{"id":17351,"date":"2022-12-30T10:56:14","date_gmt":"2022-12-30T10:56:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawkins.biz\/?post_type=insight&p=17351"},"modified":"2025-08-07T11:15:23","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T10:15:23","slug":"what-is-an-architect-and-what-do-they-do","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/www.hawkins.biz\/insight\/what-is-an-architect-and-what-do-they-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What is an Architect and What Do They Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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There are many dictionary definitions and meanings ascribed to the word \u2018architect\u2019<\/em>. If you\u2019ve Googled it, you might already know that. The Oxford, Cambridge and Merriam Webster dictionaries all mention design in their definitions. \u00a0Two of the definitions mention construction. \u00a0Only the Cambridge dictionary states that the architect \u201cmakes certain<\/em><\/strong> that <\/em>[new buildings] are built correctly<\/em>\u201d. \u00a0My emphasis added as the architect rarely has the power to ensure anything on a building project.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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An architect is a qualified, registered professional.\u00a0 Their role is to design, support, manage and advise in the procurement of built environment projects. This broad position covers aesthetic design, technical construction, construction law, planning policy, project management and budgeting.\u00a0 Some architects choose to focus on one area whilst others cover all parts.<\/p>

QUALIFICATION<\/span><\/h4>

In the UK, the customary approach involves a total of 5 years study plus 2 years practical experience.\u00a0 The first step is a \u2018standard\u2019 three-year degree in architecture that teaches a broad range of skills including design and construction methods, theory and architectural history.\u00a0 This undergraduate degree is referred to as \u2018Part I\u2019.<\/p>

After graduation, many architects-in-the-making (often referred to as Part 1s) take a year off studying to gain one of the two required years of practical experience in an architectural practice. \u00a0This experience must be supervised by a registered architect and should provide the student with exposure to a more hands-on approach to architecture.<\/p>

The second qualification is typically taught over a two-year period and is intended to build upon the student\u2019s knowledge from Part I and practical experience.\u00a0 This postgraduate degree is referred to as \u2018Part II\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>

At this point, architects-in-the-making (referred to as Part 2s) must complete the requirement of two years practical experience under the guidance of a registered architect.<\/p>

The final part of the UK based architectural student\u2019s education is the professional examination.\u00a0 This exam must be completed and passed to become legally registered as an architect.\u00a0 The subjects taught include project management, construction law, regulations, contracts and methods of procurement.\u00a0 This qualification is referred to as \u2018Part III\u2019 and is intended to round off all the previous years\u2019 experience.<\/p>

This is the traditional route to qualification, but there are now multiple alternative routes offered by universities across the UK.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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REGISTRATION<\/span><\/h4>

For someone to legally call themselves an architect they must be registered under the Architects Act 1997. It is a criminal offence to \u201cpractise or carry-on business under any name, style or title containing the word \u201carchitect\u201d unless<\/em>\u201d[1]<\/a> the person is on the Architects register, held by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).<\/p>

Once an architect joins the Register, they must follow the Architects Code set out by the ARB. This consists of 12 Standards of Professional Conduct and Practice which are accompanied by clauses that provide further detail. For example, Standard 12 – Have respect for others, is accompanied by a clause that specifically lists the protected characteristics that an architect must not discriminate based on. Whilst this is a clear and simple standard, others, like Standard 4 \u2013 Manage your business competently, come with multiple sub-clauses. \u00a0These sub-clauses include ensuring you can provide adequate resources when entering into a contract and having a written agreement when undertaking professional work.<\/p>

There are penalties for failing to abide by these codes, ranging from a warning to permanent erasure from the Register.<\/p>

The ARB code was created to protect the public from architects, whilst a second code introduced by \u00a0the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), is aimed at protecting the profession. The RIBA is a voluntary institution that a registered architect can choose to join and members of the RIBA are referred to as Chartered Architects. The RIBA codes focus more on sustainability and the environment, planning permission and conservation, and responsibilities as an employer. Like the ARB, there are penalties if these codes have been violated, however, there is an option for a private caution, whilst all ARB decisions are available to the public.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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THE DAY JOB<\/span><\/h4>

