IS YOUR "ARCHITECT" QUALIFIED?

In light of the recent construction boom and because more people are getting involved in their own construction projects, the Mpumalanga Institute of Architects' (MPIA) notices that the public has learnt expensive lessons and suffered great loss by using (cheaper?) unqualified or under qualified individuals. Of course this also poses a threat to the dignity of the architectural profession.

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WHAT DOES AN ARCHITECT DO?

People often feel that architects are too expensive without really knowing what they do or without considering the long term benefits of making use of their services. Building in today's marketplace is a complex undertaking requiring many different products and skills. An architect understands these complexities and works closely with you so as to design an appropriate response to your requirements.

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SELECTING YOUR ARCHITECT

Architecture firms come in a variety of types and sizes, with each firm possessing its own unique combination of skills, experience, interests and values. This sometimes makes it difficult to choose the ideal architect, whether you are a first-time client or an experienced client in a new situation.

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QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR ARCHITECT

Previously we discussed the selection process of your architect in broad terms. Now we will focus on important issues to address when interviewing an architect.

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GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR BUILDING PROJECT

In order to end a building project successfully it is critical to start it by establishing exactly what your needs and requirements are. Every person has his or her own knowledge, experience, aspirations, desires and needs, and above all, you also provide the recourses to realise your expectations.

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WORKING WITH YOUR ARCHITECT: YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT

The design of a building often includes the input of many other consultants such as engineers and quantity surveyors, but none of the aforementioned are as important as your and the architect’s combined input.

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WORKING WITH YOUR ARCHITECT: THE FIVE WORK STAGES

Architects provide many services to meet the needs of their clients. These fall into five work stages through which the building grows from a conceptual idea to the final built product.

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GAINING APPROVAL FOR YOUR BUILDING

Approval for your project must be obtained from a number of local council departments, and on larger projects approval from possibly the Department of Water and Forestry, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, and the South African National Roads Agency.

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YOUR ARCHITECT'S ROLE IN THE BUILDING PROCESS

Once you have selected your contractor, your architect can help with the preparation of a contract, which will in most cases be a standard version of the JBCC 2000 (Joint Building Contracts Committee) series depending on the type of project you are undertaking. Many other building contracts exist but are usually heavily loaded in the contractor’s favour.

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