What does an architect actually do? (you might be surprised by #5)
There are many misconceptions about what an architect actually does. From, 'don't they just do drawings of the design' to 'are interior designers and architects different things?' We've heard lots of confusion about what we do! So, if you've ever wondered, 'what does an architect actually do', we're here to clear up some of the confusion so you know exactly what an architect can help with...
1. The design
An architect listens closely to your needs, understands your budget and gets a sense of what you like and how you live. This helps the architect develop a design. An architect will also consider the features of your block or existing home to determine the best way to design a new home or renovation that will make the most of your site, fulfil your practical needs and be a comfortable, energy-efficient place to live. All while creating a home that's uniquely suited to you and a reflection of your personality. People can rush the design hoping to get to the exciting stage of building, but this is where mistakes get locked in! Instead of rushing through the design phase and ending up with a home which only fulfils your practical needs like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, take this time to work with a registered architect and develop a design which will be a true joy to live in.
Architects are design experts, but there’s much more they can offer.
2. Regulatory requirements
An architect's training and professional expertise mean we understand regulatory requirements such as the planning and building permissions you'll need from the local council as well as the Building Code of Australia and other Australian Standards. This ensures our proposals are realistic and meet all of the relevant requirements. Working with an architect can help you navigate the red tape that's so common with local councils and authorities. We've had experiences with councils and we understand exactly the documentation and level of detail required to secure your approvals. Architects are also well versed in planning and construction lingo, so what might seem like a string of jargon to you will be easy for an architect to understand and resolve.
3. Coordinate with other consultants
Building or renovating requires the input from numerous professionals such as land surveyors, structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, local authorities, quantity surveyors, landscape architects, builders and more. We coordinate with all of these professionals to ensure your home is designed and built properly and with all the boxes ticked. We understand the language of these professionals which makes coordinating their input easier and more seamless. So there's no need to worry about how the soil tests will affect your design, we'll be working hard in the background consulting with the geotechnical engineers and structural engineers to ensure the correct footings are designed and that it doesn't impact on the design, bringing everything together so that it just works.
4. Managing the tender and build
A key part of the architect's role is to appoint a builder, usually through a competitive tender process, and oversee the build to ensure everything is being constructed as per the documents. With regular site visits and a good working relationship with the builder, an architect can help to avoid any costly mistakes and keep the project running smoothly. Conducting a competitive tender and comparing prices to a quantity surveyor’s estimates help to ensure you are paying market rates for your new home or renovation. An architect will conduct the tender process in accordance with AS 4120-1994 Code of tendering to ensure it is both fair and competitive. You'll have full input during the tender process to select the builder who you're most comfortable with and you'll be able to attend the regular site visits to inspect the work and discuss any issues yourself. Working with an architect during the construction phase helps to avoid any misunderstandings between yourself and the builder and ensures the design will be executed just as you'd imagined.
Keeping track of the financials, from initial price estimates through to conducting a competitive tender to managing the build and authorising the release of funds, architects help to keep the project running smoothly and on budget.
5. Administering the contract
Before a builder starts work, your architect will help you draw up a contract. The architect will also administer the contract for you to ensure the builder is meeting their obligations. During the build, the architect will assess the builder's progress and approve their progress payments. If the builder submits variations to the contract, say if you decided to change the tiles to those more expensive (but also more beautiful) Italian marble, your architect will assess the variation to determine it is fair and then, with your consent, approve it and adjust the total contract price accordingly. Having an architect administer the contract and act as an unbiased and experienced third party is a great asset during the building process and helps to avoid potential conflicts.
As you can see, an architect does so much more than simply prepare drawings and design the building. Our job doesn't stop once we've come up with a design you love, it's really just the beginning of our journey together. Having an architect on your team while you're building or renovating means you can draw on our years of professional and practical experience.