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The Architectural Process
Good design costs no more to build than poor design.
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An Architect is traditionally retained to provide the design and construction drawings for a project.
This Architectural service is typically composed of the following phases:
Pre-design
Prior to the start of design, a written description of the scope and general
focus of the proposed project may be produced. This description, or program, may be
written by the client, or by the Architect. The Architect will then investigate
and determine its feasibility and compatibility with any existing building
conditions, zoning and site restrictions. If the project involves an existing
building, the Architect may do a survey of the existing conditions and produce
as-built drawings from that survey.
Schematic Design / Design Development
The Architect will then produce a series of drawings to explore the design possibilities,
ultimately producing one or more scaled drawings showing floor plans,
elevations, and / or sections, with all major features shown graphically.
The purpose of the drawings is to convey the overall design intent to the
client. The Architect and client then review the drawings in detail to
evaluate different options and develop and refine the design further, making
modifications and revisions to reflect the client's desires.
Construction Drawings
When a final design is approved, the Architect will begin producing the construction drawings.
This phase typically represents a substantial proportion of time the Architect spends on a project.
These are the drawings that will be used for building permit application
and for the actual construction of the project.
During this phase, design details will be developed and materials selections will be refined.
Technical issues - such as structural information, construction details and specifications -
will be compiled during this phase.
Upon completion, these drawings will contain the technical information and details needed to
build the project.
Bidding
At the Client's direction, the drawings may then be distributed to one or more
contractors, who then bid on the work. The Architect may or may not oversee
the bidding process. Contractors bids may not have a consistent format, so the
Architect may work to insure that all bidders are proposing to deliver the
same finished product.
Since an Architect serves as an agent of the client, the Architect can help to evaluate
each bid on the client's behalf.
Construction Administration
During the construction period, the Architect may be asked by the builder to
clarify details or assist with field modifications that may be necessary due
to unforeseen conditions. The Architect may also be called upon to certify
that the contractor is complying with the contract documents, and to review
contractor payment requests for the client.
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These phases and their work will vary for each project and the client's wishes.
Beyond these phases, the Architect may also provide additional services
outside the traditional scope, including construction management, the generation of marketing
& leasing documents or acting as a governmental liaison.
Architectural Fees:
Fees may be based either on a percentage of projected construction costs, an hourly
rate or an estimated fee formulated prior to the start of work. Comprehensive
Architectural services typically cost between 8 and 12 percent of projected
construction costs, depending on project scale and complexity.
Consultants:
Consultants such as structural, mechanical, electrical or civil engineers may
be required to complete the design process for more complex projects. For
residential and small commercial projects, structural design can usually be
handled by the Architect. In some jurisdictions, mechanical and electrical
design can be provided by the licensed tradespersons that contract to do the
work. The Architect will often coordinate their designs to insure
compatibility with the overall project.
NEXT: Codes & Permits
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