UNIT-I ARCHITECT AND PROFESSION

Architect and Profession:

Architecture is a social art that touches all human beings at all levels of their existence
everywhere and everyday. This is the only discipline, which encompasses the four major fields of
human endeavor : Humanities, Science, Art, and Technology, actually putting into practice the
professional inputs drawn from them. In sum, Architecture is the matrix of human civilization - an
authentic measure of the social status, and an evocative expression of the ethos of an era. When
conserved, it is heritage and when in ruins, it becomes archaeology, reconstructing tell-tale
pictures of the past civilizations.

The demands on the profession over the years have become much more complex in nature and
much wider in scope. Architecture uses the philosophic wholesomeness of Humanities, the
logical rationalism of Science, the passionate imagination of Art and the inexhaustible resources
of Technology. It calls for originality, creativity, conceptualization, perception, aesthetic values,
and a holistic judgment of people, places, objects and events.

Architecture is primarily the art and science of designing spaces for serving the multifarious
activities of human beings and for meeting their specific needs in a meaningful built
environment. When various engineering services are rationally combined with Architecture's
basic elements of Space, Structure and Form, the performance of human functions and the
operation of mechanical utilities become efficient, pleasant and fulfilling. However, in its
broadened scope and baffling complexity, Architecture has generated specializations such as
Structural Design, Urban Design, City Planning, Landscape Architecture and Interior Architecture.
Retrofitting of Buildings, Architectural Conservation, Construction Management have also lately
emerged as specializations. Each of these compliment and support each other.
Architecture Design essentially is a product of an individual mind but realized through association of
experts from allied fields who contribute in the process of construction. Mutual respect and
understanding work wonders for ensuring high quality of the end-product.
The architectural profession feels deeply concerned towards national priorities in the fields of
energy conservation, ecology, environmental pollution, protection and preservation of architectural
heritage and their precincts, low-cost housing, urban renewals, rural up liftment, economic
development at local and district levels, etc. in the interest of quality of life both in rural and urban
settlements.

The practice of the architectural profession is regulated by the Architects Act, 1972, and the
regulations framed there under. The Council of Architecture has prescribed the Conditions of
Engagement and Scale of Charges under the Architects (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 1989.
The documents stipulate the parameters within which the Architect is required to function. These
define the responsibilities, the scope of work and services, and prescribe the mandatory minimum
scale of professional charges with a view to making the Client fully aware of the duties and services
which he may expect from the Architect. The professional services required by the Client may not be
comprehensive in scope in all cases and accordingly a clear understanding between the two must be
arrived at. The Council of Architecture has prescribed the Conditions of Engagement based on
general practice of the profession in India. These documents are applicable to all registered
architects and such architects who have specialized in areas such as Structural Design, Urban Design,
City Planning, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture and Architectural Conservation.
Professional requirements
Although there are variations from place to place, most of the world's architects are required to
register with the appropriate jurisdiction. To do so, architects are typically required to meet three
common requirements: education, experience, and examination.

Educational requirements generally consist of a university degree in architecture. The experience

requirement for degreed candidates is usually satisfied by a practicum or internship (usually two to
three years, depending on jurisdiction). Finally, a Registration Examination or a series of exams is
required prior to licensure.

Professionals engaged in the design and supervision of construction projects prior to the late 19th
century were not necessarily trained in a separate architecture program in an academic setting.
Instead, they often trained under established architects. Prior to modern times, there was no
distinction between architects, engineers and often artists, and the title used varied depending on
geographical location. They often carried the title of master builder, or surveyor, after serving a
number of years as an apprentice. The formal study of architecture in academic institutions played a
pivotal role in the development of the profession as a whole, serving as a focal point for advances in
architectural technology and theory.
The Architect is required to provide services in respect of the following :

Part I - ARCHITECTURE :
1.1 Taking Client's instructions and preparation of design brief.
1.2 Site evaluation, analysis and impact of existing and / or proposed development on its immediate
environs.
1.3 Design and site development.
1.4 Structural design.
1.5 Sanitary, plumbing, drainage, water supply and sewerage design.
1.6 Electrical, electronic, communication systems and design.
1.7 Heating, ventilation and air conditioning design (HVAC) and other mechanical systems.
1.8 Elevators, escalators, etc.
1.9 Fire detection, Fire protection and Security systems etc.
1.10 Periodic inspection and evaluation of Construction works.

