PROJECT MANAGEMENT - ARCHITECT'S ARE THE TRUE PROJECT MANAGERS!

Architect's are the original and true Project Managers.

We explain why you should use your Architect as the Lead Project Manager on a project as they will be the most valuable asset to a client;

The management of information throughout a project is absolutely critical for a successful outcome to be achieved.  Construction projects, even simple house extensions can be a complicated process, especially with the amount of protocols that need to be followed, i.e. Planning, Building Regulations, Health and Safety etc.  A project managed correctly can make life a lot easier for the client and all parties involved.  Effective project management will save the client time, money and stress, especially when budgets are constrained in a recession!

The Project Management role is typically the Architect’s role but since the mid-1990’s other building professionals have begun to take on the role. Most Project Managers that are not Architects do not have a solid understanding of design and the construction process.  When they manage a building project they always have to refer to the other consultants (i.e. Architect, Structural Engineer etc.) for advice and therefore the process can take longer and may cost more money. 

By using an Architect to carry out the role of not only designer but also the Project manager you are effectively removing the ‘middle-man’ that will not only save time but will save money. 

As Architects we have the same skills as our construction counterparts with the added advantage of an education in design, space planning, technical detailing, contract administration and project management. It is this combination of skills that ensure that Architects are experts in delivering projects through their knowledge of the building process from inception to completion.

Using an Architect to act as the lead consultant, gives the client a single point of contact and communication to co-ordinate the design team, other consultants and the building contractor(s).

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

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WHY USE AN ARCHITECT?

Whether you are planning to build a new house, to alter of extend your existing home or to employ a builder, there are many advantages to using an architect for your project.

Architects are trained problem solvers and know the construction industry inside out. They have undertaken seven years of architectural training; no other building professional is trained in design and construction to such a high level of expertise. The term ‘Architect’ is a protected title and UK law requires those that use it to be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). 

A registered Architect is also required by law to carry Professional Indemnity Insurance cover appropriate to the scale and type of work that they undertake. 

You should always check to see if your ‘Architect’ is registered as there are many people in the construction industry that claim to do the work of an Architect but are not qualified. Please refer to the ARB website to check for registration of any ‘Architect’ before you hire them. (www.arb.org.uk)

An Architect’s experience and insight can help stretch what can be achieved within your budget and add value to your project. Whether you are looking for tradition or innovation an architect will understand your hopes and anxieties. They will find the extra light and space you didn’t know had and and help translate your vision into reality bringing value for money, peace of mind and keep the project on time and budget.

When designing a project, an Architect uses their skills and expertise to think about the most efficient way to build your project, maximising the energy efficiency to reduce the overall running costs, the structural implications, the effects of the Planning laws and the Building Regulations. 
If these items are not fully considered from the beginning they can seriously affect the costs of a project, as the later any problems are discovered throughout the build process the more they will cost to rectify and can seriously delay the completion date. 

An Architect provides much more than a set of drawings; they have the expertise to see your project through from inception to completion. They can oversee the design process, assist with Planning Permissions and Building Regulations approvals, help select the right builder and manage the project with a building contract and monitor works on-site and keep track of the budget. 

Consulting an Architect from the beginning will allow them to establish a clear brief and a realistic budget and ensure that a project can be delivered on time and on budget whilst identifying and reducing or omitting any potential problems from as early as possible.
Before you start a project you need to consider the following factors when selecting your Architect:

• What do you want to achieve from the project?

• What is your budget?

• What specific experience does your Architect need to have?

• Is there a type of design you are looking for? (e.g. traditional, contemporary, green etc.)

It is important that there is good collaboration and dialogue from the outset. You need to have a clearly defined idea of your brief and budget. An Architect is not there to impose their own tastes and ideas on your project but to follow your brief and help realise your aspirations through their expertise. It is their job to analyse the brief and provide solutions that will enhance your ideas, provide value for money and deliver a project to your requirements.

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

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AN ARCHITECT'S BRAIN

This what an Architects brain is. 

Imagine what this brain can do to transform your home or workplace!

HOME OWNER CONTRACTS FOR BUILDING WORK

Following on from your post about building contracts:

Many building contractors try to do business with a handshake, but this leaves the homeowner highly exposed.

