You may have questioned how flat lands turned into hotels, malls, and condominiums. Planning and creating a place for a new or expanding business is complicated. Breaking down an extensive activity into smaller tasks is one approach to make it more manageable, and architects use a similar strategy in the design and building process.
This article will show you the role of an architect in construction, from planning the project to building it.
The Pre-Design Phase
During the pre-design phase, the architect communicates with the client to learn about the plot of land, existing structures, and goals for the future building. The architect investigates local zoning and land-use constraints before estimating costs as part of their competitive proposal to earn the commission. If the parties agree on the terms and scope of the project, they draft an architectural services contract.
The Schematic Design Phase
Any building systems, such as HVAC and plumbing, should be included in the schematic designs during this phase. The design development phase is where the architect’s original intent becomes a precise plan. If the project necessitates hiring a structural engineer, that individual gets added to the team at this phase. The architect also shows the client external and interior finishes that will cover the underlying structure. Finishes have a significant impact on the entire cost of a building project.
The Construction Papers Phase
The architect creates two sets of comprehensive drawings that detail every aspect of their ultimate design. The construction drawings stay on-site during the construction process. The other set is known as the permit set, and the architect sends it to the local permitting authority, which could be a city or a county. The in-house construction contractor becomes involved at this step in a design-build project.
The Building Permit Phase
The city or county reviews the submittals for structural soundness and conformance to zoning regulations and building codes. Permitting is one of the most time-consuming aspects of the construction process, but it protects architects, builders, and property owners from potentially hazardous construction blunders. Approval for simple construction projects in permissive municipalities could take a few days. If you’re developing something significant or in a historic district, the permitting process can take months.
Bidding and Negotiating Phase
There is no need to get bids from construction contractors if the building is a design-build project developed and completed by the same firm. If no contractor is pre-attached, the customer and architect conduct interviews and obtain competitive bids. Potential contractors meet with the client and architect to review the construction drawing sets and discuss materials and timelines. Contractors look for shovel-ready projects to keep their employees working all year. As a result, if your project is already permitted and ready to go, you will have a higher chance of landing a contractor—and a competitive price.
The Construction Administration Phase
The architect’s function moves from creative design to project management in this final phase. While they do not physically manage the job site, they conduct frequent site inspections. The contractor and their crew take over the project in the same way that a film director takes over a screenwriter’s plot.
Knowing what takes place during these work phases will help you communicate more effectively with your architect. Let Best Access Doors help you out on your construction projects. We provide you high-quality products like exterior access doors and panels. Check out our website to view our other products.
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