Part II _ ALLIED FIELDS :

1.11 Landscape Architecture
1.12 Interior Architecture
1.13 Architectural Conservation
1.14 Retrofitting of Buildings
1.15 Graphic Design and Signage
Role of architect in society
The primary role is to contribute through designing buildings, which achieve the objectives of
sustainability. In order to achieve sustainable development, buildings must be designed inclusive of
the concepts of sustainable development. Such buildings will have a positive impact on the
environmental, social and economic systems, which will lead to enhancing both the economic well
being and environmental health of communities and the quality of life. Sustainable buildings should
meet certain objectives, like:

- protecting the health of building occupants;

- improving employee productivity;
- using energy, water and materials more efficiently;
- incorporating recycled building materials;
- minimizing waste; and
- reducing the environmental impacts associated with the
production of raw materials, building construction and building
maintenance and operations.

The concept of sustainability challenges architects and urban planners to think and act in terms of
long-term consequences of their decisions on the diminishing resources of the world. Increasingly,
there is a realization that current architectural practices have ecological consequences that degrade
the environment. Therefore, architects must address the quality and sustainability of the use of
natural resources and ecosystem, quality of life, impact of the production and use of energy.

Unfortunately, the reality is that when doing building design, architects are confronted with
available technology, cost factors, clients expectation and regulatory limitations, current public
policy that promotes economic competitiveness as an end in itself, at the expense of the public
good
The architect can contribute toward sustainability if we consider the interrelationship among
building site, design elements, energy and resource constraints, building systems and building
function and follow an environmentally responsive design process in the building design and
construction of a project.

An architect is responsible for conveying the progress of civilization through the creation of spaces
that have function for its inhabitants while using environmentally sound processes and materials. An
architect must take into account the past, present and future of both building techniques and global
cultures in order to convey a structural message that relates to past and present ideologies while
gently leading the path for the future of human consciousness and cultural identity.

We are influenced by our senses. What we see, hear, feel, smell and taste all have impacts on our
psychological and cultural identities. The fact that we are being exposed to those sensations relates
to a manifestation of current culture. Every piece of human culture has physical aspects that exist
within the definite senses. Architects and those who design spaces must therefore take into account
the physical multi sensory aspects of their creations in order to best understand the psychology of
the space, acting in reference (or not) to the physicality of the culture that they are conveying. The
creation of space is a physical manifestation of culture through the presentation of texture, color,
timing, depth, light cycles, temperature etc. and though some of us might like to believe that ideas
come from the core of a white cube everything we think and do has relation to the greater temporal
scale. The mind is composed of little bits of culture that all intertwine leading us to extrapolate what
we call consciousness, cultural identity.

So in summary, an architect helps to build the evolution of society by physically manifesting items of
culture in the form of spatial constructs where representations of culture meet the human mind in a
multi sensory locality. An architect has a physical sensory responsibility to the people who
experience the constructed space while also acting as an artist and painting the picture that we call
society.
Architect and client:

The Architect shall, after taking instructions from the Client, render the following services:
CONCEPT DESIGN [STAGE 1] :
2.01 Ascertain Client's requirements, examine site constraints & potential ; and prepare a design
brief for Client's approval.

2.02 Prepare report on site evaluation, state of existing buildings, if any ; and analysis and impact of
existing and/ or proposed development on its immediate environs.

2.03 Prepare drawings and documents to enable the Client to get done the detailed survey and soil
investigation at the site of the project.

2.04 Furnish report on measures required to be taken to mitigate the adverse impact, if any, of the
existing and / or proposed development on its immediate environs.

2.05 Prepare conceptual designs with reference to requirements given and prepare rough estimate
of cost on area basis.

PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND DRAWINGS [STAGE 2] :

2.06 Modify the conceptual designs incorporating required changes and prepare the preliminary
drawings, sketches, study model, etc., for the Client's approval along with preliminary estimate of
cost on area basis.

DRAWINGS FOR CLIENT'S/ STATUTORY APPROVALS [STAGE 3] :

2.07 Prepare drawings necessary for Client's/ statutory approvals and ensure compliance with
codes, standards and legislation, as applicable and assist the Client in obtaining the statutory
approvals thereof, if required.
WORKING DRAWINGS AND TENDER DOCUMENTS [STAGE 4] :
2.08 Prepare working drawings, specifications and schedule of quantities sufficient to prepare
estimate of cost and tender documents including code of practice covering aspects like mode of
measurement, method of payments, quality control procedures on materials & works and other
conditions of contract.

