What I do in my Profession
Architects have numerous duties in both large and medium firms. In this profession, one has different duties depending on their experience. In most cases, architects work in building projects where they develop idea for the project, they also develop various budgets that are applicable to the project and assess the needs to the building and the users. They also consider the effects of the building to the local environment.
The main duties of architects include working with different people involved in the project. This includes discussing budget objectives, requirement and other requirements necessary for the project. The other work includes doing consultation with other professionals about the best design for a project and the safety environmental measures to take into consideration while designing the project. They prepare applications for those planning and building control departments in various organizations.
The process of selecting sites, working with contractors on this sites and ensuring everything runs according to plan is also part of the work of architects. As an architect, the other responsibility that comes with this work is the preparation and presentation of feasibility reports. This is followed by presentation of the design proposals to clients where they work together to make sure that everything is as the client desires. Here, one needs to present all the drawings, workings and the required specifications for different jobs. During the presentation of the design proposal, it is part of the architects work to advice the client on all the practicalities of the project. This entails all the pros and cons of their demands on the project, and giving them their view on some of these issues. The nature and quality of the required materials also falls under the presentation of proposals to the customers. It is also upon the architect to come up with a reasonable tender within the budget where they will ensure all tender applicants conform to its requirements and specification. The architect knows everything about the budget; hence, he or she has to be the negotiator between the client and the tender applicants. This also includes negotiating with contractors about the budgets proposed.
Applying computer-aided design software and IT in designing the proposals is also a crucial part of the work of an architect hence it is crucial for one to have in depth skills in computers. As the project proceeds, it is upon the architect to ensure that the contractors work according to the specifications of the design whereby they oversee the whole process and intercede where necessary. This also requires the architect to ensure that there is coordination between the contractors and the architect firm they work for to ensure that everything runs according to the design plan. They are, therefore, required to make regular visits to the sites where they check the progress of the building and make necessary corrections where necessary. This entails the time plan and the budget specification. If the process is not going according to the time and budget plan, then it is upon the architect, to resolve all these issues and provide the way forward.
There are many places where architects can find employment. These include large and medium firms or private practice. Some of the places where one can work are in the construction industry. This offers great opportunity for the architects as they focus on creation and designing of new buildings. Their work in the construction industry also involves extensions and in some cases alteration of old buildings. This field also entails giving advice during the restoration of old properties. The architects can also focus on development of new private buildings where their main focus will be on the design and redevelopment schemes (Glancey, 2006).
Where to do what I do: Places of work
The architect can also work in large firms as a design architect. Here the firms set in metropolitan areas, work on designing the artistic sides of architecture. This involves sketching and creating initial computer based designs. This area requires good competence in artistic skills.
The other area where architects can find work is in the production architect at large firms. Here qualified and intern architects require services in the production of blueprints that aid in the design of construction. Inexperienced architects work on making corrections to these architects and ensure that everything is in order before the constructors take on the real construction process. This entails understanding how buildings are constructed, and how different parts fit in together.
The other place where one can find work is in large firms where they are principals or partners. This requires experience in the architecture field. Most principals have experience of over 20 years and know much about architecture. Here the main duty is planning and designing major projects.
Contract administration is also another key field where architects find work. Here the main duty is to work on exclusive process. They answer any questions the constructors may have, and spend a lot of time with the constructor during the construction process. This field entails going outdoors to construction sites where questions are asked and work criticized. This requires a tough and patient person who can deal with different views from the contractors and the client.
The other area where one can focus on is Spec writer or a specifications writer. This entails coming up with volumes of books on different architectures on project specifications. These include physical descriptions of the project including the materials, their quality and the standards set by the architect designs. Here the builder gets details about what they have to do at what time and where to do things (Heym, 2006).
Small architecture firms also provide a good opportunity for architects who may not have a chance of working in large companies. Those in such firms have the opportunity of working in various aspects of a project, and it is common to find that they are part of different details.
Private practice or sole practitioner is also another area where one can decide to work. Here one works for long hours, and this requires a lot of patience and hard work. Understanding is also a key feature for those who decide to take this route.
Perfect setting
The perfect setting for practicing architecture is being in a team that works together to make the best designs. Architecture requires commitment and teamwork is the best way to ensure this is done. Therefore, there is a need for everyone in the architecture firm to focus on their own part of the work, but remember that they are all working on one major design. It is therefore, crucial that everyone works together to achieve the set goal, which is to come up with the best design to suit the requirements of a client.
The best setting for architecture is also based on the safety procedures set up by the firm they work for. This requires proper work procedures especially for those who go out on a daily basis to oversee the constructions site. Those interested in the outdoors require strong personalities and in depth knowledge of the construction sites. Safety is crucial in any organization, and this is no different in the architecture field. This field requires many safety procedures considering that architectures deal with different construction material (Manatt, 2008).
Architecture requires a great deal of consideration especially in regards to the safety of the environment. Perfect setting for architecture entails having a close working relationship with others in different fields that relate to architecture and the safety of local communities. It is vital to ensure that everything is safe because a building is meant to last for a long while. Having clearly set safety procedures for the local community and the clients is therefore, crucial for any architecture setting.
Architecture is a wide field and it provides different opportunities for different people with varied interests. The decision to select one work place over the other depends on the view of an individual to different aspects like the challenge of the work and the setting of the firm. However, the duties one has do not change irrespective of the firm they work with. The priorities are similar for everyone in a firm as it entails safe constructions for both the client and the local environment. The perfect setting is what makes one love or hate their experience as an architect.
References
Glancey, J. (2006). Architecture. London: DK.
Heym, S. (2006). The architects. Evanston, Ill.: Northwestern University Press.
Manatt, K. G. (2008). Architects. Ann Arbor: Cherry Lake.
