Project: Taymouth Marina Location: Kenmore, Highland Perthshire Completion date: April, 2024 Client: Private Scale: 600…
The architect’s role in a newbuild development
The architect’s role in a newbuild development is one that is absolutely crucial and, if you have the right one in place, he or she can have a profound impact on the process.
Here’s why:
Typical architects will have undergone five to seven years of academic studies at a higher institution. Afterwards, most will attempt to gain internships and work placements for experience.
Followed by then either choosing to work for a company or to go
freelance. To gain RIBA – the Royal Institute of British Architects – status, architects must have gained at least five to 10 years of relevant experience in the industry working with clients and relevant stakeholders.
McKenzie Strickland Associates has adopted RIBA’s requirements and we’ve outlined five key traits that an architect must have when planning for a new build. Make sure your architect meets these criteria to ensure your newbuild development goes smoothly.
Planning
Newbuilds are projects that intermediate to experienced architects should be taking on, not necessarily novices. Experienced architects will most likely possess the vision and aspiration needed for this type of project.
Planning is crucial for newbuilds as the architect is able to identify any potential problems that might halt or interrupt development.
An experienced architect will also allow negotiations to take place with his or her preliminary design. This is just in case you personally want to alter some of the design plans. A careful and thought through planning phase allows for a smooth and successful delivery of the agreed objectives.
Environment
Every project needs to take into account the environmental aspects that come with it. This includes wildlife and the surrounding flora.
If you have a project you want undertaken, an experienced architect will be able to inform you of any potential environmental issues there may be. Furthermore, if there are any, he or she will be able to best advise you on the best course of action to take.
Most architects take into consideration the surrounding environments and plan developments to best complement the encompassing landscapes.
Budgeting
If you approach an architect asking for design specs – it is your money you are spending. So, you expect value and expertise
for that money. An experienced architect will also have an insight into the best available contractors to execute out the plans. They will be able to advise through past experiences and their expertise on where the money should be distributed to make the plans come into fruition. However, the final decision always lies with you.
Portfolio
As previously mentioned, when choosing an architect for a newbuild you should be looking for an architect with experience. With experience comes a portfolio.
Ask to view an architect’s portfolio. These are sacred to them – it is essentially their version of a CV and previous references. A portfolio also gives you a chance to gain further ideas of what you might want for your newbuild and, in turn, the architect will be able to adopt previous practices to your plan.
The more projects in their portfolio, the more experience they will possess… pretty simple really!
Communication
Communication is a vital aspect of planning for a newbuild. If
you have very little knowledge of the process of designing and
implementing a plan, then the architect needs to keep you
updated every step of the way.
Regular and detailed communication builds trust. Trust builds confidence. And confidence in your architect is one of the key foundations for newbuild success.
If you have an idea for a newbuild, then get in touch with McKenzie Strickland Associates for a consultation with an experienced architect today.