Relation of architect with client

Helping the client understand and articulate needs and aspirations

Developing the formal set of requirements for the project the program

Helping the client establish a realistic and achievable budget and schedule for the project

Providing the client with a list of required site information such as survey and soils information
and assisting the client in obtaining that information when requested

Obtaining and coordinating structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services

Preparing a comprehensive analysis of the requirements of authorities having jurisdiction,

including zoning, site plan control, Ontario Building and Fire Codes

Preparing concept or schematic design, often several alternatives

Reviewing those concepts with the client, and assisting the client in deciding on the most
appropriate design reconfirming the schedule and the budget
Developing the selected design in more detail and reviewing with the client, including any changes
to the schedule or budget preparing the detailed construction documents plans and specifications
which will be used to apply for building permit, determine the construction cost, and build the
project

Help the client decide the most appropriate method of building stipulated sum construction
contract, construction management, design/build or other method

Assist the client in obtaining bids, and executing the appropriate construction contract(s)
administering the contract, and certifying payments to the constructor(s) when they are due
carrying out general review during construction reviewing random samples of the construction as
it proceeds to assure that the project is being built in general conformity with the plans and
specifications

Identifying deficiencies in the work and facilitating their correction

Helping the client take over the completed project, and showing the client how to use the
building and its equipment

Assisting the client in getting warranty repairs if problems arise.

Of course, architects can do a lot more for their clients should the need arise.

Architects can assist the client in finding the right site for the project or in comparing a number of
sites can prepare a feasibility analysis or highest and best use study of a property the client
already owns or is considering purchasing
Obtaining the many approvals required for construction rezoning, minor variance, site plan
agreement or approvals from specific committees, agencies or Ministries can help their client
coordinate a move from one location to another, including an inventory of furniture and equipment
by carrying out a detailed review of client operations, will assist a client in making more efficient use
of space already owned, and help determine if renovation, additions or relocation may be necessary

Might assess a building before a client invests identifying necessary upgrades and their costs
provide interior design services

Will facilitate the engaging of the wide range of specialist consultants often necessary for
todays construction projects

Might assist a client in obtaining financing

May provide complete project management services from helping determine if there is need
for construction, through the entire process of erecting then using the building, and may even help
the client manage the facility through its lifetime of uses the list of services provided by architects,
and highly-valued by their clients, is practically endless.
Architect and contractor

APPOINTMENT OF CONTRACTORS [STAGE 5] :

2.09 Invite, receive and analyze tenders; advise Client on appointment of contractors.

CONSTRUCTION [STAGE 6] :
2.10 Prepare and issue working drawings and details for proper execution of works during
construction.

2.11 Approve samples of various elements and components.

2.12 Check and approve shop drawings submitted by the contractor/ vendors.

2.13 Visit the site of work, at intervals mutually agreed upon, to inspect and evaluate the
Construction Works and where necessary clarify any decision, offer interpretation of the
drawings/specifications, attend conferences and meetings to ensure that the project proceeds
generally in accordance with the conditions of contract and keep the Client informed and render
advice on actions, if required.

2.14 In order to ensure that the work at site proceeds in accordance with the contract documents/
drawings and to exercise time and quality controls, the day-to-day supervision will be carried out by
a Construction Manager (Clerk of Works/ Site Supervisor or Construction Management Agency in
case of a large and complex project), who shall work under the guidance and direction of the
Architect and shall be appointed and paid by the Client.

2.15 Issue Certificate of Virtual Completion of works.

COMPLETION [STAGE 7] :
2.16 Prepare and submit completion reports and drawings for the project as required and assist the
Client in obtaining "Completion/ Occupancy Certificate" from statutory authorities, wherever
required.

2.17 Issue two sets of as built drawings including services and structures.

Issues in architect-contractor relationship

Contractors say many architects don't understand modern materials or construction practices,
resulting in costly, impractical designs. Architects complain that overscheduled contractors rush
through jobs, making unauthorized changes and compromising craftsmanship

Like any good relationship, a strong contractor-architect alliance requires constant communication.
Here's advice from experts on both sides to help ensure that any team you hire will work together
without a hitch.

