result of factors beyond the architect’s control — a change in codes, or a misinterpretation by the builder.” If you are inexperienced dealing with design and building projects, your architect can be an invaluable resource, right up until the final inspection when work is complete. If you would like to work with an architectural firm that is willing and able to oversee your project, contact Dean Robert Camlin and Associates, Inc.
