The role of the architect in a construction project

Managing a construction site A to Z is, as every architect knows, a task not to be taken lightly and for good reason. The undertaking of a construction site usually extends over a full year.

However, unforeseen events, a poor initial evaluation or lightly taken precautions can significantly lengthen the time between the choice of the building lot and the actual work’s delivery. How then to limit all these factors?

It is therefore essential not to neglect the time required for each step, each having a decisive role in the future. The client’s budget must be detailed and include contingencies that remain inevitable on a construction site. The architect can accompany this thanks to certain useful indications or contraindications.

LetsBuild’s tip: Allow 8 to 15% of the budget for unexpected expenses.

First, the site’s stakeholders must be selected carefully

The architect, by his own network or by that of his colleagues, has a valuable list of qualified contacts. Throughout the site, he will be a reference for each and every professional involved: bankers, artisans, entrepreneurs, developers.

LetsBuild’s tip: Renowned workers or artisans are rarely immediately available, but isn’t it worth the wait?

Establish a contract

This allows considering beforehand any unforeseen event or disadvantages that could affect the site. Such contract allows everyone to determine his responsibilities. Some delays are contractually acceptable such as the modification or extension of the work time during the construction.

LetsBuild’s tip: the different types of weather conditions should also be mentioned in the contract.

From insurances to permits, administrative paperwork is considered the first step in managing a project

It may take longer or shorter time, depending on the applications themselves as well as on their process speed.

The architect may issue his expertise about the potential and quality of a property

For more specific questions, it is necessary to call upon experts. Their fees, although sometimes high and added to the budget, can prevent future astronomical costs. If any doubt arises as to the quality of a building lot for example, a geological survey can evaluate the stability or the nature of the terrain.

Determine which materials will be used

Evaluate their cost in advance with the client. Announcing the client an approximate and low range “market price” depends on the prices of low range products. The client may feel wronged when seeing his interior’s decoration project doubled, depending on the desired materials.

Set up a schedule

In case several trades agree to work on a given site, it is necessary not only to determine the tasks that will be carried out, but also to set up a schedule so that the coordination between each construction phase can be clearly communicated. The architect will have fulfilled his mission only when the work is finished.

LetsBuild’s tip: The architect will be more efficient if he supervises the site from start to finish.