ARCHITECT'S SCOPE OF SERVICES

SERVICES RENDERED BY AN ARCHITECT IN INDIA: Once the Client has appointed an Architect, he can expect the following Services from an Architect in India.

CLIENT'S BRIEF:

• Client's requirements: The Architect ascertains the Client’s requirements of the project, appearance, financial budget and time frame.
• Site visit:  He visits the Site and examines the site constraints, potential and the surrounding environment.
• Building codes: He examines the Codes, Legislation and standards as they affect the project.
• Conditions of Engagement and Scale of Charges:  He acquaints the Client with the Conditions of Engagement and Scale of Charges as prescribed by the Council of Architecture.
• Agreement: The Client engages the Architect and both effectively enter an agreement by signing a standard Letter of Appointment.

CONCEPT DESIGN

• Site evaluation:  The Architect prepares a report on site evaluation, state of existing buildings, if any; and analysis and impact of proposed development on the immediate environment.
• Site Survey:  He obtains from the Client or gets a detailed topographical survey of the site, prepared at the expense. This survey shall include all the necessary data related to the existing structure, existing public utility lines, trees, pavements, roads, restrictions, easements and boundaries.
• Soil test:  He obtains from the Client or gets soil tests, site borings or such other tests on sub-soil conditions done at the Clients expense.
• Conceptual design: He prepares conceptual designs to explain his understanding of the Client’s requirements.
• Rough estimate: He prepares a rough estimate of the cost of the project on the basis of the area. Under no circumstance does the Architect guarantee such estimate of cost.

PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND DRAWING

• Incorporate changes:  The Architect modifies the conceptual designs incorporating required changes.
• Preliminary drawings: He prepares the preliminary drawings, sketches, study model etc., for the Client’s approval.
• Estimate:  He prepares a preliminary estimate of cost on the basis of the area.

DRAWINGS FOR CLIENTS / STATUTORY APPROVALS

• Incorporate more changes: The Architect incorporates any more suggestions of the Client.
• Prepares sanction drawings: He then prepares drawings necessary for approval from the Client / statutory authorities.
• Compliance with codes: He ensures compliance with codes, standards and legislation as applicable.

WORKING DRAWINGS AND TENDER DOCUMENTS

• Consultants: The Architect involves Engineering Consultants like Structural, Electrical, Sanitary and Plumbing consultants in the project at this stage.
• Provide Information: The Architect provides the Consultants with all the necessary information to allow them to perform their specialist work.
• Working drawings:  He prepares Working Drawings, Specifications and Schedule of Quantities sufficient to prepare an Estimate of Cost (in consultation with his consultants).
• Type of Contract:  He advises the Client and gets approval on the form of Contract and method of placing the Contract.
• List of Contractors: He prepares a short list of suitable Contractors with appropriate justification.
• Tender drawings: He prepares Tender drawings including large scale details and Tender documents including mode of measurement, method of payments, quality control procedures and other Conditions of Contract, to describe the whole project adequately for the purpose of placing the main Contract.

APPOINTMENT OF CONTRACTORS

• Invite Tenders:  The Architect invites, receives and analyses Tenders.
• Appointment of Contractor: He advises the Client on the appointment of the Contractor.

CONSTRUCTION

• Construction drawings: The Architect prepares Construction Working Drawings, and details for the proper execution of works during construction.
• Copies: He issues sufficient copies of working drawings, schedules, specifications, Bill of Quantities and other contract documents to the Contractors for the proper execution of works.
• Works Progress Schedule:  He approves the Works Progress Schedule prepared by the Contractors.
• Samples:  He approves samples of various elements and components.
• Approves shop drawings: He checks and approves shop drawings submitted by the Contractors and Vendors
• Site supervisor:  He advises the Client to appoint and pay a Construction Manager or Clerk of Works or Site Supervisor, (who shall work under the guidance of the Architect), for the day-to-day supervision at site, in order to ensure that the work at site proceeds in accordance with the contract documents and drawings.
• Meetings: He attends conferences, meetings to ensure that the project proceeds generally in accordance with the conditions of contract.
• Site visit:  He visits the site at intervals mutually agreed upon, to inspect and evaluate the construction work and keeps the client informed on the quality and progress of work. Where necessary, he clarifies any decision and offers interpretation of the drawings and specifications at site.
• Quality check:  He shall ensure that the drawings are being correctly interpreted at site, and the finishing is of acceptable quality. In case of adverse certification, the payments of the Contractor shall be with-held until the defects have been rectified.
• Advice: He advises the Client if the Contract time is likely to be varied, or if the total authorized expenditure is likely to be exceeded.
• Checks bills:  The Architect checks the Contractors applications for payment (Bills) with the help of the site engineers and issues Certificates authorizing payment.
• Certificate: He issues Certificate of Virtual Completion of works.

COMPLETION

• Completion drawings: The Architect prepares and submits completion reports and drawings for the project as required.
• Occupation certificate:  He assists the Client in obtaining Completion or Occupation Certificate from the Statutory Authorities wherever required.
• As-built drawings:  He issues two sets of as-built drawings including services and structures.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ARCHITECT DURING CONSTRUCTION: The Architect’s responsibilities and services rendered at every Stage of the Project have been enumerated above. In addition, the Architect has some more responsibilities that should be mentioned:

• Keep client informed:  The Architect shall keep the Client informed about the progress of work in his Office.
• Appoint consultants: The Architect shall appoint specialized Consultants, in consultation with the Client, if necessary.
• Co-ordination with consultants: The Architect shall be responsible for the direction and integration of the Consultants work. However, the Consultants shall be responsible for the calculations, detailed design and periodic inspection of the work entrusted to them.
• No deviations from drawings: The Architect shall not make any deviations, alterations or omissions from the approved drawings, involving financial implications, without the prior consent of the Client.
• No change without architect's approval: No change shall be made at site from the approved drawings and specifications, without the consent of the Architect.

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• ARCHITECTS IN INDIA | STATISTICS
• LIST OF ARCHITECTS IN INDIA
• FAMOUS INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTS
• NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK OF AN ARCHITECT
• ARCHITECT'S EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
• ADVANTAGE OF HIRING AN ARCHITECT
• ARCHITECT'S PROFESSIONAL FEES IN INDIA
• ARCHITECT'S SCALE OF FEES
• ARCHITECT | STAGES OF PAYMENT
• SELECTING AN ARCHITECT
• FIRST MEETING WITH THE ARCHITECT