Points to be considered for a good relation

1. Involve the Contractor From the Start
2. Hire Pros Who Know and Like Each Other
3. Find Out Who's a Team Player
4. Consider a Design/Build Firm
5. Get More Detailed Bids
6. Don't Leave Your Architect at the Altar
7. Don't Forget About the Inside Design
8. Make Sure Everyone Knows His or Her Job
9. Pick Up the Phone
10. Put Down the Phone And Schedule Regular Face Time
Code of conduct

9.01 The Architect shall keep the Client informed about the progress of work in his office.

9.02 The Architect shall appoint specialized consultants in consultation with the Client, if necessary.

9.03 The Architect shall be responsible for the direction and integration of the consultants work. The
consultants, however, shall be fully responsible for the calculations, the detailed design and periodic
inspection and evaluation of the work entrusted to them. The Architect shall, if requested, make
available the design calculations.

9.04 The Architect will advise the Client on the Time Schedule (Bar Chart/PERT/ CPM Network)
prepared by the contractors for the completion of work, if required.

9.05 The Architect shall supply to the Client, free of cost, upto six sets of drawings at different
stages.

9.06 The Architect shall not make any deviations, alterations or omissions from the approved
drawings, involving financial implications without prior consent of the Client.

9.07 Any professional services to be rendered by the Architect at the instance of the Client after the
agreed project completion period shall be compensated for on mutually agreed terms.

9.08 The Architect shall exercise all reasonable skill, care and diligence in the discharge of his duties
and shall exercise such general superintendence and inspection as may be necessary to ensure that
works are being executed in accordance with the Conditions of Contract.
9.09 Any revision in the drawings, tenders and documents, once approved, required to be made by
the Client shall be compensated as additional services rendered by the Architect and paid for @ 50%
of the fee prescribed for the relevant stage(s).

9.10 No change shall be made in the approved drawings and specifications at site without the
consent of the Architect.

9.11 Any curtailment of the professional services, beyond Stage 2, shall make it obligatory for the
client to pay at least 20% of the fee for the remaining Stage(s) of the curtailed work/ Services.

Management of architect office:

Architectural management can be defined as an ordered way of thinking which helps to realize a
quality building for an acceptable cost or as a process function with the aim of delivering greater
architectural value to the client and society.

The management techniques and tools, borrowed mainly from repetitive industrial processes, did
not comfortably fit in the seemingly chaotic and ephemeral world of architecture. There was a need
for management thinking and tools to support and enhance, rather than distract from, the act of
creating architecture. Efforts to combine managerial thinking with the management of architectural
design organizations eventually gave rise to the establishment of architectural management as a
new discipline of research and practice.
Architectural management falls into two distinct parts: office or practice management and project
management. Office management provides an overall framework within which many individual
projects are commenced, managed and completed. Both parts have the same objectives, and the
techniques vary and mesh only at certain points. Achieving synergy between the management of
design office and of individual projects (which are still commonly addressed separately) is crucial to
ensure a profitable business the essence of architectural management.
Other sources distinguish three major aspects of architectural management: the product, the
process and the organizational aspects pertaining to the quality of the building

Architectural management extends between the management of the design process, construction
and project management, through to facilities management of buildings in use. It is a powerful tool
that can be applied to the benefit of the professional service firms and the total building processes,
yet it continues to receive too little attention both in theory and in practice. The Master in
Architectural Management and Design is aimed to bridge the gap between advanced design and the
business management facet in the architectural field.
The innovative and pioneering profile of this master course lies in the combination of IEs
entrepreneurial spirit and business expertise in conjunction with the design approach of IE School of
Architecture.
Its blended format allows students to meet their professional obligations while studying. The master
combines online sessions with on-site periods and is completed over 13 months. The Master in
Architectural Management and Design is conceived for a range of professionals within the field;
from young, independent professionals willing to start their own practice and junior designers
immersed in professional practices looking to take on management responsibilities, to partners in
architectural firms willing to reinvent their practices.
Architects may face difficulty in managing their office-related activities properly.
Usually, architects do have problems with managing their offices. Reasons for this are unique to
architects.

Architects being in center stage of any project, they usually are very busy coordinating with client,
contractors and various other consultants.

Frequencies of meetings are also very high. For every small discussion, some meeting has to be
called. Decisions taken in the meetings are documented using traditional methods.

All these decisions after some time get lost somewhere in the pile of paper.

This is one particular thing that happens with every single architect; Paper everywhere.

Another problem is in managing tasks. Say as head of the organization and chief architect, the
architect would have assigned a task to someone, and then the architect might get excessively busy
with their other important engagements. Keeping track of what task was assigned to whom, and
what was the deadline is extremely difficult.

