Whether you are lucky enough to be in a position to build your own home to your specifications, or are renovating and revamping an existing or older home into something which is more than just workable for your lifestyle, you will need the specialist services of an architect.
Architecture fulfills both practical and visual needs
Architecture, which is the art and technique of designing and building, is distinguished as a separate expertise from those skills which are associated with construction. Whilst builders are there to construct, architecture is used to fulfill both practical and expressive requirements or, in other words, it provides both functional and aesthetic needs.
Dream-spinners …
Architects are more than just designers of buildings; they are the creators of dreams in many cases. These are the people who can turn your ideas into reality, can find ways of turning existing building layouts which are clumsy and inefficient into areas which flow effortlessly. They are the people who see beyond simple material needs and bring design and innovation to the fore. It is thanks to designers that nearly every stand-alone home differs from its neighbours and stands out as something unique, that there is so much choice when it comes to our living spaces, and that our work environments are light, comfortable and appealing.
Whether old or new designs, architects can rise to the occasion
New innovations in building and construction have provided architects with much more opportunity to expand their own horizons in the designs they create. Whether it is sharp angles, soft curves or simple traditional straight walls, there is seemingly no end to the construction designs which are coming off architects drawing boards nowadays. Architects are just as capable of designing traditional-style houses as they are of creating something totally unique and futuristic.
Do you want a home which has farm-style wrap-around verandahs which take full advantage of the views and breezes of the site, or a Spanish-style influence which reminds you of the Mediterranean with open courtyards and adobe-style finishes? Do you want a home with soaring angular rooflines and exposed ceiling beams or joists which give the great visual element of height and space, and provide the opportunity for the creation of mezzanine floors to house reading areas, offices or studies which still feel open and airy rather than being closed off from the main areas of the house? A house with room for a large central atrium which brings lush planting and greenery into the home? The possibilities are endless with the guidance, inspiration, skill and knowledge of an experienced architect to help you.
Architecture is not a new kid on the block
Architecture itself is thought to have existed since mankind first began moving out of caves in about 10 000 BCE – in the Neolithic period. It is interesting that the Great Wall of China, which is an architectural feat in itself, was begun around 25 BCE, and has stood for thousands of years. The art and significance of architecture was captured in the 1st century BCE by the Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio in the first classic work on architecture, “De Architectura”. To quote Widewalls.ch : “Architecture has proven to be many things – comfy, elegant, modern, brutal, indexical, vernacular – and yet, one of its most interesting aspects is its capacity to reflect the spirit of time …”. As styles, needs, trends, building methods and materials have evolved, architecture has evolved with them, constantly bringing us the best possible options available throughout the decades since it first came into being. Architecture is not limited only to the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures such as bridges, tunnels, aqueducts, etc., but is also involved on a macro level in urban design and town planning, as well as being involved on a micro level in construction details and sometimes even furniture to fit those designs.
Collaboration with other disciplines is key to architecture
Architects do not, of course, work alone or in a vacuum. They collaborate with other disciplines such as civil engineering, urban and regional planning, interior design and landscape architecture. They may be involved in the selection of contractors and builders, as well as negotiating construction contracts. Since architects have to work to prescribed timelines and budgets, they need to be aware of the costs of the materials which they incorporate into the design, as well as their practical applications and availability. So whilst it might be a great idea to create a totally unique design, practical considerations must also be considered, and therefore good negotiating and adaptability skills are a prerequisite for any successful design. It all comes down to successful collaboration. You, as the client, also need to be adaptable and willing to tailor your wishes to the possible, rather than the impossible or impractical.
