The chief assets an Architect has to offer a Client are the qualities of vision, creativity, design skill and professional expertise.
· VISION: An Architect brings to a project his vision. This includes an ability to visualise opportunities and options, and to explore the potential of a site.
· DESIGN SKILL: The Architect then utilises his design skill to translate the Client's aspirations into three-dimensional form. This form is a response to both the brief and the environment, ie, the Site. This is a unique and valuable skill that the Architect acquires as a result of extensive training and day-to-day experience of the complicated building process.
· COMPREHENSIVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE: Vision and design skill are complemented by the Architect's professional approach. Unlike many other building industry professionals, Architects possess a broad base of skills - from design through to project development, cost analysis, contract management and space planning. Architects are trained to take an overview of the entire building process. No other professional can offer such a comprehensive service.
·CREATIVITY: An Architect has an intelligent and inquiring open-mindedness, which fosters creativity. He is also analytical and can evaluate objectively each fresh idea he produces. He has a four-dimensional concept of scale; three of space and one of time.
·COMMUNICATION SKILLS: An Architect needs to get on with all types of people in order to gather information effectively, and he has to explain ideas by words and drawings, and be able to manage others, particularly with other specialists in the building industry. Hence he develops good Communication skills.
·RESPONSIBILITY: An Architect is responsive, responsible and accountable to the Client throughout the life of the project- from concept to completion and sometimes even beyond which leaves the Client free from too many tensions.
ADVANTAGES OF HIRING AN ARCHITECT:
Whether a person is dreaming of a new home or planning a commercial development, the key to ensuring that his vision becomes reality is TO INVOLVE AN ARCHITECT EARLY.
An Architect enriches any project in the following ways:
·ARCHITECT ADDS VALUE: A Client who decides to use an Architect won't necessarily pay more for his building than he would have otherwise. But it is highly likely that the end result will represent substantially greater value for money. A mediocre building built cheaply is money wasted whereas a building based on a thorough analysis of the Client's needs and design options, by a professional trained to see and realise all the possibilities, is likely to provide satisfaction beyond expectations.
·GIVES FORM TO THE CLIENT'S VISION: An Architect involves the Client (the person building a House) in the creative process. He gets into the Client’s psyche to read what he wants and he takes the Client’s vision and gives it form, explores its possibilities, raises it to new levels and then integrates it intelligently into the building site, to produce an attractive project that reflects the Client’s aspirations.
·FUNCTIONAL AND AESTHETIC DESIGN: An Architect is concerned with the aesthetic aspect and uses his creativity, his knowledge, his experience and his awareness of the environment, efficiently and effectively to create spaces and buildings that are functional, visually appealing, comfortable, healthy and a pleasure to be in.
·ADAPTABILITY IN DESIGN: An Architect ensures the long term use of the buildings he designs, by integrating adaptability into his designs, so that they evolve with new ways of living or working.
·HARMONY WITH ENVIRONMENT: Houses designed by Architects will be sensitive to its surrounding environment and will use all natural elements, topography or views to the best use of the site within the specific client requirements.
·BUILDING CODES AND BYE-LAWS: Architects are familiar with local building codes and by laws and ensure that the project will comply with all the building regulations and neighborhood building zoning laws. He can also help the Client in getting the necessary Statutory approval and the Completion or Occupation Certificate from the Statutory bodies.
·TRUSTED ADVISOR TO THE CLIENT: An Architect works collaboratively with the Client and serves him as a trusted advisor. He is knowledgeable about the good cost efficient products available on the market. He advises the Client on the best Building Materials and Products to use, on the appointment of the right Contractor, and the best form of Contract.
·MANAGES BUDGET AND TIME SCHEDULE: An Architect is sensitive to the Client’s budget and time schedule. He manages the project, people and issues, ensuring that the deadlines are met and the costs are controlled.
·CO-ORDINATING WITH OTHERS: Though an Architect cannot claim to have the detailed knowledge of specialist building disciplines essential throughout all stages of a project, he knows when to consult other professionals for their specialist expertise. A major part of the Architect's role is co-ordinating and integrating the contribution of other building professionals (engineers, quantity surveyors, building contractors etc) into the building process.
·INSPECTS QUALITY OF THE CONSTRUCTION WORK: An Architect inspects and evaluates the building construction works, and ensures that the quality of construction is of a high standard. He makes sure that the Contractor corrects any defects in the work.
·VERIFIES CONTRACTOR’S BILLS: An Architect verifies and certifies the Contractors Bills for payment, based on the actual progress of work at Site, thus ensuring that the Contractor doesn’t get paid more than for the work he has done, or for defective work.
·PROJECT MANAGEMENT: An Architect can be entrusted to manage the project from selection of the site to the completion of the building, while the Client focuses on his core operations, thus saving him valuable time and providing him with complete peace of mind.
So tap the knowledge, efficiency, environmental awareness and brilliant design that Architects bring to any project. The sooner you bring an Architect on board, the more fully your vision can be realized – even exceeding your expectations.
