– by Ar. Akshay Kumar Garg
Often people ask me why an Architect is important for designing a good building when his requirement is restricted only to the Approval of Plans and getting an Occupancy Certificate post completing the Construction.
To this, many of my fellow Architects reply that we undergo a proper graduation program and spend so much time learning the trade about the different aspects of buildings, etc. which sometimes doesn’t convince the prospective clients and they end up engaging unqualified people who are either draftsmen or with some interior designing certification course and who are charging less fees compared to the correct fees as per the guidelines defined by the regulating body of Architects.
I came across various articles where the various authors feel that hiring an Architect is not at all important and that it is not an important need as one can learn Architecture through sheer experience. After all, we have been living in this world for so many thousands of years and it is very easy to make your own house.
Confused? Yes.
I feel that all of the above statements are sometimes true and sometimes false. How? Let us explore the journey by a little peek into its history and then its evolution.
In the good old days, there was no concept of Architects. The design and construction of buildings was the job of Chief Artisans in the historical era. But they were hired for the design and construction of important buildings of the Town/City and not for the designing of homes. We all know that the oldest Civilization of India – The “Indus Valley Civilization” (Mohenjo-Daro & Harappa) has a well-crafted layout with covered and neatly laid out drainage system, neatly built housing structures – properly streamlined, with well-defined spaces for habitation, space for household animals, well-defined road networks, etc. We all agree to it. Yes? All this is evident through physical pieces of evidence of that settlement. This means that someone designed the entire settlement, keeping the overall intent and execution of the designed entity in mind. Correct? This person (the so-called designer or planner of settlement) had the overall picture of the intended design, how it would look, what needed to be taken care of while planning the settlement, the size of the clusters, the road widths, the space for shops, the congregation spaces, etc.
During the era of Mohenjo-Daro & and Harappa, there were no trained Architects or Artisans. The term “Artisan” was used for people who were involved in a particular type of Skill. These Artisans could be settlement planners, sculptors, furniture makers, cart-wheel makers, shoemakers, earthen pot makers, weavers, etc. This means that some people among them had that in-built skill to do such works, i.e., implementing the envisaged design/creativity. For that matter, it could be a village or a town settlement.
Now, one may argue that what is the big deal? Here also, a non-qualified person designed these settlements. They were not trained, so why so much importance for hiring an Architect? This is exactly what an Architect does. They are the people who understand the complications involved in a building design and that alone is why it is better to hire a professional Architect.
Let us see the same thing from a different perspective. Some people can sing a song well, but some don’t even understand the rhythmic notations of singing. Those who understand the tune and rhythm learn the music from already-trained legends who are called Maestros in the field of music.
Similarly, the so-called trained Architects had that in-built skill to design and understand the spatial aspects, proportions, massing, and relation of various aspects required for designing. These people discuss and run the client through the intended requirements, the pros and cons of what is right for the building, and what will be a bad decision. When a client decides to build a project, it is complicated and one is bound to get lost in the maze of designing, regulations, building codes, zoning laws, etc. It is the trained Architect who has the desired education, training, experience, and vision to pave the way for the client to understand the designing and construction process. They are molded and trained to see the bigger picture. They are not just designed with four walls and a roof. They are responsible for creating a holistic environment. Be it interiors and exteriors of the spaces, that will satisfy the functional requirements and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and live. In the process, they help their Client save unnecessary expenses by thinking ahead on Paper before it is being built.
In the concluding statement, I will say that if we intend to live in good-looking, aesthetic, hygienic, well-thought-out spatially relevant spaces.
Architects are trained to design for the present with awareness of the past and for the future which is unknown – A phrase by Ar. Norman Foster.
So. I will request all who intend to build a thoughtful timeless building, to think and decide wisely.
Why Should You Hire an Architect?
Few people realize how complicated it is to build – that is until they find themselves lost in the maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, contractors, and so on. No two building projects are exactly alike, so there is no single, clear-cut path to follow.
The architect is the one professional who has the education, training, experience, and vision to guide you through the entire design and construction process, from helping you define what you want to build to helping you get the most for your construction dollar.
Architects see the big picture. They don’t just design four walls and a roof – they create total environments, interiors, and exteriors, that satisfy functional needs and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and live.
Whether you are remodeling, adding on, or building from scratch, the architect can guide the way. Working with contractors and other construction professionals, architects can help you end up with a well-designed project that meets your needs and works within your budget and time frame.
Architects Solve Problems
Most building projects start with a want or need. “I need more file space in my office.” Or, “We’ve outgrown our house.” But how does that need or want to get translated into square feet and three-dimensional space?
That is what architects are trained to do, solve problems in creative ways. With their broad knowledge of design and construction, architects can show you alternatives and options you might never think of on your own.
Need more room for your growing family? An architect can show you how to enlarge your home so you don’t have to move. Not sure how fast your business is going to grow? An architect can design an office that meets your needs today and can be adapted for tomorrow. Have a limited budget? The architect looks for ways to make your project cost-effective.
Architects Can Save You Money
The architect’s services are a wise investment for the money, not an added cost to your project. Why?
Because a well-conceived project can be built more efficiently and economically. Architects plan your project with you. As your ideas evolve, changes can be made on paper much less expensively than later on when construction is underway. Thorough drawings also make it easier for the contractor to accurately price and build your project.
Because energy-efficient buildings can save you money on fuel bills down the road. An architect can design a building to maximize heating from the sun and let in natural light, thus reducing your heating, cooling, and electric bills over time.
Because the architect can work with your budget and help you select the appropriate materials and workmanship at a fair price. Architects develop the drawings and specifications to help you get bids for construction that are based on your requirements.
Because an architect can help you choose materials and finishes that are durable as well as beautiful, saving on frequent maintenance and replacement costs. Architects work to stay abreast of advances in roofing, brickwork, floor tiling, paint finishes, etc. Their familiarity with the full range of materials enables them to suggest the appropriate materials for your project.
Because good design sells. A well-designed house has a higher resale value. A well-designed store draws customers. A well-designed work environment attracts employees and increases productivity.
Architects Can Make Your Life Easier
Let’s face it, building is a long process that is often messy and disruptive, particularly if you are living or working in the space under construction. The architect you hire looks out for your interests and tries to find ways to make that process go smoothly.
If your project requires engineering or other design services, the architect can coordinate this team of experts so you don’t have to. The architect sorts out complex building codes and zoning laws. The architect can help you find qualified construction contractors based on your requirements. The architect visits the construction site to help verify that the project is being built according to plans and specifications.