To those not involved in construction or development, the work of an architect is a little enigmatic. Whereas the roles of builders and electricians are clearly evident, an architect’s working life is less obvious.
Put simply, an architect helps building owners or developers to realise the building or adaptation of a property, with due regard to its style and purpose. A good architect will carry their work with efficiency and honesty.
However, there are several different aspects to the role of an architect – all of which we cover in this simple guide.
Concept Design
Here, the outline for the design is drawn up, with due regard to the brief. The initial design brings the brief to life, before becoming more detailed (this should incorporate both functional and practical considerations). In this initial stage, architects must also consider the wider impacts of the project, such as implications for the surrounding built and natural environment.
Developed Design
The development of the design follows. Here architectural, structural and practical considerations for the design build come under investigation. RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects) have recently called this process ‘spatial coordination’. Approximate costs, size, shape, location, tolerances and other such capacity and control systems are considered here to enable specifications to be configured.
Planning Applications
Architects often apply for planning permission on behalf of their client from the local authority. For the large element of this, they will submit plans and drawings, but this will also include the completion of forms for the application, and associated documents where required.
Permissions may carry planning conditions restricting the use of a site or ask for additional approvals for specific parts of the proposal.
If the application is refused it may be possible to appeal or adapt the plans.
Tender Drawings
Tender drawings show the technical side of a design and are prepared to obtain a price from Principal Contractors. They show the design workings at functional level as well as the design’s construction. Plans, cross-sections, elevations and even visualisations may be produced as well as schedules and specification documents.
This package of drawings will also contain information required for the Health and Safety file. This is a requirement of the Construction, Design and Management Regulations (2015). Under these regulations the Architect is often considered as the Principal Designer. This is one of the ‘duty holders’ who are responsible for ensuring the safe construction. Other duty holders include ‘Designers’, ‘Principal contractors’, ‘Contractors’ and ‘Employers’.
Building Regulations Application
Building regulations applications seek approval from the building control department of the local authority or from an approved inspector. In either case, a fee is payable (this will be in line with the proposal and the cost of the development). However, it is now possible on some relatively small concerns for tradesmen to self-certify their work, such as electricians and plumbers.
Generally, on large scale projects a ‘full plans’ application will be made. This means that the drawings and specification are approved prior to works commencing. The Building Inspector will still make periodic visits to site.
On small projects such as an alteration to an existing property, a ‘building notice’ can be given. A building inspector then approves each stage of the project’s completion as it progresses. This is usually more risk for the Client as you do not know if a specification will be approved until it is built. This can be costly for corrective works.
Construction Drawings
These are working drawings which provide information such as dimensions, materials, and construction details to be used by the contractors to bring to life the design. Construction drawings are also used by suppliers to make elements of the proposal or to assemble or install components, such as kitchens, stair cases etc.
Often during the construction process additional drawings become required to detail particularly tricky areas, or when specialist sub-contractor’s design elements become available.
Contract Preparations
Architects often prepare contracts to outline the intent, rights and responsibilities for the two parties involved. The contract’s legality will depend on its type and form. Whereas a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ is usually a verbal understanding (but can be written), a binding agreement takes the form of a legal contract and there are rights and obligations for both parties.
Each party will receive a copy of the ‘contract documents’. This will include the contract itself, all drawings, specifications, and any nominated subcontractor information, as well as a copy of the tender sum, the programme of works and the Principal Contractor’s insurances. This package will also include details from the structural engineer, as well as a pre-construction health and safety file to be continued by the Principal Contractor throughout the build.
Contract Administration
Architects can act as the contract’s administrator. In this capacity, the architect acts on behalf of the client to ensure that any certifications, assessments or decision-making is carried out with the utmost integrity. Contract administration also includes the following responsibilities: preparing documentation for execution; preparing reports; agreeing testing and commissioning procedures; issuing certificates; making good defects and issuing the final certificate of completion.
As Contract Administrator our primary role is to play the part of the impartial adjudicator. Should a disagreement arise it is our role to placate the situation and to advise who is liable or at fault in accordance with the contract document. The key to this is to ensure both parties are upfront about issues, and the financial implications of these so that these can be dealt with amicably.
Our Approach
We have experience across all stages of the design and construction phases and are well versed in finding solutions to unforeseen issues that may arise. Often when ‘opening up’ the existing fabric it is discovered that defects were previously concealed. In these scenarios we work to prioritise finding a cost-effective solution whilst maintaining relationships.
Consult Us
EDG Architects are a friendly, experienced Chartered Practice based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. We help homeowners and developers add value to their property. We would love to hear about your project; call us on 01423 705077 or fill in our web form to arrange a consultation.