Building Better: Architects Tackling Common Construction Woes
People are often wary of hiring architects because they feel intimidated by the idea that they might take over the design process and drastically change their designs. This doesn’t have to be the case when you hire Primarc Studio. The passionate architects in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are here to assist you in making your house design (ghar ka naqsha), commercial design (commercial building ka naqsha), or even plaza designs, unique and a reality in Pakistan.
“Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design.” – Charles Eames
Generally, there are several ways architects help solve common design problems during construction. Some of the ways that architects can contribute include:
1. Identifying and Addressing Potential Design Problems Before Construction Begins:
During the design phase of a project be it Primarc Studio or any other architecture firm, architects produce construction drawings in detail, which also help identify potential problems that might arise during construction and come up with solutions to address them. All this is done even before drawings are issued to the contractor.
Think of pre-emptive measures for potential setbacks. The soil may turn out bad (for example, it does not have the bearing capacity), or the water lines may clash with an existing one. These problems need to be covered before they risk the project.
2. Guidance on Building Materials and Construction Methods:
Materials are critical and help accentuate architects’ design. Thus they help select materials and construction methods appropriate for the project and help avoid problems during construction.
You want to avoid getting conned into getting cheap quality designs when you can purchase better quality types from trusted providers, which your architecture firm can also guide.
Going solo and not knowing how materials interact with the weather, colour combinations, and design can seriously jeopardize the architect and client’s vision of his project. Architects have been using and experimenting with materials, and they know what are the limitation and known setbacks of each material. Consult with your architect, if you don’t like their material application on your project.
Voice your concerns, at least here at Primarc Studio we are always responding to our client’s feedback.
3. Collaborating with contractors and other construction professionals:
To address any design concerns that may occur throughout the building process, architects collaborate closely with builders and other construction specialists.
Liaising with the labourers and contractors on top of MEP and structural engineers can be confusing and hectic.
At the last stages of a project, when everything is coming together and needs to be coherent with one another, having a single point of contact who is knowledgeable about all aspects of the architectural design process can help avoid a blame game.
4. Making Architecture design changes as needed:
Many unforeseen problems arise during construction, and architects can work with the project team, construction team and engineers to make necessary design changes to address the issues. They will usually be the single point of contact for each team to ensure everyone is on the same page.
For instance, the facade may be problematic because of a structural design flaw, or the ventilation system may be overheating due to positioning. Issues like these require on-the-spot design amendments to accommodate changes while adhering to the design selected by the client. Many changes also arise between the project due to the availability of certain materials at more affordable costs, or if the contractors method of working requires a specific requirement.
Such changes can be made by the architects and they make sure, that the construction process is not interrupted.
On our commercial project, Enigma Haus, the contractor dig two feet more at the basement level, and the whole design along with the construction drawings had to be revised. Many more shop drawings or drawings other than the ones in the construction set, were issued to mitigate this issue in the basement level’s height. Such issues and errors are expected from the site and architects help move the construction process smoothly.
5. Site Visits by Architects Benefit the Client:
Some things just can’t be covered on zoom calls or facetime. Real-time presence is necessary for projects that are as important as your house design. You’re paying the extra mile, after all.
Site visits by an architect can help you avoid construction problems by allowing the architect to observe the construction process, identify any potential issues before they become serious problems, and look at spaces in relation to each other.
During a site visit, the architect can check the quality of the work and ensure that it meets the design intent and specifications. They can also review the construction plans and drawings to confirm that they are followed correctly. If any issues are identified, the architect can address them with the construction team before they become a significant nuisance and create problems.
Site visits can also provide an opportunity for the architect to review the progress of the work and identify any necessary design changes or modifications. By staying involved in the construction process, the architect can help to ensure that the project stays on track and meets the desired outcomes. No stone left unturned is Primarc Studio’s motto!
“Architects can’t force people to connect, they can only plan the crossing points, remove barriers and make the meeting places useful and attractive.” – Denise Scott
If you still need convincing, you must get in touch with better and more experienced architects based in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan, the young guns at Primarc Studio, an architecture and interior design firm.
They also offer remote design options for people abroad. Local community, whether they are from Peshawar, Gujranwala, Swat or anywhere else, you can get in touch via phone, email at primarcstudio@gmail.com or social media like Instagram, Facebook, or whatever suits you.
You may have already come up with a design you want but may need help executing it; that’s where they can also help. Every query is a manageable size for them, so get busy dialling.
Key Takeaways From This Article About Common Construction Woes
1. Architects can identify and address potential design problems before construction begins.
2. They can provide guidance on building materials and construction methods.
3. Architects collaborate with contractors and other construction professionals to address design concerns that may occur during construction.
4. They can make design changes as needed to accommodate unforeseen problems.
5. Site visits by architects benefit the client by allowing them to observe the construction process, identify potential issues before they become serious problems, and ensure that the quality of the work meets the design intent and specifications.
6. Architects can help avoid construction problems and ensure that the project stays on track and meets the desired outcomes. It encourages people to hire experienced architects and architecture firms like Primarc Studio and provides contact information for those interested in their services.
Frequently Asked Questions about Architects Solving Common Construction Problems
Question: What is Primarc Studio?
Answer: Primarc Studio is an architecture and interior design firm based in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan, that provides services for house design (Ghar Ka Naqsha), commercial design (Office Ka Naqsha), and plaza design in Pakistan.
Question: How can architects help solve design problems during construction?
Answer: Architects can contribute to solving common design problems by identifying and addressing potential design problems before construction begins, providing guidance on building materials and construction methods, collaborating with contractors and other construction professionals, making design changes as needed, and conducting site visits to observe the construction process, identify any potential issues, and ensure that the project meets the desired outcomes.
Question: How can architects help in selecting appropriate building materials and construction methods?
Answer: Architects can help select appropriate building materials and construction methods by guiding clients on what type of materials to use for their project, avoiding getting conned into getting cheap quality designs when better quality types are available, and by experimenting with materials and knowing what are the limitations and known setbacks of each material.
Question: How can architects work with contractors and other construction professionals?
Answer: Architects can collaborate closely with builders and other construction specialists to address any design concerns that may occur throughout the building process. They will usually be the single point of contact for each team to ensure everyone is on the same page, and can make necessary design changes to address unforeseen problems that may arise during construction.
Question: How can site visits by architects benefit the client?
Answer: Site visits by architects can help avoid construction problems by allowing the architect to observe the construction process, identify any potential issues before they become serious problems, and look at spaces in relation to each other. Architects can check the quality of the work, review the construction plans and drawings, and ensure that the project stays on track and meets the desired outcomes.