Architectural Services & Architects Coquitlam / British Columbia / Canada

If this is a private architectural project or the new premises for an up-and-coming business, the building must look attractive, both internally and externally. Also, there will be little point in engaging an architect’s services at all if the building ultimately can’t be used for the intended purpose. When hiring an architect, architectural service company you ensure that all the structural design questions will be solved correctly.

ARCHITECTS TAKING THE ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT FROM BRIEF OR PROGRAM STAGE

The first step to delivering a successful architectural project? It all starts with the program or brief. Even something as seemingly self-explanatory and straightforward as this can require professional help. Who better to ask to formulate the basis for an architectural project than the architect? Architects will be able to help outline what the customer requires for the project and assess whether they can provide the requirements.

Since projects are individual regarding complexity, architects can help a client assess opportunities, identify constraints, and highlight areas where further investigation is needed. They also assist in drawing up the later stages of the program too, such as a schedule of accommodation.

ARCHITECTS SEEKING DEVELOPMENTAL APPROVAL

One unpredictable factor to any architectural project is dealing with a planning commission to seek developmental approval, known in some regions as planning permission. As part of the architectural service, architects will be able to advise clients if their project requires any developmental approval, and can provide useful, relevant information to help them submit their case to the local authority.

Planning commissions and other such authorities are often notorious for declining proposals. In the event of this, architects can be enlisted to help appeal the decision. Some architectural services even offer to deal with the planning authorities on their clients’ behalf. However, that representation like this will probably incur surcharges.

ARCHITECTS ACTING AS THE PROJECT SUPERVISORS IN DESIGN PROCESS

PSDP stands for the project supervisor design process. Throughout the project, it is the purpose of the PSDP to ensure that the work of the designers, architects remains coordinated. Their responsibilities range from identifying and if possible, eliminating hazards stemming from design, organizational or time-related flaws in the project, to issuing directions to contractors, architects, designers.

They are the chief person on the project, in short. A PSDP consists typically of an architectural services company. However, as the client appoints them, the PSDP can be an individual architect. As per regulations, there cannot be more than one PSDP.

TAKING ARCHITECT ON MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT

Clients can be full-time workers or inundated with childcare commitments. As such, their attention may not be best positioned to manage an architectural project - despite their beliefs in the beginning. Leaving it to the architect to act as the project manager is by far the best decision. They possess the knowledge to properly coordinate the various elements and personnel involved to produce a successful result.

ENGAGE ARCHITECT FOR PROJECT AND BUILDING CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Architects can be engaged to handle building contractors and project administration on a client’s behalf. It can be an appealing feature to an architectural service since it eliminates some stressors involved. By extension, it allows the clients more time to attend to decisions for later stages in the project.

Naturally, the added time and responsibility involved will make it a more expensive architectural service. However, getting the architect to take care of this side of the project ensures it is carried out by their design and development approval.

ARCHITECTS DEALING WITH THE SPECIALISTS AND CONSULTANTS

As aforementioned, the complexity of an architectural undertaking differs from project to project. As such, the client may have to call in specialist consultants for input on the plan. These include people like structural engineers or quantity surveyors. They will understand better what these consultants are talking about and what they will be looking for, it makes sense to have the professional to deal with them.

Furthermore, the architect will be able to manage and coordinate these specialists’ involvement in the project; curbing this where necessary.

ARCHITECTS PRODUCING MEASUREMENT SURVEYS AND ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS

It is a rare project that goes ahead precisely as the client envisions it. There are too many factors and occurrences midway through a project that are too unpredictable to include in a design program. As such, some alterations and amendments to the original design will be proposed and suggested, accepted, and declined for various reasons.

As part of the architectural service, an architect can measure pre-existing buildings to provide a basis for new architectural drawings. These drawings, in turn, will assist the architect in formulating proposals for alterations or additions to the original design.

ARCHITECTURAL INSPECTION - CONDITION SURVEY

Some projects conducted on existing historical architectural buildings, some of which can be a couple of hundred years old. In cases like these, prior inspection is required to establish the condition of the property before a project gets underway. It would be a bad investment, not to mention a potential safety risk to the people working on the project.

Some architectural firms are specializing in these kinds of projects. Their architects will be able to carry out the inspection – a Condition Survey – to determine if the property is safe to work. Following their investigation, they will prepare a report, which usually must be presented to the development approval authority.

ARCHITECT ADVICE ON CONSERVING A HISTORIC BUILDING

Following on from the previous section, the architects will have to advise clients on conserving a building declared as historic. The property in question may even be a “Protected Structure” or in an “Architectural Conservation Area,” which will merit an appropriate degree of attention, care, and skill when it comes to conservation.

Even if the property not classed as a “Listed Building,” its character should still be considered when planning any alterations of extensions. Character features left undisturbed as the project ensues will add value to the property when it comes to sale or resale.

ARCHITECT ADVICE ON INTERIOR DESIGN

They don’t just deal with the external elements. The interior design also has often included as part of architectural service. That doesn’t just mean negotiating the placements of kitchen islands and window-side desks in residential properties, or bar counters and reception desks for commercial buildings. The service extends with some architects to cover loose furnishings and even artwork.

Architects may not readily advertise their interior design service on their business websites; it would be best to enquire in the earlier stages of the project. If they do offer the service, they may include it as part of the overall package, rather than a separate charge altogether.

ARCHITECT ADVICE AND DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY

When the design has been implemented and finalized; it must be sustainable and future-proof. Putting measures in place for this early on into the project will potentially prevent further expenses.

To help a client with this, the architects can advise on some sustainability options, from lifecycle costing to energy and water consumption. They will ensure that all choices and decisions made are 100% compliant with all building laws and regulations.

Furthermore, in the interests of being eco-friendly, studies into how to make a property zero-carbon emitting can usually be conducted in the earlier stages of the project as part of the overall architect, architectural service.

RESOLVING IN-PROJECT DISPUTES

Stress and pressure levels are often high on architectural projects. It is a time-sensitive and, in some cases, weather-dependent environment, and internal disputes can often arise. Since they’re such commonplace occurrences, some architectural service packages even offer to help resolve any project disputes. That can come about by way of mediation sessions or conciliation.

Architectural Drafting & Drawing

Way back, in 1754 BC, if someone killed due to faulty construction, the builder would be put to death. Luckily, today’s building codes aren’t as draconian. It’s not correct to think that all you need is a building permit for home renovation, and you’re good to go. However, without professional construction drafting services to detail exactly what you project you will look like, a building permit alone will not provide the quality and budget control essential for any projects.