THE ARCHITECT: The role of the architect is to guide a client
through the maze of available design options, building codes and zoning
regulations, contractor selections, and so on; and to help to ensure a
creative and aesthetically pleasing end product that is both functional
and within the realm of a clients budget. The architect is the one
professional who has the education, training, experience, and vision to
guide a client through the entire design and construction process; from
helping to define what the client wants to build, to helping get the
most for the construction dollar. Architects see the big picture. They
don’t just design four walls and a roof; they create total
environments, interiors and exteriors, that satisfy the clients
functional needs and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and
live. During the course of design development and construction
documentation the architect and their consultants will generate the
documentation necessary to convey the projects scope so as to receive
accurate and competitive pricing and to obtain the necessary permits
and approvals. As a general outline, the architect’s basic services are
normally provided according to the following five phases: Schematic Design, Design
Development, Contract Documents, Bidding and Negotiations, and Contract
Administration.
PRELIMINARY DESIGN: After a meeting with the client to confirm the program requirements for the project, the architect will prepare preliminary floor plan options, and depending on the complexity of the project; building elevation studies, perspectives and scale models may also be prepared during this phase to help a client to better visualize the potentials for the completed project. The drawings prepared during the schematic design phase are not “finished” construction documents, but are intended only to illustrate possible design approaches or concepts for the clients review and consideration.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT: Once a conceptual design approach has been
agreed upon, the architect will begin to prepare more detailed drawings
used to illustrate all major aspects of the proposed design. In this
phase major building materials are selected, building systems are
defined, and a preliminary construction budget can be prepared
utilizing recent cost data obtained from local contractors and from
similar projects completed by the architect.
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS: With the clients approvals of the architects
work prepared during design development, the architect will begin to
prepare detailed plans and specifications that will describe in detail
the project scope and the quality of the work. The complexity of these
drawings may vary considerably depending on the project, the client’s
needs, and the method used for selecting the contractor.
BIDDING & NEGOTIATION: During this phase the architect will
assist the client in preparing a list of contractors to bid on the
construction of the project. Potential bidders are matched to a project
based on the project scope and the expected quality of work. The
architect will assist in obtaining competitive bids from the general
contractors, and will prepare a bid comparison to assist in evaluation
of the bid proposals.
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: During the course of construction, the
architect will visit the site to observe the progress of construction,
the quality of the work, review conformity to the design intent, and
assist the contractor with the interpretation of the contract
documents. The architect will coordinate with the owner and contractor
throughout the process to review and approve the contractor's applications for payment, and
generally keep the client informed of the project's progress and will
address the various issues that arise during the execution of the project.
