What do Architects really do?

Key Responsibilities and Job scope of an Architect, explained.

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.

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Key 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.

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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:

Design & Coordination BasicsParties Involved

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 and meeting deadlines and milestones for the project.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Learn more in Chapter 4:

04 - Building Project & Contract Administration

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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:

Singapore Building Codes & Guides

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.

Common Mistakes in Covered Linkway DesignCommon Mistakes Architects Make During Construction Stage (And How to Avoid Them)