# What do Architects really do?

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/SMrmOrZOHUu7FNsmeU4u" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

An architect is often misunderstood as to someone who just designs a building.  Architects are responsible for the project progress and ensures that the clients needs are addressed while ensuring all contractual, legal and statutory obligations are adhered to.

***

## K**ey Responsibilities of an Architect**

### **1) Planning**

Architects plan the layout and design of buildings, taking into account factors such as the needs of the building's users, local building codes, and the surrounding environment.

### **2) Creativity**

Architects use their creative skills to come up with innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs for buildings and structures.

### **3) Project management**

Architects are responsible for overseeing the construction process, coordinating with contractors and other professionals, and ensuring that the project stays on track and within budget.

### **4) Communication**

Architects must be able to communicate their ideas effectively to clients, contractors, and other professionals. This may involve preparing presentations, drawings, and other materials.

### 5) **Problem-solving**

Architects are responsible for finding solutions to technical problems that may arise during the design and construction process. This may involve coming up with creative solutions to design challenges or finding ways to work around construction issues.

***

## **An Architect’s Job scope**⠀⠀

### **1) Design & Coordination**

Architects conceptualise, develop and detail building design & site layout, as well as come up with specifications of materials based on the site context and project/client brief and budget.

They also need to work with civil/structural/mechanical/electrical engineers to ensure that the structures and spaces for service provisions is adequate for the building function at all stages of the project.⠀

**Learn more:**

{% content-ref url="/pages/rs3tvyzC5Exkg2ld8iTy" %}
[Design & Coordination Basics](/01-industry-basics/design-and-coordination-basics.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/ZDRTuuirJLBmvg0phdE0" %}
[Parties Involved](/01-industry-basics/parties-involved.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### **2) Contract Administration & Project Management**

Architects are in charge of running of the project including handling of variations (design changes deviating from contract provision in tender), answering contractor queries through [RFIs ](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]and meeting deadlines and milestones for the project.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

**Learn more in Chapter 4:**

{% content-ref url="/pages/hys1CUgykb6VD6EmN55F" %}
[04 - Building Project & Contract Administration](/04-building-project-and-contract-administration.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

### **3) Code Compliance**

Statutory requirements are in place to ensure occupant safety in buildings.

Architects work to get approval from the various building authorities and ultimately towards approval for building occupation.

There are many building authorities to get approvals from, ranging from urban planning, building control, sanitary/sewerage/drainage, fire safety, environment and many more..

**Check out the compilation of code of practices for Singapore:**

{% content-ref url="/pages/7zxdOi9BRkPOu5ul870L" %}
[Singapore Building Codes & Guides](/singapore-building-codes-and-guides.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### **Quality Control**

Architects ensure quality in the design and construction of buildings.

This involves checking and approving materials that meet specifications, test reports, method statements and conducting site inspections.

Buildings must be well and correctly constructed based on approved drawings and specs so that they are safe and easy to maintain.

{% content-ref url="/pages/kFUo9YgdEghdXOw7bmph" %}
[Common Mistakes in Covered Linkway Design](/03-building-components-materials-and-specifications/common-mistakes-in-covered-linkway-design.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/ok3DOS4LOM7xDAvDL44T" %}
[Common Mistakes Architects Make During Construction Stage (And How to Avoid Them)](/04-building-project-and-contract-administration/common-mistakes-architects-make-during-construction-stage-and-how-to-avoid-them.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

[^1]: Request for information


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