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In this article I will discuss the most important key player of your team The ARCHITECT Even if you are working within a tight budget, it does not make good economical sense to cut corners on designers fees , I recommend you hire a good professional aware designer. Since talented professionals will help you avoid costly mistakes and can assure that the home you build is ideally suited for the way you live and in every possible means within your desired budget.

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What is an Architect?

THE ARCHITECT
Designer & Founder of Dezines Architecture & Interiors, Managing Director & Partner of Divine Contracting is dewelling into the world of Architecture, Interior Design and Contracting."
In the previous article we discussed how to start planning building your dream home, so by now you have the plot of land, done your preliminary financial assessment of approximately how much you are willing to invest in your project and on the threshold of the most relevant stage which is teaming up your crew. We also discussed thoroughly the following three methods of going about turning your dream home into reality and explained the pros and cons of each method. A. You act as your own architect and contractor B. You act as your own architect and hire a professional contractor C. You hire both the architect and contractor So I will elaborate on the third choice where you have chosen to follow my motto of hiring "pros to do pro jobs" and hire both the architect and contractor. To my knowledge the differentiation of the different role players in any project is not very knowledgeable to everyone , and immense mix-ups occur to owners in the process of fulfilling their dream project whether a multimillion dollar project or a personal residential property that is why I would start this trip by emphasizing the roles of key players in the execution of any building as well as the criteria to choosing and handling these role players and the elaborate channels and methods of contracting to reach the ultimate goal of perfection in executing any job.

The most basic definition of an architect is a professional who is qualified to design and provide advice both aesthetic and technical - on built objects in our public and private projects. But this definition barely scratches the surface of an architect's role. Architects serve as trusted advisors, their role is holistic, blending diverse requirements and disciplines in a creative process, while serving the public interest and addressing health and safety matters. An Architect is an individual experienced in architectural design process and construction, they are licensed professionals in designing buildings, and they have a university degree in that field, and have completed lengthy internships for years, in all diversified branches from design to construction detailed studies to site execution of work. This diversity means that architects can see possibilities and find solutions to all needs. Architects do not just draft up house plans for the contractor to build. An architect works with you. They try to understand your needs and collaborate with you to create a design or vision of your project/ home. You don't go to an

"Dalia Sadany Ask Magazine's design consultant, Cheif

architect to get a builder/ tract home as your end result, you use an architect so that dreams can be visualized, created and built. An architect brings many creative and innovative ideas to the table. Not just following trends but creating them around you and your home. They have the ability to help you see things about a home or your way of living that you may never have considered before. Your home is your sanctuary, private retreat and castle; it's the architects job to bring it to fruition. Perhaps, it would be best to describe architects as conductors who orchestrate and takes the lead in coordinating all instruments, reconciling all engineering forms for a building or other structure, mastering the sense of awareness for any off-key note , into a perfect harmonious symphony of an inhabited sculpture .

organized but gives the best value for money. This is accomplished, in part, by eliminating useless and poorly planned spaces, and by specifying materials and verifying building costs. To do this, they coordinate the services of the different engineers (civil, electrical, sanitary etc) to ensure that the design works and is buildable. They prepare a comprehensive set of design/ construction drawings and supplement it with well written specifications, BOQs which are the tender documentation required to execute the work. The construction drawings and specifications produced by the Architect should illustrate exactly the building the Client expects. These set of drawings will be very technical and include very detailed plans, elevations and sections. They will be dimensioned to indicate the size, height, depth, etc. Also included are callouts pointing to drawing details that communicate to the contractor the different assemblies required. It is important to note, that the more information provided in these drawings to the contractor the more detailed he has to present his bid accurately. This in turn reduces the possibility of change orders which requests to increase their fees, because of information that was not included in the first place.

What service do Architects provide?

Architects work closely with owners to make sure that the project design meets their needs, is functional, economical and safe ,They can even assist with site selection at first .Architects are involved from the earliest stages of a building project, which starts with developing ideas with the client, establishing budgets, assessing the needs of the building. One of the most important benefits of having an architect is space planning. Good space planning not only helps one feel

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Part of your costs for your project will be the design fees and naturally you would be worried about the architect you end up working with. That actually is a key point to consider, the "working relationship" you develop with your architect not only for design purposes, but also because he or she will be your representative throughout the project. You will be working with them for a good deal of time so having rapport and good communication is a vital key point. Talking to your architect enables you to verbalize your needs and desires for your project. It helps the architect understand where you are coming from and to respond appropriately. Your home is a very personal and private part of your life, bringing in an architect to become part of this process requires a relationship built on trust. Remember that when you work with the right architect, it's a home you are designing and not just a house Therefore it's advisable to make a short list of Architects via the following channels;

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Check out online directories, for the websites

of Architects. Check out specialized magazines for informations about architecture. Check out a literature as in a portfolio that describes the firm's qualifications and experience.

