Commercial architects provide designs and specifications for commercial buildings like factories, offices, retail outlets, malls, sports and leisure facilities. Unlike residential architects, commercial architects don’t design single occupancy homes but skyscrapers and commercial buildings while residential architects design apartments and residential buildings.
Qualifications of a commercial architect
To qualify as a commercial architect, one requires to have acquired a minimum of bachelor’s degree in architecture from a university accredited by the accrediting board. The program takes five years to complete, which include topics like computer-aided designs, structural systems, and construction materials per education portal. After graduating, students are expected to undertake a three-year internship program before taking architect registration exams. After passing all the examination levels, students are eligible for licensure by the state.
Duties of a commercial architect
Liaison with the client
At the start of every project, the architect meets with clients to discuss the requirements. Architects prepare an initial proposal in the form of sketch design which may incorporate site reports and feasibility studies. As the project progresses, an architect communicates with the client providing detailed plans and specifications plus budgets and schedules. As the project progresses on, an architect prepares regular reports and arranges for meetings to resolve problems with the client if any.
Design coordination
An architect may coordinate the work of a design team or carry out detailed design developments themselves. They also prepare detailed drawing models for clients if required. Commercial architects also help incorporate the work of other designers like plumbers, electrical engineers, lighting and interior designers, heating and ventilation into the plan. And ensure that the design of a building complies with all the required regulations from different compliance boards. The approved models can be used to prepare detailed specifications and can be used in contract documents as the basis to obtain budget estimates from the contractors.
Project management
Architects are tasked with advising the clients on choosing suitable contractors for the job or even help negotiate contract terms for the client. During the construction phase, an architect may coordinate and supervise contractors by establishing standards for the project to adhere. They also set schedules and timeframes and monitor the progress of the project to ensure it runs within the right timeframe and budget.
What’s in it for an architect
An architect is one of the most lucrative jobs in the job market today. There is a demand for commercial architects, as many people turn their investments into real estate. It means there are steady jobs for architects in the future. Architects may find employment opportunities in government agencies or practice privately or work for NGOs. Those architects employed by government agencies or NGOs earn better salaries only those in private practice have the potential to make even more because of many opportunities arising daily.
What sets an architect apart
An architect needs to work hard and invest additional skills to be viewed as successful in the competitive field. Every architect needs to have passion in what they are doing, the desire to succeed in this field must be present, and it boils down to what made you step your foot into this career path in the first place. A brilliant architect takes pride in what they do and is easy-going, especially in the field where changes are inevitable. Budgets are affected, and one needs to be adaptable when faced with adversity. They should possess built-in creativity to make them stand out from the crowd.