Architects are responsible for creating blueprints that will guide builders to deliver the desired structure. They also create specialized documents like design instructions and technical specifications for contractors handling Construction Services.
Detailed drawings will reduce the number of clarifying questions contractors may have once construction begins. This will minimize cost overruns and time delays.
Cost Estimation
Architects have an important and challenging position on construction projects. They have to balance the aesthetic and functional requirements of the client with the design criteria of engineers, builders and local authorities. They must also deliver a project within the budget.
The first task that architects have to carry out is the preparation of a cost estimate for a project. They need to check the historical cost data and make appropriate adjustments. They need to take into account the cost of materials, labour, equipment and other variables. In addition, they need to consider the potential impact of changing weather conditions and other unpredictable factors that could affect construction costs.
Once the architectural team has finished their work, they need to produce detailed blueprints that can guide builders in delivering the desired structure. This process involves meetings and discussions with the various engineering professionals who will be involved in the project, including structural engineers. The final blueprints will contain design instructions and technical specifications for contractors. Moreover, they will include a schedule of values for each item of work.
Architects also help during the contract negotiation phase, and may suggest different contractors for particular activities. However, they should be careful not to underestimate material costs or construction time, as this can result in inaccurate cost estimates. Additionally, they should also keep the client informed of the cost implications of any changes in the project scope.
Scheduling
The architecture process begins with a project plan that details the objectives and goals of the venture. It also includes a list of resources needed to complete the project, along with a timeline that indicates when each task will be completed. It is important that architects stay on top of the project plan to ensure that it meets all deadlines and stays within budget. This practice is increasingly common as client expectations for cost management have grown and as architectural services are more specialized.
Another part of the architect’s role is to help in contract negotiations. This involves suggesting and choosing different contractors for particular activities. After all tenders are received, the architect carries out analysis reports and compares them with the client’s expectations and budget.
During the construction phase, the architect will perform site visits and meetings. He or she will also be responsible for dealing with and resolving problems that arise during the process. The architect will also review payment requests, checking that they are in line with the contract documents.
During the pre-construction period, the architect will host a kickoff meeting to establish expectations and lines of communication with the contractor. This will help ensure that the contractor understands the architectural vision and how it relates to the overall project schedule. During this time, the architect will also discuss logistical concerns like parking and establishing boundaries.
Project Management
Architects help plan for the construction of building projects. They can be responsible for estimating project costs and timelines as well as creating blueprints to aid contractors. They also conduct meetings and discussions with clients to understand their needs and expectations. This helps them create designs that are structurally sound and practical to build. Architects must be careful not to underestimate material costs and construction time, which can result in inaccurate cost estimations.
Once the design is approved by all stakeholders, architects will help prepare documents that can be used for managing the construction process. These include bidding documents, the project agreement, general conditions, supplementary conditions, and project specifications. Often, the architects will also have to assist in the process of selecting and negotiating contract terms and prepare change orders.
In some cases, the architects may also have to visit the construction site regularly. This is to make sure they are familiar with the construction and can monitor progress. However, it is not the architect’s responsibility to be intimately familiar with every nut and bolt of construction as work is underway.
The architect is responsible for making a comparison of the design estimate with the owner’s budget at the end of each phase. This can be a critical step in ensuring that the eventual construction bids will fall within the budget.
Documentation
Architects are often tasked with documenting construction processes. They may also be responsible for reviewing and processing contractor applications for payment. The architects also help to determine factors such as material and labor costs and equipment rental fees, which can play a major role in determining overall project cost. Moreover, architects are in close contact with the client to determine design intentions and budget expectations, and then work to ensure that these elements are realistically possible.
Often, an architect will prepare what is known as a concept estimate or rough order of magnitude estimate at the beginning of the project to establish ballpark costs. This is usually based on a conceptual design or schematic drawings and historic costs per square foot. Once the project moves into a more detailed phase such as the Schematic Design or Design Development phases, the architect will typically update the estimates for quantities based on these initial designs and drawings.
As the construction process progresses, it is essential for architects to provide accurate and timely cost information to the contractors. This includes making periodic visits to the construction site to verify that the project is being built according to the plan. This is especially important when issues arise that may impact the project’s timelines or budget, such as changes in materials, labor costs, and dumping charges for demolition and construction debris.