Just about any public building that is found in any city or town has its origin with an architect. The architect is a trained professional who is central to the development of both the planning and the design components that form the basis for the construction of a building. Here is some background on how an architect works, and why the utilization of a competent architect is so important to any building project.
Derived from the Latin word architectus, the main purpose of an architect is to produce a design for a physical structure that meets the aesthetic, structural, and safety factors that must go into the construction of any type of public building. Generally, an architect is invited to bid on a construction project that is being undertaken by a municipality, private business or non-profit organization.
Taking into consideration the anticipated function of the space and any requests for aesthetic features that may be especially appealing to the client, the architect will work on designing a structure that will offer the best of all worlds. Ideally, the completed design will be functional for the purposes envisioned for the building. Clients will find design elements that are appealing worked into the overall layout of the projected facility, and every aspect of the new building will be designed to comply with local building codes and standards.
Once a design is accepted by the client, the architect usually continues to be associated with the building project, all the way through to completion. Serving as part of a design them that includes construction professionals, the architect will work to ensure that the original design is carried through to the finished product, with no alterations in materials or design that would lead to safety issues or compromise the quality of the building.
It is not unusual for architects to work long hours during a building project. Buildings are generally long term projects that may take from several months to several years to complete. It is not unusual for a prominent architect to be working with several projects simultaneously, with each construction detail being unique and the demands varying from project to project.
Most jurisdictions have specific minimum requirements that an architect must meet before being able to practice his or her profession. Certification by local and state governments, meeting educational criteria, and understanding local safety codes are among the more common requirements. Generally, architects as a profession are happy to comply with these sorts of requirements, as they help to ensure that buildings are designed and constructed that are stable and safe for human occupation.
