An architect is an individual who designs a building both visually and structurally. This is common knowledge. What is generally unknown to the public at large is their real role and responsibilities. One of the best architects in Chennai helped elucidate the part they play during construction.
Construction equates to complex and numerous tasks which means it is the duty of the architect to keep everything organised. From maintaining the records to holding the contracts in order, from budgeting details to meeting the deadline, their responsibilities are long and wide-ranging. Here are a few primary tasks they perform:
Project Discussion
Even before the design of the building or project is approved, the architects have to meet and discuss it with every vital member of the business or home. These conversations ensure that all technical complications are cleared before construction begins, a more economical approach is taken, and all opinions are considered. The process of project discussion, as undertaken by an architect, follows these steps:
Understanding the vision and requirement of the client and making careful note of the expectations.
Setting the anticipated financial limits, understanding the site and researching the planning regulations of the place, i.e., quantifying and qualifying the construction.
Taking into consideration any limitation of the project and the site itself. Finding the possible answers to each issue and suggesting them to the client. In case needed, offering a new style of building or site.
Making of Drawings
Before breaking the ground for construction, detailed and massive design drawings are made. It is the task of the architect to prepare them. The sketches give a layout of the spaces within the building and around it. In plain words, the drawing reflects the actual appearance of the project. The designs ensure that:
The client gets a feel of the construction.
An estimate of material and time can be calculated.
All errors are eliminated prior to the execution of work.
The floor plan and the site plan are rendered clearly.
The elevation and isometric view are clear.
The drawing of the design also comprises the ensuing responsibilities:
Redesigning the building, if necessary. This includes creating a change to the scope so as to satisfy all codes, rules, and regulations.
Explanation of the details of the design to the construction team.
Cost Estimation
After approval of the design sketches, a timescale is created along with estimated cost by the architect. It is one of the most vital jobs of the field because at all times the price has to be kept within the budget limits. If the estimate surpasses the maximum investment, the architect needs to re-visualise the building and make new plans. It is important to note here that the cost assessment provided by the architect can vary as per need:
If the complete construction is under the purview of the architects, then they give the entire cost valuation.
If part of the project is under their purview, then they estimate the cost of only that section.
Contract Proposals
After the plans are finalised and the budget agreed, construction contracts are bid. The architect helps the client in choosing the right contractors by advising them on the better options quality-wise and economically. Once a few contract proposals are shortlisted, it is the duty of the architect to compare them with the budget and client expectation and pick the best bid.
Furthermore, the work done by labourers and contracts is managed by the architect. He not only coordinates the entire construction activity but also guarantees that all codes and regulations comply. The architect also keeps an eye on the invoices submitted each month and makes sure that they correspond to the work completed.
Marketing & Promotion
The role of an architect doesn't end with the finishing of construction. They need to market, advertise and promote their buildings. It is by taking their work to the public that they get more tenders and bids for new work. Ultimately, marketing becomes the key to a better career for them.
There is one more responsibility that architects undertaken in rare times. After completion of the job, they give the owner a manual which describes any repair or maintenance the project may require later on. This is not a common practice and happens on the insistence of the project owner.