WORKING WITH AN ARCHITECT

There are 6 stages in the architectural design process. Simple in articulation but quite detailed in execution. House plan design is follows the same process in both Zimbabwe and South Africa

INCEPTION

STAGE 1: INCEPTION

After the architect has received their appointment for your construction project and engaged for a full service. At this stage the architect will determine 

-a clear project brief, of your house plan/ building plan

 -appraise and report on the client’s requirements,

- budgetary constraints, 

-project timelines, 

-rights and zoning on your land, 

-project programme. 

The architect will formulate a design concept guided by the legislative constraints of the site.   

STAGE 2: CONCEPT & VIABILITY

CONCEPT & VIABILITY

 Concept & Viability: The house plan or building plan takes shapes at this stage. Your architect will create Sketch plans, prepare an initial design and advise on: 

-the intended space provisions and planning relationships of your building plan and house plan

-proposed materials and

-intended building services; 

-the technical and functional characteristics of the design. 

-Check for the conformity of the design concept with the rights to the use of the land; 

-review the anticipated cost of the project; 

-review the project programme.   

This is usually presented as hand sketches, a set of sketch diagrams, sketch layouts and sketch elevations, more or less like the image on the right. The architect will take you through how best to execute the vision and at the same time conforming and alligning to the rights and uses of your land. Most clients do not understand 2D drawings, hence architects present sketches.

STAGE 3:  DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Design Development: At this stage the architect interogates the concept to finalise the design.. Your house plan/ building plan is presented in 3d format for your understanding. Sometimes in a digital model that you can see and comprehend. The architect will Confirm the scope and complexity; review the design and consult with local and statutory authorities, develop the design, construction systems, materials and components; incorporate all services and the works of consultants (such as engineer); review the design, costing and programme with the consultants. 

STAGE 4 ( DOCUMENTATION AND PROCUREMENT)

DOCUMENTATION AND PROCUREMENT

This stage is split into 2, most client tend to think that if my house plan has been appproved the architect is no longer necessary, that can pose challenges for the builder on site.

4.1 Council Approval stage- At this stage the architect produce drawings that comply with council regulation sand bye-laws, this set of drawings is usually coloured, there are legislative notes that are required by the respective municipality. Municipalities are different and they all have certain ways that they want their drawings to be represented, The architect has the skill and knowledge of how to comply but t dont have control over the outcome or timeline that the municipality takes. The only thing they can control is probably how they respond to the snags/referals raised by municipality. Detail designs that make the design pop are not presented in this stage and hence it can pose a challlenge for the contractor on site because it usually doesnt carry enough information for pricing.

4.2 Tender Drawings- This is where the architect specifies every piece of detail required by the contractor for the project to materialise, for example window ceiling layouts, facebrick details, wall panellings, floor tiling layouts, joinery details, junction details for roof, celiling and floors. The contractor or quantity surveyor then has enough information to price and give a detailed bill of quantities and materials schedules. God is in the detail, for the design of your house plan/building plan to materialise, the beauty is in the detail designs. 

CONSTRUCTION

STAGE 5: CONSTRUCTION

Its one thing to have a blueprint its another to understand it, its very necessary for the architect to be present onsite during construction becaus ethere are issues that arise that might affect design and the architect will assit in giving design solutions whilst sticking to the concept of the house plan or building plan.  (Coordination & Site visits) We supervise construction of your house plan/ building plan.Contract administration: hand over the site to the contractor; issue construction documentation; initiate and check sub-contract design and documentation as appropriate; inspect the works for conformity to the contract documentation; administer and perform the duties and obligations as assigned to the principal agent in the JBCC building agreement; issue the certificate of practical completion; assist the client to obtain the occupation certificate.  

STAGE 6: CLOSE-OUT 

CONCEPT & VIABILITY

 Stage 6 - Close out: (Completion) This is where you take occupation of your new home or building.Fulfil and complete the project close-out, including the preparation of the necessary documentation to facilitate the effective completion; handover; and operation of the project; After fulfilment of the contractor’s obligations with respect to the contract, the architectural professional shall issue the certificates related to the contract completion. (Providing the client with as-built drawings is an additional service)*