What do architects do?

1. There is a misplaced sense of mystique about architects and what they do - a fear even, that they will impose their own taste at the expense of your own. Nothing could be further from the truth. With step by step consultation and agreement, your architect will lead you through the entire process from the creating the gem of an idea to realisation of the finished building.

2. Preparing the design : - Your architect will advise you on statutory controls and procedures that may apply to your project, such as planning, listed building permission, building warrant application, and health and safety requirements during construction. Your architect can, on your behalf, deal with the various authorities which would otherwise be time-consuming and stressful.

3. Preparing to build : - With the approvals in place, your architect can prepare detailed working drawings and specifications, showing exactly the design of all important elements of the building, and can recommend the right type of building contract. Several tenders for the works (priced offers) can then be obtained, a report made on likely total project costs, and this information put before you in simple and direct terms, to enable you to appoint the right contractor for your project.

4. Building work in progress : - Your architect can visit the works in progress and monitor the builder’s work against the tender drawings and specification. By this means, the project can achieve the required standards, and be completed on time and within the costs set out in the winning tender.

What Is The Next Step?

1. The most successful projects are those which proceed in an atmosphere of understanding and mutual trust, and it will be the primary aim of your architect to reach an understanding of your aims and aspirations for the project. Further, both you and your architect will be able to understand one another’s roles and responsibilities.

2. An initial meeting will provide the opportunity to set out your intentions and ideas which, through their training and experience, your architect will be able to interpret and respond to. Your architect will take or develop a brief covering not only design aesthetics but the function of the building, running costs, budget and timing.

3. Some projects will require the services of other consultants and your architect can help you find and advise any who may be needed. For all but a very few small projects, a structural engineer will be required.

4. Agreeing the appointment - A good working relationship between architect and client is crucial to the success of a project and should, at the outset, be firmly secured and recorded by a written agreement that clearly defines the services being provided, and the cost of these services. The professional body recommends the use of such formal terms of agreement.

If I use an architect – what are the main elements of work that will be involved ?

more about ECAN architects – who are they

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