PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

PROFESSION:- "A profession is a service oriented occupation that is centered on a

body of knowledge, techniques or skills that have been mastered & derived
through training & certification from a professional body or educational institution,
whose members form a community who share a relatively permanent affiliation
through professional associations, professional schools, and a self-administered code of
ethics."
PRACTICE:-To do or perform something repeatedly in order to acquire or polish a skill
especially in a particular profession.

SERVICES RENDERED BY AN ARCHITECT IN INDIA

Many people are unaware of the exact services rendered by an Architect. There is a lot of
confusion on this point:-
Does he only prepare a plan or the whole set of drawings?
Does he have to visit the site and how often?
Does he check the quality of the Contractor’s work?
Does he check the contractor’s bills?

Once the Client has appointed an Architect, he can expect the following Services from
an Architect:-

CLIENTS BRIEF

 The Architect ascertains the Client’s requirements of the project, like its
appearance, financial budget and time frame.
 Architect prepares an agreement with the Client, a programme of client’s
requirements.
 Architect visits the Site and examines the site constraints, potential and the
surrounding environment.
 Architect examines the Codes, Legislation and standards.
 Architect acquaints the Client with the Conditions of Engagement and Scale of
Charges as prescribed by the Council of Architecture.
 The Client engages the Architect and both effectively enter an agreement by
signing a standard Letter of Appointment.
CONCEPT DESIGN

 The Architect prepares a report on site evaluation, state of existing buildings if

any and analyses the impact of proposed development on the immediate
environment.
 Architect obtains from the Client or gets a detailed topographical survey of the
site, prepared at the Clients 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.
 Architect obtains from the Client or gets soil tests, site borings or such other tests
on sub-soil conditions done at the Clients expense.
 Architect prepares conceptual designs to explain the understanding of the
Client’s requirements.
 Architect prepares a rough estimate of the cost of the project on the basis of the
area. Under no circumstance does the Architect guarantee such proposed
estimation of the project cost.

PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND DRAWING

 The Architect modifies the conceptual designs incorporating required changes.

 Architect prepares the preliminary drawings, sketches, study model etc., for the
Client’s approval.
 Architect prepares a preliminary estimate of cost on the basis of the area.

DRAWINGS FOR CLIENTS / STATUTORY APPROVALS

 The Architect incorporates more suggestions provided by the Client.

 Architect then prepares drawings necessary for approval from the Client /
statutory authorities.
 Architect ensures compliance with codes, standards and legislation as applicable.
 Architect assists the Client in obtaining the statutory approval, if required.

WORKING DRAWINGS AND TENDER DOCUMENTS

 The Architect involves Engineering Consultants like Structural, Electrical,

Sanitary & Plumbing consultants in the project at this stage.
 The Architect provides the Consultants with all the necessary information to
allow them to perform their specialized work.
 Architect prepares Working Drawings, Specifications and Schedule of
Quantities sufficient to prepare an Estimate of Project Cost (in consultation with
the expert consultants).
  Architect advises the Client and gets approval on the form of Contract and
method of placing the Contract.
 Architect prepares a short list of suitable Contractors with appropriate
justification.
 Architect 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

 The Architect invites, receives and analyses Tenders.

 Architect advises the Client on the appointment of the Contractor.

CONSTRUCTION

 The Architect prepares Working Drawings and details for the proper execution.
 Architect issues sufficient copies of working drawings, schedules, specifications,
Bill of Quantities and other contract documents to the Contractors for the proper
execution of works.
 Architect approves the Works Progress Schedule prepared by the Contractors.
 Architect approves samples of various materials, elements and components.
 Architect 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.
 Architect attends conferences, meetings to ensure that the project proceeds
generally in accordance with the conditions of contract.
 Architect 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, Architect clarifies any decision and offers
interpretation of the drawings and specifications at site.
 Architect 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.
 Architect advises the Client if the Contract time is likely to be varied, or if the
total authorized expenditure is likely to be exceeded.
 The Architect checks the Contractors applications for payment (Bills) with the
help of the site engineers and issues Certificates authorizing payment.
 Architect issues Certificate of Virtual Completion of works.
COMPLETION

 The Architect prepares and submits completion reports and drawings

 Architect assists the Client in obtaining Completion or Occupation Certificate
from the Statutory Authorities wherever required.
 Architect issues two sets of built drawings including services and structures for
the project as required.

ARCHITECT’S DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 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:

 The Architect shall keep the Client informed about the progress of work.
 The Architect shall appoint specialized Consultants, in consultation with the
Client, if necessary.
 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.
 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 shall be made at site from the approved drawings and specifications,
without the consent of the Architect