Architecture responds to our functional requirements and personal aspirations. Equally so, it is a reflection of our environment in which we live. Architecture has a responsibility to the community to ensure that both the people and the environment are represented with transparency. This practice prides itself on delivering quality services in architectural design, project management and drafting. NEW HOMES RENOVATIONS TOWNHOUSES MULTI-RESIDENTIAL OFFICE FIT OUTS COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL 3D PERSPECTIVES AS BUILT DRAWINGS MEASURED DRAWINGS THE PROCESS It is important for the success and longevity of a project that the client and architect establish a solid working relationship from the beginning. This introduction period gives both parties an opportunity to learn about each other before undertaking any agreement. Having the client provide as much information as possible about their vision for the project is beneficial during this time, however, not essential. The architect is trained to establish a project brief in close consultation with the client. FOLLOW UP During this period the architect will request further information to establish the project’s scope of works in order to put forward a proposal to undertake the required architectural services. The architect’s services will be project specific and will be dependent on a number of factors including but not limited to the project’s duration, budget, site constraints, functional requirements and imperatively, the client’s expectation. PROPOSAL Once the architect has collected the information necessary they will proceed to organise a proposal. The proposal will include the architect’s services they are to undertake throughout the duration of the project and their fees to do so. In addition, the proposal will outline the obligations and responsibilities of both the client and architect. The architect will issue the preliminary proposal to the client for review and comments. AGREEMENT If both parties are satisfied with the proposal it will be time to enter into an agreement. It is recommended that the proposal is in the form of the Client and Architect Agreement that is a tried and tested form of contract created by the Australian Institute of Architects and has the endorsement and support of the Association of Consulting Architects Australia (ACAA). For further information on this agreement, please follow this link to the Australian Institute of Architecture www.architecture.com.au WORKSHOP Now that the formalities are settled, it is time to start the design process and a good way for this process to begin is by the way of a workshop. This is where the client and architect will work closely together to either establish or expand the project brief. This is quite a free flowing interaction where alternative ideas are discussed over the table. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, it may take a number of workshops to reach a point where the architect can proceed into the design concept stage, comfortably knowing that the client’s vision has been recognised. DESIGN CONCEPT The architect has the ability to conceptually perceive the client’s vision in the way of sketch drawings in order to communicate the direction in which the project is proceeding. This is where the client can first begin to visualise the beauty of their project as the building takes shape. One of many challenges within architecture is effectively answering the buildings functionality requirements whilst creating an aesthetically pleasing form that contributes to the surrounding environment in which it is located. Getting it right from the start is crucial in achieving a successful outcome. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Upon development approval, the architect, along with the project consultants will proceed to develop the concept design into working drawings. There may even be conditions that apply from the development approval that will need to be implemented. Drawings are completed to scale to ensure the accuracy of information. TENDER The type of building procurement will be discussed at the beginning of the project as this will have an influence on how the project is managed. The method of tendering should reflect the scope and scale of the building works and accurately describe the client’s requirements. In some cases, such as small or simple projects, it may be more appropriate to negotiate a price with a preferred builder, rather than calling tenders, saving on time and cost. While it is important for the architect to ascertain the requirements of the client and act on their instructions, it is the architect’s role to inform the client of appropriate tendering procedures. CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION After tender negotiations are completed between the client, the preferred builder and the architect, there may be a requirement to amend the tender documents in preparation for construction. Once the documents are finalised and agreed to they will form the basis for the client and builder agreement. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION Most standard building contracts such as those jointly published by the AIA and MBA recognise the dual roles of the architect in administering building contracts. Firstly, the architect is empowered by both parties to act as agent of the owner as expressed in the contract. Secondly, the architect is empowered by both parties to act independently as assessor, valuer or certifier. The architect is bound to exercise the duty of fairness. CONTACT US TODAY!