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.