Few of these tasks will get completed on time, most of them will not. These tasks were not properly
monitored. Moreover, At the end of the day, it would be difficult decide on which of the employees
were more productive than the other.
Elementary accountancy:

In performing financial accounting, the architecture firms accountant keeps track of each event that
will have any bearing on the firms financial condition. These events include actions such as the
receipt of funds from a new partner who buys stock in the firm, increasing the firms assets as well
as the firms stakeholder equity, billing a client in professional services, increasing the firms assets
or receiving a bill for computer plotting increasing the firms liabilities. By keeping track of the
financial events as they happen, the accountant is able to present a financial picture of the firm
using the language of accounting.

In order to keep track of the firms financial picture, the accountant uses a journal to record the
financial events. To ensure that all the financial transactions are properly recorded, the accountant
uses a system called double-entry book keeping.

The basic equation of accounting

Assets = liabilities + owners equity

Any event having a financial bearing on the firm will affect the basic accounting equation because
the equation summarizes the entire financial position of the firm. By definition, the basic accounting
equation should always remain in balance. Absolutely nothing can happen which can make the
accounting equation to become out of balance.

Although the basic accounting equation sometimes appears to be unchanged due to a financial
event, it really has changed. Although the total at either side of the equation have remained the
same, the firms accountant would have recorded the specific parts of the double entry system that
have occurred in the left side of the equation. Every entry must have a corresponding entry that
results in keeping the accounting equation in balance.
Book keeping

The terms debit and credit are the terms used by financial accountant to carry out the double entry
system of book keeping. Prior to actually using credits and debits to balance a firms accounting
records, bookkeepers modify the accounting equation.

First stockholders equity is broken down into the 2 elements that contribute to it: contributed
capital + retained earning.

Assets = Liabilities + contributed capital + retained earning

Change in assets = change in Liabilities + change in contributed capital + change in retained earning

Retained earning increase by adding net income and decrease when dividends are paid.
Net income = Revenue expenses

Revenue increases the firms assets and expenses decrease the firms assets.

Change in assets = change in Liabilities + change in contributed capital + change in retained earning
changes in expenses changes in dividend

Change in assets + changes in expenses + changes in dividend = change in Liabilities + change in

contributed capital + change in retained earning

This equation is manipulated by book keepers using debits and credits. Debits are increases in
anything in the left side of the equation. Credits are increases in anything in the right side of the
equation.
Chart of accounts

The complete collection of all the accounts of a firm is the general ledger. The accounts are classified
into balance sheets and income statement accounts. A complete listing of all the accounts by
number and title is the architectures chart of accounts. Each account has an identifying number and
a description. A chart of accounts may be very lengthy and very detailed or it may be general and
include only a few account details. The chart of accounts should be fine tuned to provide the level of
details necessary for understanding and evaluating the income and expenses of the firm and the
balance sheet.

Accounting services
An Architects firm will require some or all of the accounting services
1. Book keeping
2. Regular reporting of financial statements usually monthly
3. Tax preparation
4. Financial advising
5. Financial representation such as for a tax audit
6. Preparation of special financial reports such as those requested by bank or financial institution

All these services may be provided by a single full-service accounting firm or the services may
be provided by more than one firm. Even if the firms book keeping work is carried out by a
book keeping firm or internally using accounting software, the firm would need an accountant
at some time during its life. Selecting an accountant is important to the long term health of the
firm.
Project Cost accounting

Project cost accounting involves tracking and analyzing the costs associated with rendering services
on each project versus the revenue earned for each project. Project cost accounting involves
analyzing the time spent , who is spending it and how it is being spent on each project. It also
involves analyzing the cost of direct expenses, such as computer plots, travel or sub consultants
expenses required for the project. Project cost reports during the course of the project are
absolutely necessary for effectively understanding profitability and the effectiveness of project
management. Final project cost printouts are very useful tools for estimating future project costs
and setting up future project cost accounting reports and report procedures.

Cash receipts and disbursements

The actual income received and the actual money paid out by the firm is recorded in the check book
and is the basis for managing the cash flow of the firm. Cash flow management is the most critical
day-to-day problem of the firms financial managers. It is directly tied to receivables and payables. A
short term line of credit or source of funds from savings or investments is an important element
required for the successful management of cash flow providing liquidity when cash on hand or
savings is not enough to cover payrolls and payable obligation.