What is the Practice of Architecture?
The art and science of designing, in whole or in part, the exterior and interior of Buildings and the site around them, in a manner that protects the public health, safety, and welfare. The Practice of Architecture includes providing or offering to provide planning services; developing concepts; preparing documents that define form and function; coordinating consultants; and construction administration.
-From NCARB Model Law and Regulations, 2021.
Basic Architectural Services:
Documents to establish the conceptual design of the project illustrating the scale and relationship of the project components. Includes conceptual site plan, if appropriate, and preliminary building plans, sections and elevations.
Documents to set forth in detail the requirements for construction of the project. Includes drawings and specifications that establish in detail the quality levels of materials and systems required for the project.
Documents to illustrate and describe the refinement of the design of the project by means of plans, sections and elevations, typical construction details and equipment layouts. Includes specifications that identify major materials and systems and establish in general their quality levels.
Assisting the owner in obtaining either competitive bids or negotiated proposals and assisting the owner in awarding and preparing contracts for construction.
Providing administration of the contract between the owner and the contractor; evaluating the work at appropriate stages; reviewing and certifying amounts due the contractor, reviewing and approving submittals such as shop drawings, preparing change orders and construction change directives for changes in the work and conducting inspections to determine the date or dates of substantial completion and the date of final completion.
Other services are offered through a host of professional collaborations with experts in their field: artisans, interior designers, and construction preservationists who help to integrate sustainability and energy efficiency as well as the most optimum, time-tested materials.
Additional Architectural Services:
If you are looking for something more, the extra value that comes from creative thinking by a knowledgeable firm dedicated to helping you achieve your business objective. Professional consultation by a licensed architect who is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Design process in which relevant values of the client, users, architect, and society are identified, project goals are articulated, facts about the project are uncovered, and project needs are made explicit.
Efforts that seek to preserve, conserve and protect the historical significance of buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts on a site.
Measuring, documenting & providing plans of the existing conditions of a building for record purposes.
