Be clear with what you are wishing to achieve when approaching an Architect for the first time. For many clients this might be their first experience embarking on a building project as well as their first professional relationship with an Architect and the key to setting off on the right foot is for all parties to have a clear understanding of the objectives.
Generally, an Architect will follow a well-defined process, from project inception through to completion, which is known as the ‘Work Stages’ or ‘Plan of Work’ as defined by the RIBA. The service broadly comprises three stages, Design, Pre-Construction and Construction.
The design stage of a project will begin with a site visit and preliminary meeting developing the project brief. Initial scheme designs will then be developed based upon client discussions and feedback. These in turn will develop into a Detailed Design which will be submitted to the Local Authority, which once approved, will form the basis of the subsequent work stage.
The Pre-Construction stage develops the design from a technical aspect preparing a package of information suitable to be issued to contractors to obtain prices known as tendering, this stage is often undertaken with the assistance of a Cost Consultant.
The final stage, Construction involves the day-to-day liaisons with the contractor whilst the project is built, additional information is provided as required and the Architect often acts as the Contract Administrator ensuring the formalities of the Building Contract are correctly administered included Payment Certification.
Architects typically undertake all the stages of a project, which is called a ‘Full Service’ but can in some instance provide a ‘Partial Services’ which involves undertaking specific stages or tasks individually.
For further information regarding the process can be found on the RIBA website.
Comments