Architecture is a team-working process .There is always a Client and there is always an interpreter of that client's needs. The relationship between the Client and architect office is fundamental, and the establishment of a professional and trusting relationship between the two is the bedrock of every successful project.
Creating architecture involves art and beauty, science and engineering, values and beliefs, friendship and team-working. It is one of life's rewarding activities, bringing together a wide range of personalities, skills and expertise. It is an adventure for the client, the architect and their team.
It is important to place that adventure within a sound organisational and contractual context so that procedural complications do not derail the principal activity. A simple, clear, legally-defined understanding of what is involved will benefit the whole process, avoid conflict and help clarify the interrelationships and responsibilities of all the partners involved in commissioning, designing and building a project, large or small.
Architectural services can be procured by a multitude of routes, however, they generally involve certain core activities:
- Receiving and understanding the brief, agreeing how to proceed and gathering data.
- Feasibility studies and assessment.
- Concept design / outline design.
- Design development.
- Construction data
- Construction procurement.
- Inspection.
- Post-occupancy evaluation