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Yes, I am talking to you future property owner.
There are many misconceptions about architects, what it is exactly that architects do and what constitutes architecture . Many homeowners, property owners and developers start off with a mindset that is often detrimental to their project. It is a mindset that is perpetuated by many DIY homebuilding shows, the expectations created by glossy magazines with the latest architectural trends and a general lack of public knowledge of the matter of architecture. The mindset: that conceiving of and executing a building is a breeze and anyone can do it. This often leads to other less suited professionals, non-professionals or ill-advised DIY clients fulfilling the crucial role of an architect.
To make matters worse many unscrupulous party's often take advantage of this lack of knowledge and the lack of regulation in the architectural industry; presenting themselves as more qualified or more experienced in order to win projects. However, the best advice to give to future property owners , DIY builders and home renovators is to hire an architect , an actual architect , not a cheap substitute ; and here's why.
"... while anyone can construct a building not many people can create architecture. "
Imagine an online article, much like the one that you are reading now, and imagine it in comparison to a beautiful piece of poetry. Both pieces of writing may contain the exact same words but in a different format and order and to achieve completely different ends. One could say that the one is purely functional, mainly informative and to the point , whereas the later is an art that aims to evoke a particular emotional experience in the reader. Similarly two buildings may use the same materials : stone , concrete , brick and timber; the same components : windows, doors, floors and roofs; and yet may be completely different from one another in a multitude of different ways. Both use the language of architecture in different ways. One may be confused, muddled and ill conceived in its execution, the other could be a triumph of planning and tastefully chosen materials and a sheer delight to the inhabitants therein. The later I would argue is architecture whilst the former is merely a building. The truth is that while anyone can construct a building not many people can create architecture.
Common misconceptions about architects and architecture.
There are many popular misconceptions about the craft of architecture. Many of these, in my opinion, are rooted in the fact that there aren't many touchpoints between the general public and what architecture is all about in daily life and in the mainstream media. Many TV shows, documentaries and publications focus on the end product that is architecture but do little to shed light on the often tedious, painstaking and arduous task of creating architecture.
A few of the most notable and inaccuracies are listed below :
1. Architects just draw plans
This one is a 'doozy' among the architectural misconceptions. Whilst the plan is the linchpin of any good design, it is just the starting point. The first step on the journey of architecture if you will. It takes a whole whack of other drawings, site plans, details, documents, schedules, specifications, calculations, forms and approvals to put up a building. All of which are the architects responsibility. Not to mention that the architect has to co-ordinate all the other drawings from the other disciplines such as structural engineers, fire engineers, landscapers, electrical engineers etc.
2. Architecture is just aesthetics
Architecture is not limited to the way something looks and feels but also how it functions, how it is constructed and how it relates to other buildings in its urban context. Not only is architecture a creative pursuit but it involves some critical science in its construction and, in the times we live in, in its sustainability too. All of which falls within the domain of architecture.
3.Drawings are mostly done by computers and are easy to churn out
Whist computers have evolved and many new and wonderful advances have been made in the field of AI, the drawing process is anything but easy. Even though architects have the latest technology at their fingertips, drawing is still a manual process of digitally representing a building element by element. For the time being at least, drawings still have to be carefully thought through by human beings who develop a set of instructions and then assembled and constructed into this reality, hopefully correctly, by other human beings. All human beings in the process mentioned need time to think about and execute the work that they are entrusted with. All persons in the process have different competencies and different propensities for human error.
"The reality is that the complexity of buildings has increased in lock-step with the development of the sophisticated digital means to draw buildings."
The fact is that drawing is now more complex and demanding than it has ever been and architects are under more pressure than ever to keep up with increasingly demanding construction programs and the increasingly complex demands of clients. The reality is that the complexity of buildings has increased in lock-step with the development of the sophisticated digital means to draw buildings. While it faster to produce drawings, the allowable time in which to produce those same drawings has decreased.
why you need an architect
A building is one of the largest investments that most people will make in their lifetime. It is a life changing event that sets the stage for life itself. It is a decision of where to live, how to live and how comfortably or uncomfortably to exist all in one. The building , that represents that life choice, can remain in existence for many years ; sometimes 10 , 20 , 50 , 100 ,1000 years and upwards. It is an assets that is built to last and hopefully will one day appreciate in value and enrich and add value to the occupants therein far beyond the monetary value of the physical structure and objects contained within. Would you entrust such a responsibility to someone who's credentials and experience are questionable or would you entrust that responsibility to someone who is best suited to solve the problem of architecture ?
I put forward that the architect is best suited to the role of producing architecture and this role is much larger than most people realize. An architect is equipped to fulfill a wide ranging basket of different roles and responsibilities, lets take a look at some of the main ones an architect might be involved in on a typical project:
1.Design
A good designer listens to your needs and interprets that in built form. An architect may need to know how you live, what you like, what you don't like and even how you think in order to fulfill this act of interpretation. Design really is a timed juggling act between function, aesthetics and budget. If design was a sport, the Olympic gold medalist for design would be the architect who is most able to juggle between all of your needs and the functional requirements of architecture.