After you have prepared your short list of possible architects, you need to follow these procedures.
1. Call prospective architects. Find out whether they would be interested in your project. 2. Meet with several prospective architects. 3. Confirm that the architect you are meeting is the person who will actually work on your project. 4. Determine your architect's design philosophy. 5. Ask how long the project will take. 6. Discuss fees and anticipated construction costs. 7. Ask for references from past clients. Find out how past clients feel about their new home. 8. Visit at least one project by your prospective architect. Ask the owners about any problems that may have been encountered during the design and construction of the project. 9. Interview prospective architects at their offices, if possible. 10. Plan to spend at least one hour on your first meeting with a prospective architect.

In addition to producing technical drawings, the architect should also provide rendered drawings, whether plans or elevations, as well as 3D illustrated colored drawings of the project showing the design and the materials used for presentation and client approval. They also help you find the right contractor, work closely with them on site, guides the Client though the building and design processes, and acts as the Client's agent or representative with the Contractor during construction to maintain the design and quality of your project and be your advocate throughout the entire process, ensuring that works are carried out to specific standards and, above all, ensuring that the building is sustainable, functional and aesthetically pleasing. From my extensive experience in the field, stay alert and make sure your agreement with your architect , abides him to the following points; 1- Can assist in site selection 2- Discussing the objectives, requirements and budget of a project 3- Consulting with other professionals about the design 4- Preparing and presenting feasibility reports and design proposals to the client;

5- Using software packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) to present drawings, as well as colored presentations and /or 3D max presentations 6- Producing detailed workings drawings and quantity specifications(BOQs) 7- Specifying the nature and quality of materials required 8- Preparing tender applications and presentations (i.e. all the necessary documents for tenders) 9- Preparing drawings and documents for permits approval 10- Helping choosing the appropriate contractor ,and negotiating with him 11- Project managing and cocoordinating the work of contractors 12- Regular site visits to check on progress, ensuring that the project is running on time and to budget 13- Resolving problems and issues that arise during construction 14- Supplying any altered drawings during the construction process 15- Acting as the owner representative in matters of dispute with contractor Basically controlling a project from start to finish

Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers about their architects. Also check with contractors you might know about the best architects they have worked with to find the names of architects who designed projects similar to the one you plan.

changes. To prevent confusion, always go through your architect These tips will help you work with your architect as you plan your building or remodeling project.
1. Explain your needs and desires in detail. 2. Listen to your architect's ideas. 3. Ask how long the project will take. 4. Discuss fees. 5. Unless you already know your preferred style, ask your architect to guide you through all different styles until you discover your preferrance. 6. Agree on a construction budget. 7. Review your architect's detail drawings. These will include specific information ranging from cabinet knobs to plumbing fixtures. Request changes if needed 8. With your architect's guidance, choose a building contractor. 9. Allow your architect to negotiate a contract with the contractor. 10. Keep talking and listening.

How to work with an Architect?

Provide your architect with as much information as possible, invite them to see the site or send them digital photos, discuss your proposed construction budget (remain open minded to an architect's comments regarding your budget), clarify if you have a preferred style, mention your preferences for a sustainable home, etc. The more information you provide, the better able they are to develop their designs. When your Avant projet is done and your architects calculates the approximate budgeting for your project and it exceeds how much you were willing to invest, discuss with your architect alternative construction methods, maybe , using alternative feasible materials or ask your architect for ideas. Keep the lines of communication open. Falling back on my experience where I play the role of an Architect in some projects and the contractor in others immense problems occur when you go straight to the contractor for

during the design phase and site inspections during the construction phase. The fee structures are typically based on a percentage of construction value, a visit rate or a fixed lump sum fee. Combinations of these structures are also common. Generally, architects use a fixed fee for The first component ;the phase of the work that they have the most control over, such as the preparation of design, and use a fixed rate for the second component which is the phases that are less predictable, like site supervision. Generally the architect or their representative makes one visit per week unless there is a problem and their presence is requested on site. When you sit with your Architect you can have an approximate idea at first of the construction cost in a very simple method, you calculate your built up area, multiply it by the number of floors add to it an extra floor which is the cost of the foundations and then multiply it by the factor cost per meter squared for concrete and brick work, which is usually a very well known fixed figure that only varies according to market cost of cement, iron, bricks and other building materials at the time.

