Professions In Construction – Architecture

This is among the main professions identifiable with the construction industry. The professional involved here is the architect. Most architects are trained at degree or post graduate level, although there are also diploma holders in the same field. Right under the architect is the draughtsman, who works as an assistant in the architectural office. Architecture is concerned with the design of buildings. They are the professionals that give a building its form, shape and all the facilities necessary for the building to fulfill its intended purpose.

For this reason, the architect is usually the first person that the prospective builder contacts for professional advice and service. Depending on the brief presented by the prospective builder, the architect develops the most probable design for the purpose. This is done in consideration with things like the environment, occupancy, statutory regulations et cetera. This design is usually a gradual process, starting with the broad outlook and zooming in until the most acceptable product is achieved. The architect is usually regulated by statutory bodies that ensure the design is in accordance to requirements, upon which it is approved.

After approval, the architect will either superintend upon the construction process or give the responsibility to a construction project manager. Where the architect leads the process, he will be in charge of hiring the construction team, including the quantity surveyor, contractor, engineer and others. He will be charged with the responsibility of heading the construction team throughout the construction period. The most notable task is leading site meetings. He acts as a link between the client and the contractor.a

The architect is usually paid a fee as a percentage of the total cost of the building and so the other professionals. They run architectural offices and are involved in a lot of paperwork. Drawing was previously by hand but with the introduction of Computer Aided Design (CAD) this is quickly shifting to the electronic side. The most common of these softwares are.