Scope of Architectural Services 2 of 4
In the 2nd part of this 4 part series, we take a closer look at the first ‘Scope'of Architectural Services:
Design.
Given below are the activities that make up the ‘Design' scope of Architectural Services:
Understanding
The Designer first partners the client in germinating the first thought that results in the final creation. At times, the architect's involvement would begin even before the project has been sanctioned by promoters or local authorities. This stage involves more of the following activities:
The end result of this stage should be a document called ‘Design Brief'. Akin to a ‘Charter' or a ‘Constitution', this is the foundation of the entire design process, and, basically, lays down the client's expectation in black and white. Proper care must be taken in preparing this document. An equal, (if not more) amount of care must be taken to ensure the client has understood the document. Experience has it that client dissatisfaction or delight, both spring from the expectations created.
Visualizing
This is the stage where the words, thoughts and studies, for the first time, take a tangible shape: a drawing or model that can be seen or felt: the first step from thought to reality.
Architectural Services take the role of a Painter of Dreams'.
The sketches, images and models created at this stage are for internal consumption of the Architect's Studio, and the client's Single Point of Contact, to see if thoughts are in the direction.
Expressing
The ideas once frozen, need to be expressed in the form of plans, images and models for involvement of a larger audience, normally comprising:
Approvals
Approvals form the checkpoints in the progress of any work by an Architectural Services firm.
As the designs take shape, approvals must be taken from stakeholders at this stage, to avert major changes at a later stage:
Incorporation
Architectural Services are, as a known commentator on AEC put it, ‘nothing without Building Engineering Services'.
The Engineering Services Consultants having seeing the schematic designs, now give inputs in a slightly more detailed fashion, with bulk sizes and constraints factoring in, thus paving the road for the next stage of Architectural Services: Documentation.
Design.
Given below are the activities that make up the ‘Design' scope of Architectural Services:
Understanding
The Designer first partners the client in germinating the first thought that results in the final creation. At times, the architect's involvement would begin even before the project has been sanctioned by promoters or local authorities. This stage involves more of the following activities:
- Brain storming – lots of it. The more the better, since it is critical that the client and the designer understand each other
- Travelling: Visiting (a) Site (b) Similar projects as a case study (c) Projects of competitive or reference brands
- Number crunching – area, people, rations, sizes - the more the numbers the better! It means the ground work is strong, and chances of major changes during later stages are minimal
- Understanding constraints: Time, money, community and technical (Engineering) constraining factors define the limits of design
The end result of this stage should be a document called ‘Design Brief'. Akin to a ‘Charter' or a ‘Constitution', this is the foundation of the entire design process, and, basically, lays down the client's expectation in black and white. Proper care must be taken in preparing this document. An equal, (if not more) amount of care must be taken to ensure the client has understood the document. Experience has it that client dissatisfaction or delight, both spring from the expectations created.
Visualizing
This is the stage where the words, thoughts and studies, for the first time, take a tangible shape: a drawing or model that can be seen or felt: the first step from thought to reality.
Architectural Services take the role of a Painter of Dreams'.
The sketches, images and models created at this stage are for internal consumption of the Architect's Studio, and the client's Single Point of Contact, to see if thoughts are in the direction.
Expressing
The ideas once frozen, need to be expressed in the form of plans, images and models for involvement of a larger audience, normally comprising:
- Colleagues from the Architect's Office – Architects or specialists not working on this project but with experience and opinion that matters
- Decision makers from the client's office, e.g. Board of Directors, Partners, or in a residential project – a spouse or a parent
- Engineering consultants – to see if the design is technically feasible
Approvals
Approvals form the checkpoints in the progress of any work by an Architectural Services firm.
As the designs take shape, approvals must be taken from stakeholders at this stage, to avert major changes at a later stage:
- Specialists: In a particular business, technical or other field which has key importance like:
- IT Head for a technical operation
- Vaastu (or FengShui) for a religiously sensitive client
- Acoustic Engineer for an Auditorium or recording studio
- Earthquake Engineer for a frail or tall structure, or any building in a Seismic zone
- Retail specialist for a retail store
- Etc.
- Decision influencers, like Users, Landlords, Building Association
- Authorities: Like Environmental Clearance, Airport Authority (for high rise), etc.
Incorporation
Architectural Services are, as a known commentator on AEC put it, ‘nothing without Building Engineering Services'.
The Engineering Services Consultants having seeing the schematic designs, now give inputs in a slightly more detailed fashion, with bulk sizes and constraints factoring in, thus paving the road for the next stage of Architectural Services: Documentation.
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