Remember you are not just constructing a building you are building A HOME .
How to Pay an Architect?
Architect fees in Egypt are generally split into two components by phase preparing the project design documents

How to choose an Architect?

Selecting an architect probably is not an easy task for anyone considering a remodel or new custom home design.

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To give you an approximate margin for calculating the Architects fees, here is a simple rule;
A- Fixed fees are usually based on an a project's allocated construction cost and can range between 10 to 15 % of new construction of residential projects depending on the cost, size and complexity of the project. Renovation projects typically command higher percentages, as high as 15-22%. B- As for the fixed rate per visit, this is usually calculated as in the range of 1 to 2% per visit of his fixed fees for the design phase. Some Architects have a lump sum figure for the design phase a quota , and this of course depends on several variables, the projects size , the complexity of the design requested, the portfolio of the Architect whether he /she is a reputable , well known designer or a relatively young aspiring one.

The design phase and its components

To simplify matters for you I have decided to present the Architects design & supervision responsibilities as well as the drawings you are expecting to receive in your design package in the following two diagrams. Since The Architect is definitely the master key player, now you basically have a thorough idea of his definition, his/her role ,how to deal and pay him/ her, in the next article we will discuss the contractor as well as several ways of calculating the contractors fees in addition to several methods of contracting that you can tackle.
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my numerous interviews with clients, I have raised a talent in knowing exactly who runs the show in the design decision process and eventually skillfully divert my focus to zones and aspects that interest the dominant party for example if its the wife more attention is given to practicality of zones used by her such as kitchens, storage areas and service quarters as well as the mere beauty and the comfort as a whole, but when the husband is the one in lead , I stress on comfort and functionality of zones such as home offices, living rooms and of course entertainment rooms as well as budgeting. So make sure you choose a Smart Architect.

What you need to do and know in the design phase

1-As we clarified earlier an Architect is a professional individual trained and experienced to design your house in the best possible means, but dont ever forget that its your home and should mirror you as well as reflect your needs and style ,so you should be involved closely in the design process 2-Make sure that you have a clear vision of how many zones you need prior to the design phase , so that it is clarified to your architect prior to doing the actual design phase , take your time to decide on these factors and make sure you discuss them with your family for enlightening participation 3- Most of the professional Architects would have some sort of a thorough questionnaire for you to fill in on your own , or with them that answers most of the inquisitions about your life style, preferences, favorite aspects as in style, zoning etc . so make sure you discuss all departments of that questionnaire if available thoroughly for elimination of confusion and TAKE YOUR TIME.

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Tips;

1- Make sure you question about the Architects fees when you meet him /her 2- Make sure all means of payments are clarified in your contract with the architects whether the installments are date of work delivery or phase related. 3- Question your Architect about any extra fees for any alterations you request due to your change of mind in any aspect. 4- As for inevitable alterations during the execution phase due to mistakes in design or lack of necessary data in his drawings that are not a contractors fault in construction and were not obvious to the contractor to question before the start of work are all alterations free of charge . 5- In case you want a preliminary presentation from your short listed Architect before deciding to sign up with him, there is a retainer to be paid at first as fees for the work he/she will perform on this presentation that if you decide on signing up with will be inclusive in his fees.

Design
Last but not least I will finalize this article by discussing what you need to do and know to get your aspired design and what drawings you expect to receive in your package from your Architect. To me the biggest perk to designing your own house, is that you have the absolute freedom to design EXACTLY what you want. You get to dream it all out to the finest detail, you get to customize your house to fulfill all yours and your familys requests. It time to fall back on every desire you had or came across in a home and carve all together to form a visual representation of you and your taste.

Hints

Trust me a good smart Architect is more like a psychiatrist , he will be able in your first visit to read your mind , understand your life style, detect your preferences, and sense who is the decision maker. In

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