Architect
An architect is trained and professionally licensed to plan and design buildings, and supervises the construction of a building. An architect must understand all the required building codes and standards, as well as the construction methods available to construct a client’s building. The end result must be within the actual costs and construction schedule limits.
An architect’s decisions affect public safety. An architect must undergo specialized training and advanced education combined with an internship to gain practical experience before earning a license to practice architecture. The formal study of architecture in academic institutions plays a very important role in the development of the profession as a whole.
Architecture is conducted as a business in which management, technical knowledge, and an understanding of business is as important as design. A project usually starts when an architect accepts a commission from a client which might involve preparing feasibility reports, the design of a building or several buildings, structures involved, and the spaces in and around them.
The architect’s main role is to understand and develop the requirements the client wants in the building. Throughout the project, from planning to completion, the architect co-ordinates a design team. The design team usually consists of structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers and other specialists. The architect is responsible for all coordination during the construction phase.
The architect is often required to work long hours when working towards a deadline. Architects are office-based professionals; even so, the work usually includes regular visits to job sites as well as visiting clients. Many architects elect to move into project management, construction management, interior design, property development, facilities management, or other related roles.
Architects prepare technical documents such as construction drawings and specifications, usually coordinated with various other engineers. The construction drawings and specifications are also used for pricing the work, and for construction. The architect obtains all the required permits, such as development and building permits, that require compliance with health and safety, building and relevant regulations.
Architects prepare tender documents on behalf of their clients, advise clients on the award of the project to a builder or general contractor, and control the progress of the work during construction. They typically provide construction contract administration, review subcontractor shop drawings and other technical submittals, prepare and issue site instructions and payment certificates to the contractor.
An architectural designer is an architect with good creative skills, imagination and artistic talent that is primarily involved in the design of buildings. Most students of architecture are trained as designers, but not all become designers in practice. Non-registered designers cannot legally refer to themselves as “architectural” designers and are referred to as architectural technicians, or building designers.
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Fax 086 696 3146
PO Box 82220, Doornpoort, Pretoria, 0017