Commercial architects plan and design structures, estimate costs, ensure safety and compliance with building codes, and manage construction. They need communication, management, and problem-solving skills, as well as knowledge of architecture, engineering, and design software. They may also assist with site selection and contractor selection.
Commercial architects are responsible for creating and overseeing the design of a structure. The architect’s job is to plan and design potential projects. He or she can also build a scale model and even supervise or manage the actual construction. Obviously, this will require the architect to work closely with their clients. In addition to creating an aesthetic looking structure, commercial architects are also responsible for estimating costs and sticking to budget; ensure the safety of the building’s soundness and ensure that the structure has the necessary permits and is up to code.
As a licensed professional, a commercial architect can specialize in one type of building or project. Architects, however, who are part of an architectural firm may work as part of a team that manages various types of projects. Being a commercial architect is typically expressed in contrast to a residential architect, and therefore commercial architects often focus on those structures other than single-family homes, such as shopping malls, commercial complexes, hospitals, schools, or museums.
When designing a structure, especially a commercial one, the architect must consider many aspects involved in the structure. In addition to drawing up project plans and building scale models, he may also be responsible for creating a range of building designs. These designs must consider all layers of construction, including electrical, heating, cooling, plumbing, and ventilation systems. Depending on the regulations that apply to the jurisdiction in which the structure is being erected, the architect will also be responsible for complying with applicable building codes, including handicap access. The architect will typically have input and control over the design elements until construction is completed, and possibly end when the interior designer takes over.
Successful commercial architects typically have a variety of skills in addition to being able to design commercial structures. They must be great communicators, as carrying out such complex projects requires the coordination of a variety of professionals. Likewise, architects must also be able to manage and supervise contractors and subcontractors involved in the actual construction. Your skill set usually also involves decision making, problem solving, team leadership development and maintaining your creativity along with continuous learning.
There are a variety of other tasks that a commercial architect can perform as well. Instead of going into the design phase, he or she can start earlier – in the pre-design phase. At this stage, the architect can help select a suitable site, prepare an analysis of environmental and feasibility studies, including square footage costs and spatial requirements per person. He can then prepare and present these findings to the client for review and approval. A commercial architect can also help with choosing contractors who perform the actual construction of the structure, and he can even help that client negotiate those contracts.
The experience and education required of a commercial architect vary between countries and fields. Typically, the commercial architect is a highly trained individual with a background in architecture, engineering, or building design. With the spread of computers, hand-drawn designs are largely unfavorable, and as a result, the modern commercial architect often uses computer-aided drafting and drafting (CADD) software and knows how to use BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology. ) to create project plans, specifications, and blueprints.
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