1. Understanding the project
Before designing, the architect
should help clarify what the owner is trying to achieve. This may include the
brief, site conditions, users, space requirements, budget, programme,
regulatory constraints, risks, and information still needed. Surveys,
geotechnical work, title review, environmental studies, or specialist advice
may be separate appointments.
A useful first output is not
always a drawing. Sometimes it is a decision that the proposed project, budget,
or site needs to be reconsidered.
2. Schematic design
The architect develops and
compares broad design ideas. Plans, diagrams, massing studies, and preliminary
images help the owner understand organization, character, movement, climate
response, and major tradeoffs. At this stage, decisions are still relatively
flexible, but every option should be tested against the agreed brief.
3. Design development
The selected concept is
developed in greater detail. Dimensions, materials, structural ideas, building
systems, envelope, accessibility, and regulatory matters are coordinated with
the appropriate consultants. Cost information should be reviewed at agreed
points, recognizing that an estimate is not the same as a contractor's final
price.
4. Contract and permit documents
The architect and consultants
prepare the drawings, specifications, schedules, and other documents required
by the appointment. Different authorities and procurement methods require
different information. A permit set may not contain every detail needed for
competitive pricing or high-quality construction, so the intended use of each
document set should be clear.
5. Procurement assistance
When included, the architect may
help prepare bid information, respond to questions, compare submissions,
identify qualifications or exclusions, and advise the owner. The owner makes
the commercial decision. A low bid should be examined for scope gaps,
unrealistic allowances, and the contractor's capacity to perform.
6. Construction-stage service
The architect's role during
construction depends heavily on the contract. It may include periodic site
observation, review of submittals, responses to design questions, evaluation of
proposed changes, assessment of payment applications, records of instructions,
and reporting to the owner.
These services do not
automatically make the architect the contractor or the continuous site
supervisor. The contractor generally remains responsible for construction means
and methods, sequencing, temporary works, site safety, labour, workmanship, and
compliance with the construction contract. If the architect accepts a distinct
construction-supervision, project-management, or contracting role, it must be
lawfully defined and compensated.
7. Completion and closeout
Near completion, the architect may inspect or observe the work for stated purposes, identify incomplete or nonconforming items, review closeout documents, and advise on completion under the contract. No brief visit can discover every concealed defect. Warranties, tests, commissioning, as-built information, and post-occupancy review should be explicitly assigned.
The architect's regular design service is valuable because it connects decisions across the life of a project. Its limits are equally important. A professional relationship becomes stronger when the client knows not only what the architect will do, but also what the architect has not been appointed to do.
Read other articles:
- The Project Planning Workshop
- Five most essential things to know before deciding to design and build
- Best Way to have Better Control and Fast-Tract Your Project
- How Much Does Hiring an Architect Cost
- Why contracts are essential when engaging in services
- 7 reasons why Architects are seen as expensive and an unnecessary cost in building projects
- How to create a Design Brief for your architect
- Philippine architecture practice and P.R.C.'s position with Civil Engineers' encroachment in the architecture profession
- Architects and Architecture: Myths vs Reality
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