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Architect: Job description and activities

Job description

An architect works in the construction industry designing new buildings and the spaces around them, working closely with users, clients and officials to make sure that projected designs match the needs of these groups.

Architects work on new buildings, develop groups of buildings in area regeneration projects, design alterations to existing buildings, and advise on the restoration and conservation of old properties.

On every project, architects work closely with other professionals, including engineers and surveyors, to make sure that their buildings meet the necessary standards. They also work closely with construction specialists on site and oversee projects from beginning to end.

Typical work activities

Architects are involved from the earliest stages of a building project, from site selection through to completion. They remain actively involved throughout each project as their ideas and plans are turned into reality. They work closely with contractors on site, ensuring that works are carried out to specific standards and that any problems that arise are quickly resolved.

Typical work activities include:

• consulting with other professionals about the design of an environment;
• preparing and presenting design proposals to the client;
• using IT in design and project management, specifically software packages such as Auto Cad and SketchUp;
• advising the client on the practicality of their project;
• keeping within financial budgets and deadlines;
• producing detailed drawings from which costings are made;
• preparing tender applications and presentations;
• negotiating with contractors and other professionals;
• preparing planning applications;
• coordinating the work of contractors;
• making site visits to check on progress and ensuring that the project is running within the agreed timescale;
• solving problems that might occur during building;
• carrying out defect inspections.

Through all these activities, architects need an understanding of the complex processes of design and construction to build socially and ecologically sustainable cities and communities.

AGCAS

Written by David Gee, University of the West of England, Bristol

Last updated:

March 2008

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