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Wilko Le Roux

The Role of an Architect: Why working with an Architect is worth it


As registered architects in Cape Town, we do much more than create futuristic building designs or drawing up the plans to build them.


Many property owners seeking to work with architects typically consider the design drawings as the primary deliverables. However, it often comes as a surprise that clients are unaware of the extensive services and behind-the-scenes work that architects and other professionals perform to ensure the success of their building projects.


Architectural design forms part of everyday life. whether it is an architectural renovation or new building design architects are key in its success.
As Architects, we use our creativity to visualize how people would use a building, how it will function, and what it would look like.


Understanding the Role of an Architect


Advancements in building materials and technology are constantly influencing how buildings are designed and constructed. Putting up a building has become much more complicated than building four walls and a roof. Clients look to architects to include the latest trends and services, requiring architects to perform a pivotal role to interpret the clients wishes and needs into the design and coordinate it with other professionals and the contractor.


In this essay, we explore the role of an architect and the extent of the architectural service in more detail.


Design and Development


Since ancient Roman times, Architects recognized three vital qualities every building must possess, namely: Beauty, utility and strength. While many may think architects are only concerned with aesthetics, in truth, a building’s functionality and choosing durable construction materials that will stand the test of time take up most of the architect’ s design time.


A considerable part of an Architect’s expertise lies in how spaces within a building are organized and come together to optimize a building’s functionality and use. This principle extends to bringing building components, complex systems, services and technologies to work with the building structure and extend the useful lifespan of a building.


When buildings are referred to as “timeless” or “having good bones”, it means the architect was able to successfully apply the basic principles of design. The building already has a good connection to the street and surroundings; it is well proportioned, with clear circulation and service routes designed into the structure, and passive climate design to create comfortable interiors.


Such buildings make great investments, their beauty, functionality and utility draw people to them, they are relatively cheap* to renovate and repurpose to serve new uses for the next generation.


Balancing Timeless design principles with cutting edge technology and striking well-proportioned aesthetics is the trademark of a top architectural firm.



*in comparison to poorly designed buildings that require extensive alterations to resolve poor design and sick building syndrome. In its most unsustainable form, such buildings are sometimes so expensive to renovate that it makes more sense to demolish and replace with a new building.



Leadership and Coordination


Architects would not be able to design buildings efficiently without extensive knowledge of materials and methods used in the construction of buildings. How such methods might influence the construction cost or timeframe and legal aspects around building regulations, property rights and Construction contracts are all part of the knowledge base a seasoned Architect will bring to your project.


An Architect’s roll in designing a building, necessitates that they visualize how it will be constructed. This makes architects valuable advisors to clients and team leaders to coordinate the design with consultants, specialists, and contractors, and develop detailed design documentation for the project execution.


Architects will obtain planning permits and oversee construction to confirm built quality and compliance with regulations and ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.



Planning and Documentation


Having your project properly documented and planned out gives you and the contractor clarity what your needs are and the quality workmanship you expect.


Clients often try to save cost by relying on their contractor to resolve details in the design instead of including it in the project planning with your architect. There are however many advantages to having your project planned out properly and allowing your architect to identify and resolve potential risks before starting with construction work.


A set of well-planned documents will provide everyone working on your project clarity of vision to the outcome you expect. Your Architect will help you manage your risk and save you from the stress of blowing your budget on extended construction timeframes due to unanticipated risks.


Better planning also comes with quality assurance and will save you the cost and heartache to resolve long term maintenance nightmares.


Reducing Risk


Property owners are ultimately responsible for ensuring that people can safely occupy and use their property.


Property and construction works are regulated by Building Regulations, South African National Standards, Health and Safety legislation, Property Use Rights, and Development Constraints.


Whether you are building new structures or altering existing ones, your architect will help you navigate your statutory responsibilities, preventing you from facing liability or violating the law.



Quality Assurance


No one knows your building better and are more passionate about seeing a successful project outcome than the architect that laboured over the design to make sure every aspect is considerate of your requirements.


Having an architect involved during construction is invaluable to ensure the contractor is following the drawings, building to acceptable standards and delivering a project that is free from defective workmanship and meet performance requirements.



Conclusion


While having an architect on your project may add to the initial cost. The skills an architect brings to your project will help you prioritize spending toward areas that make a difference.

Their involvement will have an obvious impact on the outcome and value of your property.



 


Want to know more, do not hesitate to reach out. Visit our services page for a detailed breakdown or contact us if you need advice to help kick off your next project.


Let's create something amazing together!




Kindly note that posts created on our website and social media accounts is for entertainment purposes and does not constitute professional advice. Any conclusions drawn from this post or use derived is at the discretion of the reader and at their own risk.


This post was created by Wilko le Roux for Rossouw Le Roux Architects, all rights reserved. Rossouw Le Roux Architects are Registered Professional Architects in Cape Town, South Africa.

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