What does it mean to be the architect in charge of construction?
In the world of design and building it’s a role of immense responsibility.
Architecture isn’t just about drawing buildings on paper or creating digital models.It’s a field that combines art science and technical knowledge in equal measures.
But what exactly does an architect in charge of construction do?What are they responsible for?And how do they ensure the success of the project?
Is the architect just a creative mind or are they the essential cog that keeps the construction machine moving?
Table of Contents
The Roles of an Architect and the Role of a Construction Manager
The roles of an Architect and a Construction Manager in a building project are different but equally important. An Architect in charge of construction designs the building while the Construction Manager oversees the construction.
Key to their roles are the accurate implementation of the architect’s plans and the management of builders sub-contractors and tradespeople.
The collaboration between these two professionals is imperative to ensure a successful job. With the architect focusing on designing aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient structures and the Construction Manager scheduling construction and hiring contractors.
- Architect: Designs the building manages objectives budgets and time factors and administers the building contract.
- Construction Manager: Organises procurement and quality control ensures contract and building code compliance and liaises with technical professionals.
Architect and Construction Manager: Qualifications And Responsibilities
The qualifications of an Architect and a Construction Manager are specific and require study and practice. An Architect requires five years of university study and two years of work experience. Here is a list with the best architects in New York City.
However a Construction Manager’s qualifications can include an engineering degree construction management degree or diploma and other relevant certifications.
Architects are responsible for delivering aesthetic and functional structures. While the Construction Manager is entrusted with scheduling construction hiring contractors ensuring contract and building code compliance and organizing procurement.
| Position | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| Architect | Design aesthetics functionality |
| Construction Manager | Construction scheduling hiring compliance procurement |
Both roles require technical knowledge a keen understanding of building codes and the ability to navigate local planning regulations site characteristics client requirements and budget stipulations.
Roles Of An Architect
In any building project the Architect plays a crucial role right from the start of the construction. After the initial idea Architects begin concepting and developing concepts to meet the client requirements.
They create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces ensuring the structures meet local building codes and laws.
Mark Lawler Architects a company based in Australia emphasizes that only registered architects can sign construction documents. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that a building project is safe environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.
An Architect’s Skills and Qualifications
An Architect must possess several skills to carry out their responsibilities effectively. For instance they must have excellent written communication skills and abilities in research.
Moreover a five-year University study alongside two years of work experience is usually required for an individual to practice as an architect.
As part of their work architects sometimes generate cost estimates and ensure the control over the budget. They also handle contract negotiation and assist in contractor hiring as part of their duties.
Project Documentation And Drawings
One major role of an architect is to prepare and manage project documentation and drawings. This need arises from both client and regulatory perspectives.
Everything an architect does gets documented for future references or decision making.
Architects use BIM and CAD software to design buildings and other structures. The software helps architects not only to draft the design but also to visualize the final product.
This process greatly reduces the chance of misinterpretation or miscommunication of design intent.
Blueprints and Detailed Drawings
It’s the responsibility of the architect to create detailed drawings and blueprints to guide builders. This is not limited to just the building structure but includes specific plans for mechanical electrical systems and HVAC installations.
All these help to provide a comprehensive picture of the building project.
Beyond that the architect is also responsible for providing necessary approvals and making occasional visits during construction to resolve any problems that may arise. They ensure the quality control and adherence to the building inspections requirements as set by the local governing body.
Cost Estimation For Construction
The architect plays a crucial role in cost estimation for construction. They use specialized BIM and CAD software to create detailed drawings model the project and estimate the cost of construction.
This involves considering the cost of materials labor equipment and contractor fees.
Estimations provided by the architect guide the budgeting process and financial planning. It helps the client to have control over the budget and establish an expected budget.
Furthermore they assist with contract negotiations and contractor hiring.
Stages of Cost Estimation
– Pre-Construction Phase Services: The architect aids in planning and documentation prior to the start of construction.
– Original Construction: Cost estimates are revised and finalized based on the final design.
– Construction Stage: The architect monitors the cost and updates the budget as needed managing the changes.
– Completion of Construction: A final review of the cost is done to evaluate the financial performance of the project.
Construction Stage Responsibilities
An architect-in-charge has several responsibilities during the construction stage. After the commencement of construction they make regular site visits to ensure BCA compliance safety regulations and quality control.
Through their expert knowledge they help resolve technical issues and provide approval to move forward at different stages of the project. This role demands excellent problem-solving and oral communication skills.
Also their role is crucial in keeping the construction on track with the original concepting and blueprint.
Key Responsibilities of an Architect in Construction
| Responsibilities |
|---|
| Coordination with contractors engineers and other professionals |
| Oversees general and special conditions of the contract |
| Ensures compliance with building codes and safety regulations |
| Resolves technical issues and approves changes |
| Periodic site visits to monitor progress |
| Coordinates with the local governing body for certification |
Architect Skills And Duties
The role of an Architect is central in building construction. Their work encompasses design aesthetics and functionality.
They use their technical knowledge and visualisation skills to design energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing buildings. From residential homes to expansive office complexes an architect’s vision shapes the built environment.
Registered as professionals after several years of university study and work experience architects are responsible for creating and interpreting blueprints. They generate these detailed drawings and models using advanced tools like BIM and CAD software.
The journey of a construction project starts with an architect’s design and their intimate understanding of the local building codes. In Australia for example their designs must meet BCA compliance for among other things energy efficiency and safety regulations.
With added inputs for HVAC engineers and experts in MEP installations these designs also incorporate the essential mechanical electrical and climate control systems.
They also play a big part in the cost assessment of a project. From the pre-construction phase onwards they provide cost estimates to ensure the project stays within budget.
While coordinating with the construction manager and the contractors architects in charge of construction facilitate contract negotiations. They maintain a close watch on the ongoing construction making occasional site visits resolving any arising issues and granting necessary approvals.
Critical to an architect’s role is their collaboration with the client understanding their vision and encapsulating it in their designs. Their written and oral communication skills problem-solving abilities and customer service are integral to their contribution to a construction project.
Clearly the role of an architect is multidimensional and crucial to the successful completion of any construction project.
