29 Jan 210127 – How do you work as an architect?
Ideally we start on a project helping you, the client, at the business case stage. We can assist you in determining whether you need an internal re-organisation, an extension (in any direction), or a new building on the same or another site. If another site we can help you choose the best site or building for your needs and budget.
We can then assist on the best solution that meets the planning legislation and building regulations etc as well as creating all the necessary drawings, schedules and specifications to allow contractors to provide more accurate tenders. For larger projects we collaborate with other chartered building design professions as the, fully qualified, Design Manager of the design team and the, fully qualified, Principal Designer role. We can also ‘negotiate’ with a construction manager to further hone the details if your needs are slightly ahead of your budget.
As the, fully qualified, Contract Administrators we can independently certify progress, payment and completion on site. we can even carry out the Post Occupancy Evaluation of existing buildings after completion and ahead of any new projects.
We can do all this in the C21 using the latest BIM software (that I’ve been using for 20 years and gets updated annually) when I put my 2D CAD software, hardware and drawing board in the garage, never to be used again. Whilst KR.eativ: Architects Ltd. currently has PII for up to £500,000 I know for a fact, because I have done it, be the sole architectural design team member on projects of up to £10 million.
What software do we use to enable us to continue offering the breadth of service from RIBA Stage 0 to RIBA Stage 7? We use Vectorworks designer BIM. It is a single piece of software with inclusive modules for:
- Sketching
- Terrain Modelling
- Survey Drawings
- 3D Modelling
- Energy Modelling
- Parametric/Graphical Design
- 3D photographic rendering, fly-thought and VR experiences
- Planning Information
- Building Regulations Information
- Tender/ Construction/Working Drawings
- Schedules
- Etc
The only other software we are starting to use is NBS Chorus which builds up the full specification and ties it back to the 3D model can can be exported as an IFC file for other members of the design team and the contractor. The IFC model is also immensely useful to you the client/building owner, as a building manual, to help you manage and maintain the building(s) and other facility management functions.