It is difficult to define what an architect does because there is such variation in the profession. Setting aside the type and scale of different projects, e.g., a house extension versus a hospital, there is variation based on the construction stage, the procurement route and the architect\u2019s appointment.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Construction Stages<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

Based on the RIBA plan of work, Stage 0 is when you decide you need a building and Stage 7 is the ongoing use and maintenance of that building. Therefore, Stages 1 to 6 are when the building is being designed and built – the construction stages.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The role of an architect during Stages 1 to 3 is relatively consistent regardless of procurement route or architect\u2019s appointment. This includes undertaking site analysis, listing constraints and opportunities, helping develop the client brief through producing different options for the project, and then developing the chosen option with the input of a consultant team.\u00a0 At the beginning of a project, the consultant team can include a planning consultant, structural engineer, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) engineer, landscape architect, and sustainability consultant to name a few. The outcome of Stage 3 is that architectural and engineering information is spatially coordinated. If planning approval is required for the project, this is the stage where the planning application is submitted.<\/p>

Stages 4 to 6 are more complicated as it does depend on the procurement route and the architect\u2019s appointment. With the base design agreed at Stage 3, a further level of technical detail is added at Stage 4 to comply with Building Regulations, client requirements and fully coordinate with the engineering information.\u00a0 The outcome of Stage 4 is that all design information required to manufacture and construct the project is completed. On many projects, Stages 4 overlaps with Stage 5 to speed up the process. At Stage 5 a building contractor has been appointed by the client and the contract between them is signed. There is no design work in Stage 5 other than respond to site queries. The outcome for this stage is when manufacturing, construction and commissioning is complete.\u00a0 Stage 6 is when the building is handed over to the client, aftercare is initiated, and the building contract\u00a0is concluded.<\/span>[2]<\/span><\/a><\/p>

A client might only appoint an architect for Stages 1-3 or 4-6, or for the entirety of the project. Equally, an architect might be appointed for the whole project under the Client, or they may be novated at Stage 4 to the Contractor depending on the procurement route.<\/p>

Procurement Routes<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

The term \u2018procurement\u2019 refers to the acquisition of the goods and services needed to successfully complete a build from start to finish. There are several routes that a project can take, and the long-term objectives of the client\u2019s business plan will influence which the client chooses. \u00a0The long-term objectives are categorised as time, cost, and quality. Different procurement routes are considered to deliver better on one of those aspects, sometimes two, but not all three.<\/p>

Although there are an infinite variety of contractual arrangements, it is generally accepted that there are four key methods of procurement that are currently practised. In the most simplistic terms, these are:<\/p>

Traditional<\/em> (or design-bid-build or general contracting) \u2013 the client enters into direct contractual relationships with the architect and other consultants on the one hand, and the contractor on the other. The build is based on the design of the architect and other consultants, with the contractor having no or limited design input. The client usually appoints a contract administrator who inspects the construction works and issue certificates for payment as the project progresses. This role is often taken on by the architect.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Design and Build<\/em> (or design-build) \u2013 <\/span>the client enters into a contract with the contractor, who takes responsibility for providing both the design and contract under a single lump sum contract. The contractor has the contractual relationships with the architect and other consultants. The client provides Employers Requirements to inform the build, and the contractor produces Contractors Proposals for any deviations.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Management <\/i>\u2013 the work is divided into \u2018packages\u2019 that the client lets directly with different contractors. Each package can follow either of the two above types, with all the design being carried out by a client appointed team of consultants ahead of the contractor beginning works; or where the contractor is responsible for part or all of the design of the works. This method allows construction to begin before the whole design has been completed.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Collaborative<\/em> (or integrated) \u2013 the client, consultants and contractors agree to work collaboratively to achieve the defined objectives and might include sharing the risks, losses and rewards.[3]<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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For a more detailed explanation of these routes and more, try reading Which Contract?<\/em> by Sarah Lupton and Manos Stellakis.<\/p>

Scope of Appointment<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

There are four architectural roles on a construction job, of which an architect may perform one, several, or all. There are also further specialist roles that an architect might undertake. The scope of work that an architect has agreed to should be written into their appointment.<\/p>

1. Architect \/ Consultant Providing Architectural Services<\/em><\/span><\/p>

An architect or other consultant, such as a building surveyor, can provide architectural services during the construction stage of a project.\u00a0 This role includes:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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