[FAQ Series] Who will my Architect work with?

We are continuing our blog series about Frequently Asked Questions. These are compiled from Google search suggestions, so we know that a lot of people have the same questions in mind. Today’s entry is about who Architects will work with for your project.

• Do Architects work alone, or with others?

  If we are talking about the project as a whole, the clear answer is no - for the simple reason that it’s impossible to be an expert in everything. That is why we involve a host of consultants and collaborators across every architecture project. The actual project team will vary depending on the project’s type, construction, complexity and zoning, but our role as the Architect is to lead the project. For our house clients this usually includes obtaining quotes, being the direct point of contact as the project takes shape, cross-checking and making sure everything both physically fits in the space, and fits in with our design intent. I see our role as being both the Visionary for a project, and the one who nurtures an idea to bring it to life.

  If the question is more to do with Architects and our studios, then the answer takes a bit of explaining. There are acclaimed Architects who choose to work alone - and as an Introvert I understand the appeal. There is a purity in being able to focus on a project from beginning to end. Life ebbs and flows with the projects themselves, and everything is personal.

  But, having tried both sole practice life and a Studio setting, I am a staunch believer in the latter.

  Chiefly, each person brings their individual gifts to the team, and as ‘iron sharpens iron’ better outcomes flow in a collaborative design environment. Our early projects have a different flavour to today’s work - partly because we develop over time, but mostly because different people bring their design gifts and life experiences to the table. Georgina and Rosaria can do things that I can’t, and that’s to our strength.

  Technology also is evolving at such a rapid rate, and I feel having the involvement of younger members is critical in keeping tabs on new software, techniques and ways of working. So many times an intern or work experience student has taught us something new about software or a way to present graphics or information. The core essence of the practice doesn’t change, but we shouldn’t pretend that our current ways of doing things are always the best way.

  Finally, there’s a side where ethically I feel it’s our duty to mentor, teach and raise up new Architects with the same conviction - that whatever we do, we’ll use our gifts and skills to craft buildings that serve and look after people. We all got a start somewhere, and as much as I’d love our Studio to do more in this space over time, I think the sole practitioners are actually missing out on the joy of seeing younger staff develop. Architects often are concerned about our legacies - but more than the buildings that we craft, I believe lasting good is found in people. We’re just a link in a long chain as we build upon what other Architects have modelled to us.

• Who do we collaborate (or work) with?

  On a typical house project, the minimum Consultants will be:

  Surveyor, who in simple terms would “scan the outside” and locate buildings in relation to geography and boundaries

  Structural Engineer, who design the “bones” of the building from foundations to the roof, and help us to deliver the design intent. Usually they’ll arrange their own Soil Test.

  Building Certifier, who ensures that the building complies with relevant codes and regulations. Usually they will arrange an Energy Efficiency Assessment, and they can help coordinate required approvals for Siting, Building over Infrastructure and the like.

  Trusted Builder or Quantity Surveyor, who we strongly encourage to come on board early to assist with preliminary estimates of cost.

  Depending on your project, you may require other Consultants to deal with zoning or other technical requirements. This may include one or more of the following:

  Town Planner - if your project requires Development Application with Council

  Geotechnical Engineer - building in a landslide zone or steep site

  Acoustic Engineer - building in an area with noise overlays

  Heritage Consultant - for changing, preserving or perhaps removing a character home

  Wastewater Consultant - if you need an onsite blackwater treatment system

  Non-residential projects are a whole different ballgame. It’s amazing how many hoops there are for even a small commercial building.

  There’s also an army of suppliers and collaborators who assist us over the course of a project - everything from fabrics, furniture suppliers, cabinetmakers, appliances, plumbing fixtures, materials and finishes, to custom furniture, window furnishings, smart homes, pool and landscaping companies, and so much more. There are probably too many to list, but feel free to hit us up if you’d like us to point you to people we enjoy working with!

• What Engineers or Consultants will I need for my project?

  This is very project dependant, but the good news is that your Architect (along with Town Planner and Building Certifier) will be here to guide you through the project process. As a general rule of thumb, you should be in the right ballpark if you budget 12.5% to 15% of anticipated build cost for Consultancy Fees for your project.

If you have a project in mind, we would love
to chat with you about how we can help.

Give our Director Billy a call on 07 3726 5430,
send him a quick email (billy@everstudio.com.au)
or click here to Contact Us today!