A written contract (not an email!) will set out and detail the expectations of both sides and avoid unexpected changes and ensure that the works is completed to a set price and schedule.

JCT's Home Owner Contracts are custom made for home owners looking for the benefits and protection of a contract when appointing consultants or contractors to carry out building work to their home.  SEE LINK:  https://www.jctltd.co.uk/category/home-owner-contracts

Contracts are available for: 

1. A home owner/occupier who has not appointed a consultant to oversee the works (home owner deals directly with the contractor) 

2. Building Contract and consultancy agreement for a home owner/ occupier who has appointed a consultant to oversee the work.

Contract Features:

• The roles and responsibilities are clearly set out and defined for contractors, architects, surveyors, etc.

• The Contract is simple and clear – easy to complete.

• Project Management – you can easily manage your building work by recording costs and scheduling all in one document

• Legal certainty – the contract gives all parties certainty should any difficulties arise.

• The work to be done is clearly defined; planning permission, building regulations and party walls, using facilities on the premises, price, payment, the working period, product guarantees, Insurance, working hours, occupation and security of the premises, and disputes.

• The contractor’s responsibilities, customer’s responsibilities, health and safety, changing the work details, extending the working period, payment, contractor’s continuing responsibility, bringing the contract to an end, right to cancel, insolvency, other rights and remedies, and law of the contract. 

• Contracts are suitable for small domestic building work; such as extensions and alterations.

NOTE 1: 
This is a consumer contract for a residential occupier; therefore it is excluded from the provisions of the Construction Act.  However the contract does provide for adjudication in the event of a dispute between the home owner and the contractor.

NOTE 2: 
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) apply to both domestic and commercial clients. Domestic clients should refer to guidance produced by the HSE, Want construction work done safely? (INDG411(rev1)), which can be downloaded for free from www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg411.pdf.

NOTE 3: 
For Scotland, refer to: www.sbcconline.com and Northen Ireland contact The Royal Society of Ulster Architects at www.rsua.org.uk.

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

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THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - WHY USE ONE?

If you are considering construction work to a property the building contract between you and your contractor is the one of the most important aspects of a project.  

A signed contract ensures that both parties agree in writing the details of the works to be undertaken, a programme of the works (start and finish date) the cost and how stage payments should be made.  

It will also help to prevent or remedy any problems that may occur during the construction period.

There are many contracts available to download on the internet but we would advise that a contract is selected from The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) see; www.jctltd.co.uk 

(The JCT is an independent body established by the construction industry whose role is to set the standards for construction contracts).  

Unless you are familiar with a building contract or the work is of a very simple nature then it is advisable to have a consultant appointed, i.e. an Architect who is an expert in contract administration.  An Architect will advise you on the appropriate form of contract and can manage the contract on your behalf ensuring that the project runs as smoothly as possible.

The contract should cover the following items:

• The scope of work - this should describe the project in detail and refer to the contract documents which are usually a set of detailed drawings and a detailed construction specification.

• Legislative Consents - Planning permission, Building Regulations and Party Walls-has the required permissions been obtained, if not, who is responsible to obtain the approvals required?

• Access and facilities of the premises – this should state the times and scope of access to the site, permitted working hours, facilities (water and electricity supply, toilets and refreshments) and security of the site.

• Payment - details how and when the contractor will be paid.  This is usually in stages, such as completion of the foundations up to dpc, up to first floor level etc.

• The working period – the start and finish dates of the construction period and how delays are to be handled? i.e. are liquidated damages required for late completion? What is the liability period for making good defects post-completion.

• Standards – the standards of workmanship expected should be defined and how any defective work is to be remedied.  The contractor should also give you any guarantees by the manufacturers of products installed in the work.

• Variations and amendments – how are any changes to the original agreed works to be handled.

• Insurances - this should detail who is responsible for the insurance of the works.  This will depend on whether the project is a new build or a refurbishment.

• Dispute resolution – procedures for resolving disputes should be clearly defined.

Do not forget that a contract is a binding agreement for both parties.

You must ensure that you know your responsibilities and follow the specified terms to ensure that you have a good relationship with your contractor and hopefully achieve a smooth and stress-free outcome of your project.

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

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