Architecture Engineering Construction Industry

The architecture, engineering and construction industry requires technical knowledge and expertise in the dynamics of buildings & structures. Sometimes it can be challenging, however with the right methodology and creativity it can transition into a harmonious experience. When a project is about to take shape, there are three phases of the development plan that can determine how successful the project is and how they all come together to form the fundamentals of a new build.

PLANNING AND STRATEGIC SERVICE

Strategic planning is a crucial aspect of any construction project and requires dedicated and skilled individuals to coordinate this effort and lay the foundations for the project. Strategic planning starts by defining and examining the ambitions of the project and the client’s objective. The main focus of careful planning is to execute a project with four important elements taken into consideration.

1. Scope
2. Time
3. Cost
4. Quality

Drawing up a plan for a new construction project often starts with an individual or company who has the desire & means to build, be it; land, cash balance, investors or partnership arrangements. This client enables the project to commence, however doesn’t have the right capabilities or expertise to manage and initiate the requirements needed. What happens next is the planning stage and is the vital aspect of whether or not the project can actually be realized.

Often when initiating a development plan the client will employ a team of architects who will take steps to create a feasibility study. This study can relay relevant information on the key points above, as well as look at the wider context of the project; such as road access, soil profile, legal mitigation, the surrounding urban environment, and sustainability and so on.

When an architecture firm ascertains the client’s objective and a mutual understanding of the scope of works is determined, there is an opportunity to create a cost analysis and time scale for the project. Often the quality aspect of the project can be determined depending on budgets; however the standards of workmanship shall not be compromised.

The Planning of a project will often go hand in hand with phase 1 of the Design service.

Design Service

An architect is a highly trained individual who has an in-depth of knowledge in the construction field, far greater than just the design of a building. They will have expertise of building regulations, safety, materials, contract administration and financial castings. When the design of a building takes place, it will often come in three stages.

1. Concept

The first phase called conceptual design is often a very brief creative visualization of a plan. There could be brainstorming sessions that help bring the ideas together, sometimes a few options are put together and then consultation with a client can determine the right fit and progress to the next stage.

2. Schematic

The second phase of design is the initial stages of development known as schematic design and can help the design take shape and provide further details such as key programming requirements, spatial relationships, and sections and elevations can be portrayed. Preliminary building plans and guide costs can be included in this phase. This phase can create a vision and portray the project to give a good indication and understanding of how it will be in the real world.

3. Detailed

Once the schematic design has been approved, the project will move to the third phase. The detailed design will be the final aspect that ultimately leads the project to the site. Every aspect of the project is detailed out and drawings produced. From room layouts, in depth elevations and floor plans, materials and suppliers used, electrical & plumbing planning, colors and appearance, contracts documents, bill of quantities (BOQ), subcontractor’s contracts and government/authority approvals.

Project Management Service

Once the detailed design has been completed and the sub-contracts awarded then the process of the development moves to the site. This phase of development can be anything from a few months to many years of construction depending on the size and scope of the project. An architectural firm will often oversee the whole process and will have an on-site team of project managers, engineers, surveyors and site architects.

The construction can often be a complex phase and require specialist skills to ensure the project is maintaining the timeline and budgets. Any problematic issues that arise need to be dealt with swiftly and amicably. If the planning and detailed design stages are fulfilled with precision and accuracy then these unforeseen problems should be few and far between.

Reflection

When a project is handed over to a client and the basic principles above have all been adhered too, then there will be a time to reflect on the success of the project and what has been learned from the experience. Further knowledge has been gained; maybe there is something that could have been done differently. The evolving world of technology and methodology is always expanding and therefore expanding knowledge is imperative to move forward with the times.

Highly ambitious and performance-driven when it comes to Architecture. been working as an architect for the last ten year totally immersed into technology and blending it with creativity-Passionate about chasing dreams new horizons!