How important is your architect to your new build project?
Many people think that the only thing that architects do is design a plan for a building or project. Therefore, if you have a design in mind, you may think that you can skip over the architect and save a bit of money. However, this is far from the truth, because architects do a lot more than just design. They also look at so many construction variables that your mind would spin if you started to try to plan for everything they do. Here are just a few things that make an architect vital to the success of your new build project.
The first is the fact that they create more than just a drawing, they create a design that is compliant with design code. Architects know how to handle both project engineering and project management. They know how to take the brunt of the project on for you so that you do not have to coordinate dozens of things. They will send out requests for all sub-contractors and take control of the project to make sure that everything comes within budget. All you have to do is hire them and set the budget; they will take care of all of the micro-managing.
The second advantage of hiring an architect is the fact that they will be your sounding board when managing the new build. You will offer them ideas and they will use any guidelines you send them to create a new project. They have access to 3D programs that will literally allow you to see your new build grow in front of your eyes. This puts you in a position to review all plans before groundbreaking so that you can make sure the build you saw in 3D is the one that you want in real life.
The final benefit of working with an architect ties into the first one; the fact that they will act as the project manager of your project. This continues long past the first stage of coordinating with other skilled workers. If you hire them, they will take care of the schedule and will oversee all problems that come up with the subcontractors or any other general issues throughout the build.
They will make decisions based on what you have communicated to them and will deal with every unforeseen problem, so you do not have to. Architects are highly skilled and required to be members of professional bodies, and this holds them to the same high standards that you no doubt want your project held to.