The needs of a client can be accomplished by most architects. However, specialisation is also happening in the world of architecture. Specialising in a commercial building is now specific to commercial architects.
Commercial buildings ranging from huge high-rises to a humble local church are projects that are made for commercial architects. Letting them take a major role in commercial projects entails a building that not only complies with all coding regulations in the local area but looks amazingly beautiful and functional as well.
The project’s requirements and needs are the things discussed in the first meeting with the client and the chosen commercial architect. The conceptual design has to be agreed on by both parties before construction starts.
A commercial architect has to work out the building’s structural integrity and technical issues with structural and civil engineers. The major roles played by commercial architects in the commercial building include:
Discussion of the project
The vision of the client has to be taken into the concept before a commercial architect comes up with a detailed design of it. The design gets approval only when all members of the different teams agree. The discussion of the project involves the safety regulations of local planning, expected budget, requirements of the client, and characteristics of the site.
Project feasibility and creation of detailed drawings
The responsibility of a commercial architect is to test the feasibility of the project and the creation of detailed drawings. Regulations, needs of the client, and the budget entail many redrawing and revisions on the part of the commercial architect.
Plans for all the electrical, structural, and mechanical systems are produced in the final blueprint. The project’s timescale and cost estimates follow the final design.
Budget control
Control over the budget becomes possible by taking the project’s cost estimation every step of the way. It is during this time that engineers and architects should carefully estimate the construction time and the cost of materials. The careful estimate allows an effective estimation of the overall cost of the construction. The extent of the responsibilities given to a commercial architect allows him/her to come up with an amount of details cost estimation.
Contract negotiation
The stage of contract negotiation can be helped by commercial architects. He/she may be able to help choose or suggest various contractors that undertake the different work projects. An analysis report based on received tenders handed in by a commercial architect is then compared to the budget and the expectations of the client.
The start of the construction
A commercial architect will assume different roles during the construction stage. He/she is responsible for:
- Attend or call for meetings between team members and the client
- Performing regular site visits
- Contract negotiations
- Resolving or dealing with any issues as it arises
- Affix his/her approval and signature on some of the documentations taking place during the construction stage
- Focus on the structure’s functionality, aesthetics, feel, and look
- Have a say in the structural design and construction methods
A commercial architect is a much-needed professional expert on any commercial building project. A building will only be able to meet the required functionality and efficiency with the help of a reputable commercial architect. Planning the seamless flow and aesthetic aspect of the building is only achieved with a commercial architect on board. Get your next property designed by The Quinlan Group.