Everyone knows—or thinks they know—what an architect is. Architects are the professionals who are trained to design buildings with aesthetic, environmental impact, strength, flexibility, and other factors in mind. However, there is a lot more to being an architect than meets the eye. If you are hoping to gain more insight into what an architect does, keep reading.
To start, what an architect does varies greatly. Their duties and daily tasks may depend on the area in which they work, the firm they are a part of, and more. Some architects may be involved with every phase of a construction project while others may be less involved.
Here is a general idea of the duties an architect performs during a project:
- Design – This is what most people think of when they hear the word “architect.” An architect will consult with a client about a project to determine what they are looking for. They will begin designing by creating drawings, making sure the design complies with safety and other regulations. They may also collaborate with other architects and provide a feasibility study.
- Planning – When the design has been revised, an architect may be responsible for creating plans that have instructions and specifications that construction professionals can follow to make the design a reality.
- Construction – While an architect will not handle the construction, they may be present on the site to oversee the project, provide insight, and handle any problems as they arise throughout the course of the project.
