Professional performance
The architect is responsible for creating a design concept that meets that client's requirements and provides a facility suitable for the required use. The architect should meet and question the client to understand all the requirements (and nuances) of the planned project.[10] Often the complete brief is not entirely clear at the beginning: it implies a certain degree of risk in the design company. The professional can make early proposals to the client, which can be re-worked and modified in plans and in the preparation of the "program" (or summary), which is essential to produce a project that meets all the needs of the owner. This is a guide for the architect in creating the design concept.
Design proposals are generally expected to be both imaginative and pragmatic. Depending on the place, time, finances, culture and available craftsmanship and technology in which the design is done, the precise scope and nature of these expectations will vary. Foresight is a prerequisite, as building design is a very complex and demanding undertaking.
Any design concept must, at a very early stage of its generation, take into account a large number of issues and variables including the qualities of the space(s),[11] the end use and life cycle of these proposed spaces, connections, relationships, and aspects between spaces including how they are articulated with each other, and the impact of the proposals on the locality or immediate and broader context. The selection of appropriate materials and technology should be considered, tested and reviewed at an early stage of the design to ensure that there are no setbacks (such as higher than expected costs) that may occur later. The site and its surroundings, as well as the culture and history of the place, will also influence the design. The design must also address the growing concern for environmental sustainability.") The architect may introduce (intentionally or unintentionally), to a greater or lesser extent, aspects of mathematics and architecture, new or current architectural theory, or references to the history of architecture.
A key part of the design is that the architect often consults with engineers, surveyors and other specialists throughout the design, ensuring that aspects such as structural supports and air conditioning elements are coordinated in the scheme as a whole. The control and planning of construction costs are also part of these consultations. The coordination of the different aspects involves a high degree of specialized communication, including advanced computer technology such as BIM (Building Information Modeling), CAD and cloud-based technologies. At all times in the design, the architect informs the client that he may have reservations or recommendations, introducing an additional variable in the design.
Architects deal with local and federal jurisdictions regarding building codes and regulations. The architect may need to comply with local planning and zoning laws such as required setbacks, height limitations, parking requirements, transparency (window) requirements, and land use. Some established jurisdictions require compliance with historic preservation and design guidelines. Health and safety risks form a vital part of today's design, and in many jurisdictions, design reports and records are required that include ongoing considerations such as materials and contaminants, waste management and recycling, traffic control and fire safety.
Previously, architects used drawings to illustrate and generate design proposals. While conceptual sketches are still widely used by male and female architects, computer technology has become the industry standard. [13] However, design may include the use of photographs, collages, prints, linocuts, 3D printing technology and other media in the production of design. Increasingly, computer programs such as BIM are shaping the way architects work. BIM technology enables the creation of a virtual building that serves as an information database to share design and construction information throughout the building design, construction and maintenance life cycle.
As today's buildings are now known to be large emitters of carbon into the atmosphere, more and more controls are being placed on buildings and associated technology to reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency and make use of renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources can be developed within the proposed building or through local or national renewable energy providers. As a result, the architect must stay abreast of current regulations that are continually being adjusted. Some new developments feature extremely low energy use. [15] However, the architect is also increasingly required to provide initiatives in a broader environmental sense, such as making provision for low-energy transportation, natural lighting instead of artificial lighting, natural ventilation instead of air conditioning, pollution and waste management, use of recycled materials. materials and use of materials that can be easily recycled in the future.