Employ A Project Manager

by | Sep 20, 2022 | 5 Things you need to know

Architects don’t just draw plans – they manage the project

Project Manager

Design is only a very small portion of the service that an Architect provides. Turning designs into finished buildings forms the majority of the work that Architects do, but it’s not all. Some clients try to save money by reducing the Architect’s scope to just design, or just getting council approval – and inadvertently rob themselves of the benefit of engaging an architect in the first place. Doing this would be like seeing a medical specialist about a health issue and then performing the surgery yourself.

Project Stages

There are several stages and phases to get a project from the initial idea to completion. An experienced Architect has the skills and experience to manage the entire process and act as your agent to see your dream become reality. Apart from the actual design, this includes the following:

  • Managing all the other consultants (such as engineers, etc) required along the way,
  • Preparing applications for the various approvals required and negotiating with those authorities,
  • Communicating the design to the builder & trades by way of drawings, details & specifications
  • Running a competitive tender process and negotiating with builders to achieve the right price for your project
  • Administering the building contract to ensure the builder is only paid for what has been done and that the finished product is complete as per design and resolved of any defects.

The Architectural Difference

An established Architect has experience with good and bad builders and can help you avoid the pitfalls if things do go wrong. The most common stories we hear are of builders charging above what they have done and then going bankrupt or walking off the job. Having your architect involved will make sure your interests and investment are protected. Architects understand that your project is about you and your family, the magazine image at the end of the project is only the icing on the cake, not the main goal.

- Peter Couvaras
Peter started the Couvaras Architects from the dining table in 2005, and has built a reputation for delivering buildings that not only function well, but deliver an element of delight. He is responsible for client engagement and managing the team.

Be a Great Client

Behind every great architect is a great client Architect/Client Relationships The best projects come from a client that is involved in the process, interested in the result and contributes their vision balanced with an unmistakable trust for their architect. After...

Size Does Matter When Building

It’s simple, the bigger the build, the more it will cost Establish a Realistic Budget This may surprise you, but we have realised that everybody has a budget – whether it is $800k or $10million, there is a limit to how much money is available. Surprisingly, the bigger...

Know the Value of your Money

Learn where spending up-front can save in the long run Architects Are Not Expensive, They Are Essential An architect’s fees are an investment in your project and should not be seen as an unnecessary expense. A good architect will manage your project from start to...