5 tips when working with an architect!

These recent years, the architect's profession has seen a great leap, and there are many reason that led to this enormous change such as:  more accessibility in education ( more architecture schools) consequently more architects in the market, increased customer demand, a need to create a safer investment ...etc.

Also, the desire to create the most functional, aesthetic spaces that fit the taste and character of the users require the touch of a professional! But how much do client  really know the role of the architect and are they not simply following the trend of the moment to have the label "made with an architect"?

Not having a previous culture of  working with an architect, it often happens that boundaries fade, are pushed and leave room for dissatisfaction. Precisely to avoid wrong expectations from both sides, we present you some points about the role of the architect to clarify the cooperation, which however differs from the project, the professional, the client, etc.

The lack of previous culture of collaboration with architects, it often leads to faded boundaries that are pushed and leave space for minor resentments.

Precisely to avoid wrong expectations from both sides, below we listed 5 main points (according to us) about the role of the architect and its competences which however varies from the project to project, from architect to architect and of-course form client to client.

However, note down these 5 points:

01.The architect's profession is a creative one!

Meaning, that beside deadlines or technical knowledge, this profession requires inspiration, that not always seems to happen in the moment the clients requests, especially if you as the client are confused in your vision.

So before loading all the work to the architect, take some time to make a research, of what you want, atmospheres, colours, or if it is a business, what kind of a client you want to attract ( just when you make a business plan )  and list down all the requirements for your project ( each project is different ) how many square meters, what functions...etc.

 All this will make the realisation of your project so much easier and it will help ignite the architect's imagination.

02.Get clear on what kind of collaboration you want to work on

If you decide to hire an architect, usually there are two available options: Option 1, is where the architect designs your project and you take care of its implementation. As a client (or you hire someone) you source materials, working groups, supervise the site up to the project realisation.

Option nr.2, is that the architect designs your project and also helps in the implementation process.

Let us clarify what does it mean with project implementation 

The architect delivers detailed drawings and is present at the site during key moments of the project execution, to clarify for any ambiguities. This second option also includes : like selecting materials and products, source professionals, supervise works.  However, the architect is not obliged to stay 8 hours at the site to supervise, this is a task assigned to the site manager (in the best case an engineer) who directs the works and coordinates the working groups and workflow. The site manager is independent from the architecture studio and it would be more convenient to be chosen by the client. However, it is important to understand the importance of the site manager's presence and the cooperation with the architect or the architecture studio.

03.The client’s contribution is fundamental!

Without the client constant contribution and cooperation the project would not be realised. The clearer, determined and cooperative the client is, the easier is for the architects to visualise  your wishes. In case you wander in endless feedback from your friends and relatives, of even change your mind after any beautiful project that you see on the internet, you will end up in a vicious indecisive circle that will lead to a project made of collages of pieces that inspired you along the way, without an identity and at the end you will not like. So try to be focused and collaborate with your architect.

04.Enter this collaboration with faith! The architect is your ally!

Arkitekti nuk vjen për t’ju penguar në punën tuaj apo të sjellë rrënimin tuaj ekonomik!

The architect is there to help not to be an obstacle in your work! His/her role is to assist you in all design steps by bringing you a special project within budget and on time! Architects are always interested in bringing beautiful, functional and special projects, because is imperative to their DNA that each project should be as successful as possible, after all each project is their business card.

Trust them a little more, especially when it comes to quality, because after all when the project is finished, you are the one who will use those spaces and the investment should enjoyable, functional, comfortable and efficient in time!

Usually the architect is proposing high quality materials and products, as they know the comfort that they will provide and also will result a better return of investment in time. They are not looking to bankrupt you, just to provide with a higher standard that your will value after the project is finished.

05. Don't leave it for the last minute!

Have you come across the expression: "I need it yesterday"? This phrase is so common in our working culture, especially in the architects life  all the time! To conceptualise a project, to refine it and reach  to its final shape requires some times! ( For sure it does not mean that it will take forever...) Let me give concrete examples of real life experience, where the investor asks for a project with its implementation in 15 days ( crazy no, but still amazed by how positive they are!) 

The project perse can be realised, but its implementations seems very unlike, as subcontractors especially in these times are hard to find as they work on tight schedule, materials and products require a bit of time to reach our market as we usually import form other countries, and starting to implement when your still have not agreed on the project concept, definitely will result in errors along the way, that still will reflect on your budget! 

All these will be delays and overload your budget, as you did not take the right time to do the project! Give it time to realise it as it should!

At the end, the shortest road always takes you longer!

These were some of the sugestions we had, but please feel free to add more to the listst! We are realistic that being a poorly regulated profession there is much room for improvement!