What Do Architects Do- The Art of Architecture Demystified
Architecture is one of those black magic jobs. We know it’s important, and we know it’s impressive, but to many people, outside of ‘drawing pretty pictures’, it’s not very clear what architects actually do. Perhaps it’s my own ignorance, but I’ve always held this view. I could never fully wrap my head around what the practice entails and, more importantly, the role they play in property development, apart from drawings and CGIs.
So, rather than remaining in blissful ignorance, I decided to fill a gap in my knowledge and hopefully discover something that will benefit your property business.
A couple of weeks ago, I spent the day with MAC Architects in Harrogate. This included shadowing them on existing projects going through planning and even attending a site visit to a large and impressive private home.
Let’s put an end to this black magic once and for all and uncover what architects really do and why they’re more important than you might think.
The Finer Details
Even for someone who struggles to sketch stick men, I was impressed by the effort that goes into an architect’s drawings. You see, every line (or wall) has to be drawn to scale. If that wall is a millimetre off on paper, it could be a metre off when the builder comes to create it in real life.
These drawings, which are basically floor plans, are then plugged into an incredible system that brings them to life. Small lines suddenly become rendered walls. Windows, doors, and furniture are added. You essentially get a 3D model of what the property will look like. You can even change the time of day to analyse how the sun and shadows will affect the property.
But what really surprised me was the knowledge that an architect must have. Certain minerals react differently with other stones or materials when exposed to moisture. So, if you build with stone or brick and use two types of stone that have this problem, then the property can become structurally unsafe when it rains.
It was at this point that it struck me that building a home isn’t as simple as four walls and a roof. You have to take into account sunlight, building materials, parking, and how the new property interacts with the environment. This knowledge, which architects have to train for seven years to acquire, is vital to the build process. Trying to build a property without it would be like performing surgery with your eyes closed.
‘Millionaire Row’
Next up was a site visit to a lovely place referred to as ‘millionaire row’. It’s rightly earned this title since you won’t get much change from £3 million if you buy a house there. Mind you, you get a lot of property for your pound, with huge mansions that would take you half a day to walk around!
One of the properties on this row has recently been purchased and is undergoing refurbishment. It’s a dream home. The kind of property you put on your vision board. It has a garden so big that you could open a campsite and still have room to mow the lawn!
Now, this is a sticking point because many people pay architects for designs and then bid them farewell. But watching Kate, the lead architect, walk around a site full of builders pointing out snags and picking up on the occasional cut corner showed me why this was a bad idea. And it’s not just trades that architects manage. Many of them will also coordinate other professionals, like structural engineers and surveyors.
Managing trades is a skill, and most architects have it in abundance. They know how things SHOULD look, and they can point out things that would otherwise go unnoticed. In essence, architects are part designers, part planning consultants, and part project managers. If you hire the right firm, you really need very little involvement in your own project.
My Views on The Practice
I am sure that, like me, you have heard the occasional negative grumbling about architects. Maybe you have had a bad experience with one. I suppose that it all comes down to the adage of ‘they’re not all bad’.
What I’m trying to say is that, after getting a peek behind the curtain, the way I view architecture has completely changed. I thought that architects were a “nice thing to have if you’ve got the budget”. Now, I think they’re a must-have. They’re seasoned professionals who will save you headaches and lost money by managing the project effectively and making sure the I’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.
If you’re looking to save money, then don’t do it here. Maybe lay some cheaper carpets instead!
Finally, thank you to the team at MAC Architects for the opportunity to grow my knowledge. If anyone wants to speak with an architect you can trust, then you can contact the team using the details below.
Tel: 01423 528999
Email: info@macarchitects.co.uk