2.Statutory requirements
An architect must ensure compliance with the local town planning requirements . This includes zoning, density, coverage, height restrictions, building line restrictions and parking requirements of any particular stand. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to many problems such as the local council rejecting your building plan application and requiring demolition of structures which don't comply, the bank refusing your financing or delays in the future sale of your property.
3.Compliance with the building regulations
An architect is legally and professionally bound and required to comply with the building standards of the country where work is to be executed. These regulations also change over time with new means of construction and new sustainability requirements . The right architect will be up to with the regulations but also on all of the newest regulations.
4.BUDGET
The architect does not deal with budget directly but can influence the budget through their choice of design, materials and building products. Architects often collaborate closely with contractors and quantity surveyors to supply them with the information needed to cost the project and make the necessary adjustments to the design when the design is over budget.
5.CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Once the design is complete the architect translates design into a set of instructions and technical specifications represented as a set of drawings and schedules. The architect is responsible for supplying this information to the contractor and ensuring that the contractor executes these instructions accurately. This may require that the architect needs to visit the construction site often to ensure that the drawings and being followed and that the quality required is being upheld .
6.TENDER PROCESS
The architect is responsible for providing all of the necessary drawings and information for building tenders to the tenderers . Thereafter the architect analyzes and assess the tender results for the best possible fit for the project .The architect is also the most familiar with the project and in a position to highlight any errors or omission and deal with any questions pertaining to the design that might arise from the tenderers.
7.SUSTAINABILITY
The latest South African building regulations require that all buildings meet a minimum requirement for energy efficiency and sustainability . The architect is responsible for providing the necessary documents and calculations to prove these requirements are met. On more complex projects a green consultant may be hired to deal with this aspect of the project and will work closely with the architect.
8.ARCHITECTS Uphold a Code of conduct
Architects in South Africa are bound to uphold a specific code of conduct under the architects profession Act 44 of 2000. Under the code, architects must maintain the integrity of the profession and act in a responsible professional manner as a professional. Disciplinary action can be taken by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) against any registered architect, draftsman or building technician who does not follow the code of conduct. Furthermore anyone who claims to be an architect and presents themselves as an architect without having the necessary qualifications can face action from the council.
three reasons to hire the right architect
When considering between going the DIY route or hiring a draftsperson to execute your vision their are some benefits to choosing an architect which you may not of considered yet. These are criteria, that only architects can truly fulfill, can be summed up in three main points:
1. Creative power.
Architects are trained to be creative, think broadly and see the big picture. Architects, have expert knowledge of different materials and construction processes that can enhance your design through the creative use of these materials. Creativity also aids the decision making process. An architect can explore different options and iterate quickly on paper. The drawings that are produced represent your ideas accurately through the use of scale and proportion and can assist you in your decision making process. Essentially you can test ideas that fail on paper instead of failing in reality.
2. Having someone in your corner who fully represents your interests.
Building anything can be a stressful process and projects can take weeks , months and even years before you see the fruits of your efforts. An architect is someone in your corner, someone who represents you as the client, can act on your behalf and can make these stressful decisions in an informed way. This is someone, who hopefully has your best interest at heart and understands what you want. So you can see how such a professional can take some of the stress out of the building process and you can also start to see why your choice of architect is a hugely important one. A choice that can make or break a project. The experience of the design professionals that you have in your corner plays a crucial role and their ability to see the big picture and foresee problems can at the end of the day save you, as the client, from the financial and emotional cost of problems and delays.
3. A good Architect is proficient at what they do.
A good architect is also someone who utilizes new and more efficient ways of doing their job and has a broad understanding of newer emerging technologies such as 3D modeling, 3D visualization, parametric design (which is a system of algorithmic design) and LiDAR scanning (You can read more about LiDAR scanning technology and its benefits here). The use of these technologies can greatly benefit the efficiency in which your project is executed.
Conclusion
Where would we be without the work of architects ? Well , we would all live in much duller, much less engaging environments, a world without the full depth and richness that architecture has to offer. A world without the innovation and pursuit of excellence that the profession has to provide. Hopefully the above has shed a little more light on how you can make the best of what professional architects have to offer to enrich your project and avoid some of perils of design and construction.
Whatever your dream project entails, you can find an architect to suit your needs. Now that you know why you need an architect, check out our blog post on how you can find an architect that is a good match for you and your project. As mentioned this is an important choice that can make or break a project, so it is well worth a read.
That wraps up todays post, feel free to subscribe to our monthly newsletter or follow us on social media to stay up to date with all of our goings on. If you have any questions please reach out to Studio-T. If you have comments or feedback, please feel free to leave them down below.
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