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Dwelling #2
WHY WORKING WITH AN ARCHITECT IS IMPORTANT:
The architect’s services are a wise investment for the money, not an added cost to your project. Because a well-conceived project can be built more efficiently and economically. Architecture “ isn’t only for museums, corporations, or the wealthy.” Whether you are remodeling the kitchen, creating your dream home, or planning a commercial or other building, working with an architect can save time and money by making your new spaces more functional, comfortable, efficient, and environmentally responsible. Below are some of the important reasons for working with an architect on your next project.
- The architect is the one professional who has the education, training, experience and vision to guide you through the complex design/construction process, from helping you define what you want to build to helping you get the most of your construction dollar.
- Architects create total environments, interiors and exteriors, that satisfy functional needs and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and live.
- Architects plan your projects with you. As your ideas evolve, changes can be made on paper – much less expensively than later on when construction is underway.
- Architects can prepare thorough and accurate drawings which will make it easier for the contractor to accurately price and build your project. Thorough drawings will also reduce the amount of change orders during construction.
- An architect can design a building to maximize heating from the sun and let in natural light and incorporate many other energy efficient design strategies, thus reducing your heating, cooling, electric and water bills over time.
- An architect can help you choose materials and finishes that are durable as well as beautiful, saving on frequent maintenance and replacement costs.
- The Architect can act as the owner’s representative during construction to ensure the project is being built to the plans and specifications.
- Good design sells! It is proven that a well-designed house or building has a higher resale value.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH AN ARCHITECT:
Most building projects start with a want or a need. “We’ve outgrown our house.” But how does that need or want get translated into square feet and three-dimensional space? That is what architects are trained to do — solve problems in creative ways. With Their broad knowledge of design and construction, architects can show you alternatives and options you might never think of on your own.
- The Architect will consider all facets of a project from start to finish, including client tastes and program requirements, project context, sustainable design features, site features, zoning restraints, budget, etc.
- When you meet with your Architect you should bring whatever information you feel necessary to express your ideas about the project, i.e. written descriptions, magazine clippings, photographs, material samples, budgetary info, etc. The Architect will use this information in developing different design ideas.
- What fees to expect? On most residential projects, Architects' fees can range from 2% to 5% of the total construction cost, depending on project complexity and various services chosen. Additional fees may apply if structural, mechanical, civil, and environmental or other engineering services are required.
- ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT PHASES: Programming Phase: On a typical project the Architect would first establish a project program with the owner. This can simply be what types of spaces and spatial relationships are required. Schematic Design Phase: Taking the program and other project information into account the Architect will develop initial concept drawings to establish a project direction. These concept drawings may include floor plans and elevation views. Design Development Phase: The concept drawings would be reviewed with the client and developed further based on their feedback. As the design develops a three dimensional model can be utilized to show multiple interior and exterior views. Construction Document Phase: Once the design is finalized the Architect would than prepare more detailed construction documents. The construction documents are used to get final bid pricing and to file for building permits and will include floor plans, elevations and sectional drawings showing exact dimensions, structural information, electrical layouts, material specifications and other detailed information.
WHAT IS DESIGN / BUILD?:
The term “Design / Build” generally refers to having the “Architect” and the “Builder” on the same team working together with the client from the initial design stages through completion of construction. This differs from the more traditional project delivery method of design / bid / build where the architectural design and construction are split into separate entities. Some of the advantages of Design / Build are outlined below.
- Through collaborative project management work can be completed faster with fewer problems.
- An integrated project team is geared towards efficiency and innovation.
- Communication between Architect and Builder is streamlined
- The combination of the Builder and Architect’s vast construction knowledge will lead to beautiful and well thought out designs that can be built efficiently, on time and on budget.
WHAT IS “GREEN” ARCHITECTURE?
“Green” or sustainable design refers to the increasingly popular and important practice of creating architecture that is friendly to both the environment and the end user and the inhabitants. The concepts of sustainable design include:
- Maximization of site potential
- Reduction of non-renewable energy consumption
- Conservation of water
- Reduction of waste
- Use of environmentally friendly products
- Improvement of indoor environmental quality
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