My Architect III

As part of our attempt to educate the common masses on the practice of architecture and selecting the proper architect, we herewith through this article hope to share various cost saving avenues you may achieve by selecting the proper services of a qualified architect.

In any field, obtaining the services of a professional without any doubt is a saving and the field of architecture is no exception as clients may get both immediate and long term benefits by commissioning professional architects. Especially, developing countries such as ours should consider this as a compulsory factor since the cost of development in the construction field could be considerably reduced by implementing properly developed designs.

Practical evidence has proved that a major portion of construction cost is wasted due to improper and haphazard designing and planning practices.

In project development or construction, it was a common belief that the project cost will increase with the involvement of architects and a greater majority of clients tend to consider the architects professional fee as a separate component of the building. It is very important to note that the architect’s fee is part and parcel of the construction cost.

Through this series of articles we also attempt to educate the readers on the services offered exclusively by a professionally qualified architect which no other non-qualified person can offer or provide. An architect, being the team leader of the building project generally provides a comprehensive consortium service which covers architectural services, structural engineering services, mechanical and electrical engineering services, landscape and interior design services and quantity surveying services.

The abovementioned allied professions represented by qualified engineers, landscape architects, interior designers and quantity surveyors closely work with the architect in projects in order to provide the client with the most comprehensive and practical design solution consisting all relevant technical aspects such as architectural, engineering and building economics.

A client who obtains the consortium services from a qualified architect will not be required to go from place to place in search of other relevant services mentioned above and as such will have peace of mind and an assurance of a job well done and at an accelerated pace.

This one stop service also reduces the clients cost in various ways, saves valuable time, rids the burden of confusion, eases misunderstandings and coordination problems and would ensure a smooth and speedy operation resulting in the timely completion of a successful project. Under a consortium services agreement, an architect undertakes to attend to and coordinate all the above work and provide the client the most accurate information with regard to the construction details in all aspects.

As a client, whether or not you need the total consortium service of your architect, it is important that you consult an architect prior to the purchase of a land or site intended to construct a project in order to get better value for your hard earned money. Generally, this prevents you from facing the consequences of high construction costs.

As an early advantage, your architect will advise you on ways and means to reduce the cost of your building through proper site selection.

We have heard and seen enough of practical examples which is worthy repeating of where the site development cost and foundation cost exceed the cost of the super structure of the building due to bad site selections and as such this defective habit of the client purchasing the land or site on his own gut feeling should be clearly taken in to serious consideration and list down important and vital services offered by the architect as a practical user guide to all prospective clients.

The services offered by qualified architects consist; Selecting a site, Arriving at a comprehensive design brief after analyzing your requirements, Undertaking feasibility studies to evaluate the viability of the project, Designing and planning your building according to the design brief, Designing the interior of your building, Landscape designing work, Assisting you to select a suitable contractor, Coordinating the construction process and the team and observing the possible defects during the maintenance period.

Now that you have selected a proper site with the professional advice of your architect, from the next article onwards we would try to further elaborate on the exclusive services and the cost benefits mentioned above which you will receive by obtaining the services of a proper architect.