At SEA Studios, every new project starts with a client meeting. But what does your architect do after the initial planning phase? Architects do a lot more than drawing and design – they play an integral role in ensuring the successful completion of every build.
Translating Your Vision
During the client briefing, your architect will take detailed notes of everything you want to see from the design. And as soon as the door closes, they’ll start figuring out how to turn your vision into a reality.
In order to succeed, an architect needs to have great listening skills and a strong imagination. The design process takes a surprising amount of creative energy, but competent architects can complete it faster than you might think.
Knowing the Code
Building codes aren’t just a sidenote in the design process. Depending on the nature of the building, local codes might dictate everything from structural features to the materials that are used.
Construction regulations are updated on a consistent basis, so part of your architect’s job involves learning new rules and brushing up on existing standards. Even a small error could delay the approval process or put the health of the construction workers and building occupants at risk. That’s why most architects have a solid memory, an eye for detail, and a strong sense of diligence.
Thinking Ahead
Buildings tend to outlast their occupants. As your architect starts work on your design, they’ll think about how the features they add will benefit the building in the long term. Rooms might be designed for multiple purposes, and structural elements will be designed for easy maintenance and repairs.
During this design phase, your architect will also consider the future growth of your company. Expanding your operation shouldn’t always mean switching locations – and if it does, your architect will make sure that the building has excellent resale value.
Drafting a Blueprint
Most architects love to draw, but coming up with a creative design is only part of the job. Once the initial concept has been approved, your architect will need to create a detailed blueprint that accurately represents the final construction.
Every detail needs to be perfect, which is why several different architects and engineers might work together on the same document. The architect in charge of your project will oversee this process to make sure everything is up to code and matches the original design.
Filing (and Waiting)
All blueprints need to be approved by the appropriate planning authority before construction can begin. Many different signatures might be needed on a single document, and it’s your architect’s job to make sure that the paperwork gets into the right hands.
In most states, an architect is one of the few parties allowed to file for a building permit and interact with the approval process. Paperwork is a large part of an architect’s workload, and if they fill out a single part incorrectly, the entire file might need to be resubmitted.
Collaborating and Consulting
Even when the design phase is over, your architect still stays involved with the build. Their workload will shift from concept and design to management, planning, and consultation.
Many architects actually start collaborating with your build team before the blueprints are finalized. By ensuring that all parties have realistic expectations about design choices and material costs, your architect can prevent costly corrections and produce a build that fits perfectly within your company’s needs.
Every architectural firm runs differently; some architects handle all of these jobs, while others break the work up amongst a team. From design to development to execution, your architect lends their skills to every aspect of the construction process to create an amazing building that will stand the test of time.
Are you ready to start work on the next big project? Contact SEA Studios to begin planning today.
