A Day in the Life of an Architect
An architect can be involved in the design of new buildings, additions to existing buildings, and restoration of historical sites. However, there is much more to an architectural career than just creating designs. A successful architect is an excellent communicator who is capable of expressing his or her design vision to prospective clients. Marketing a concept may actually be the most difficult part of a project.
As part of an initial bid, an architect may present several color design proposals to a client. Once the client has accepted a proposal, the architect will consult with other professionals to formulate a final design incorporating engineering, wiring, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning, and landscaping. Depending on the nature of the project, interior designs may also be included.
Some clients retain the architect to select a building site and prepare feasibility reports. In these instances, analysis of environmental impact and land-use studies may be required. The client may also request the architect prepare a project budget.
The architect requires comprehensive abilities to research bylaw zones, building codes, and technical requirements to ensure the design complies with all legal and safety regulations. An architect is legally responsible for public safety and compliance of their design.
An architect may be involved in the selection of contractors and drafting of construction contracts. The architect calculates the amount of materials required to complete the project. He or she provides appropriate scale drawings for use by each contractor. The architect may also be involved in development of final operating and maintenance manuals.
Flexibility is paramount. As construction evolves, constant changes, sometimes daily, to plans are necessary. These changes may be based on the clients’ needs, contractor issues, regulation revisions, or budget constraints. The architect is a troubleshooter for the inevitable problems that arise and is expected to suggest resolution recommendations. Ideally, an architect visits a building site often to monitor progress of the development and anticipate obstacles before they occur.
Time management is an important aspect to architects. Architects may supervise support staff and develop procedural guidelines for a project. The process of construction involves continual deadlines. Contractors are dependent on preceding contractors completing tasks before they are able to commence their portion of the project. Architects ensure contractors adhere to the schedules prepared by the architect. If the architect is responsible for obtaining permits, he or she must make arrangements to confirm permits are valid at the appropriate times.
Correspondence and telephone conferences with clients, contractors, authorities, and other professionals associated with a project takes up the majority of an architect’s workday. Excellent speaking and written skills are necessary for on-time and on-budget construction. Listening skills are equally important.
Multi-tasking is a fundamental element of architecture. An architect must be able to effectively deal with many tasks concurrently. Building additions may require less multi-tasking while complex commercial buildings are more onerous. Thus, the extent of multi-tasking may fluctuate.
An architect must continually upgrade their education and knowledge. Most architects use computer-assisted drafting (CAD) software and equipment, supplemented by hand drawn sketches. Additional software that may used includes spreadsheets, graphic design, word processing and desktop publishing. As software programs are updated, an architect needs to learn how to utilize them.
The architect must always be aware of revisions to building codes and legislation pertinent to public safety. Such revisions may be integral to construction of a project.
An architect controls a project until construction is completed and must be prepared to devote long hours to their occupation. As deadlines approach, working nights and weekends is common. Some architects spend 50 hours a week working.
Aside from visits to building sites, an architect works in an office environment.
