What is an Architect?
Image accredited to: Daniel McCullough. Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/-FPFq_trr2Y
We start the blog with perhaps the largest and most important question for anyone who is looking to appoint an Architect! For the purpose of this blog, we’ll focus on residential architecture, as it’s what we both specialise in… and probably what you’re here for.
Hopefully, everyone knows that an Architect designs buildings (and sometimes, if they’re a Starchitect, products, and furniture too!), however, what you probably don’t know is the depth of service and value an Architect can bring to a project. This is not just design-related, but also relates to planning consent, technical detail (such are Building Regulations) and even on-site consultation during construction.
When an Architect has been appointed to carry out a design, they must deliver a proposal which complies with both planning and construction regulations. An Architect must be able to design a building that meets their client’s requirements and budget, respects and responds to the environment, whilst also complying with planning and building regulations. The complexity of this differs from project to project, however, hitting all the nails on the head is usually quite challenging.
Planning and building regulations are big topics, and whilst we won’t go into too much detail in this post, we will touch upon them briefly.
Planning regulations are established national in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and then adapted locally in a Local Authorities local plan. Policy varies slightly from council to council; however, it aims to protect an areas identity, environmental interests, open countryside, and areas of special interest (area of outstanding natural beauty), whilst restricting over development. Planning policy is subjective and can be interpreted in slightly different ways by various planning officers, which can sometimes throw a spanner in the works.
Building regulations, on the other hand, regulate a building’s performance and safety. Compliance with the regulations and approval from Building Control is a legal requirement for any major modifications, extensions to existing properties, and newly built structures. This is not a subjective process, all proposals must comply with guidance set out within the ‘Approved Documents’. These documents regulate such things as thermal performance, ventilation, fire safety & escape, access & use, and surface & foul water provisions.
Both topics above need careful consideration when designing a scheme, along with the client’s brief, functional design, the environment, and the structures buildability. All of this is included within an Architects design service and is perhaps the biggest selling point of why you should appoint one.
However, perhaps the most unknown aspect of an Architect’s role is that which they can bring to the construction stage. Most Architect’s like to retain a high level of involvement during construction to ensure the project is being built in accordance with the drawings and to an appropriate quality. It’s common for an Architect to be appointed to prepare tender (construction) drawings. These differ from Building Regulation drawings as they have more information regarding setting out, finishes, installation products & construction details. This additional information allows for building contractors to price the project’s construction.
Image accredited to: 31/44 Architects.
Source: https://www.archdaily.com/874704/no-49-lewisham-31-44-architects/59547a38b22e38bee3000053-no-49-lewisham-31-44-architects-constructive-detail?next_project=no
The tender package is sent to contractors, so they can bid for the proposal with estimated construction costs based upon the information provided by the Architect (the more information, the greater the accuracy of their bid). This process is called competitive tendering and can help ensure that a client gets the best value for their money. It’s a very useful part of an Architects service that is usually unknown to clients. You may be thinking that this service is only required for the ‘bigger’ projects, however that isn’t true - it’s just as common for this to happen on small extension than on new builds, just with smaller building contractors. Once onsite, an Architect then provides support to resolve any unexpected issues whilst also providing technical details such as that illustrated (left).
Perhaps the most ambiguous part of an Architect’s service, which again, very few people know about (and actually, most Architects don’t like doing!) is Contract Administration. When someone acts as a Contract Administrator, they administrate a building contract between the client and the contractor and/or trades person. This isn’t necessarily an Architect as there are specialists who provide this service; however, some Architects do undertake this role. In short, a Contract Administrator has powers under the contract to sign off contractor valuations, release money from the client (in arrears), agree and monitor changes, and resolve disputes.
It’s surprising how many people self-build or self-manage a project, and don’t have a contract in place between themselves and the builder - again this is not just something for large projects. Construction projects usually require a remarkable amount of money, which is sometimes life savings or even pensions, so it’s totally worth having a contract in place and employing a specialist to protect your money and interest.
So… if you’re still reading, hopefully we’ve been able to shed some light onto an Architect’s service and their value. We would argue that the money spent employing an Architect could be returned through efficient design, ease of buildability, project planning and protecting your interests (and money!). Not to mention, you will hopefully get a fantastic piece of architecture.
Anyway, we could go on and on about this topic, as it’s our passion, hobby and career, however, if you would like any more information regarding what an Architect can bring to your project, please contact us on through the ‘get in touch’ tab above.