Architects have a wide range of services to offer. These include design, construction documentation, construction administration and more.
Having an idea of these can help you determine whether an architect is the right person for your project. It’s also important to consider their personality.
Architectural Design
An architect can provide a variety of architectural design services at https://www.osgoodeproperties.com. This includes determining site conditions, designing a building layout, and creating drawings. They can also assist in finding a construction company to build the project.
Before a design is complete, architects should meet with clients to discuss their ideas and receive feedback. This helps avoid disagreements later on.
During the pre-design phase, an architect will research local zoning and land-use restrictions, project scope, client desires, scale, surrounding buildings, neighborhood, site conditions, and building codes.
Once a design is finalized, architects will create construction documents to submit for bids. These documents will include specifications, construction details, schedules, and technical drawings.
Construction Documentation
Construction documents, also called assembly drawings or specifications, show how a building is to be constructed. Architects work closely with engineers, code inspectors and contractors to produce these documents.
The content of these documents must be transparent in representing design intents and logic. It must be sufficiently detailed to direct builders in the execution of construction work, so that the completed building conforms to the owners’ expectations documented in contract documents.
Construction documents are a necessary part of every construction project. They help the client and architect navigate the complex process of getting all the required permits and clearances before the building can be built.
Construction Administration
Construction administration is a vital part of the building process. Once the architect has completed the designs, it’s their job to make sure that everything is built correctly.
This includes reworking the plans if necessary and keeping an eye on the contractor’s progress. The architect will also make sure that the build meets local and federal codes, such as environmental and safety regulations.
While this service is often seen as a non-essential cost, it can be a lifesaver when you have unforeseen issues during the build. It can also save you money by preventing costly changes to the original design.
Building Condition Audits
Building condition audits provide an accurate, objective view of a facility’s and its assets’ physical health. The evaluation can provide information that helps building owners and asset managers target capital investments and meet their stakeholders’ goals, such as dependable operation, reduced risk, increased service capacity, or more growth.
Property Condition Assessments, also known as Commercial Building Inspections (PCAs), are a key component of the due diligence process for lenders, real estate brokers, and investors. PCAs give prospective purchasers a professional opinion of the current physical state of a property and how it impacts its short-term and long-term financial value.
The scope of a Property Condition Assessment includes the entire building, including its exterior and interior, as well as its structural components, electrical systems, and life safety systems. A PCR technician performs physical inspections, as well as a review of maintenance and inspection records. This is an essential part of the evaluation, as it allows for a thorough and objective assessment of all building systems.
Sustainable Design
Architects can offer a variety of sustainable design services. These include analyzing materials’ impact on health, designing for well-being, energy analysis, ventilation and computational fluid dynamics, carbon accounting, project sustainability assessment, and workshop facilitation.
Moreover, some architects are also experts in sustainable building materials and finishes. For instance, they use reclaimed wood furniture that helps reduce the demand for new logging.
Incorporating sustainability into a design firm can be challenging and requires change in culture. Make sure that all individuals involved in your firm’s work are brought along with you.
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