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  • Top 5 requirements architects forgets to look out for

    Part of an architect’s role is to convince a client that they are the best person for the job. The design brief helps them see the finished project in its entirety, but also provides clients with a sense of scale in terms of time and money. To avoid any problems mid-development, it is essential to set out the requirements accurately and clearly establish what you plan to achieve. Getting things pinned down from the start avoids disagreements at a later stage and the possibility of a formal dispute. Excellent communication is always the best way of guaranteeing a good working relationship.

    Be honest about deadlines and phases of development

    Be honest about deadlines and phases of development

    A detailed brief should include a breakdown of the work that is to be completed, along with a schedule of what stage will be happening when. This gets everyone started with a clear idea of what to expect. Clients appreciate clarity when it comes to deadlines, so always bear in mind the amount of time each stage will take, from the initial consultations, to the engineers survey, to the build being habitable.

    Disagreeing with a client over an aspect of their project can present something of a dilemma, however if there are any challenges that cannot be overcome, it is vital to inform them of these impossibilities. Designers can be inventive and suggest changes where appropriate, but your professional judgement will tell you when something is completely unfeasible.

    Disagreeing with a client over an aspect of their project can present something of a dilemma, however if there are any challenges that cannot be overcome, it is vital to inform them of these impossibilities. Designers can be inventive and suggest changes where appropriate, but your professional judgement will tell you when something is completely unfeasible.

    Agree on a realistic budget with your client

    When you know what a client’s budget is for any given project, you can tell them what is possible. Many people are keen to extend their home rather than move, so they may be taking out a second mortgage or home improvement loan. Nevertheless, despite having access to money some clients will still be reticent to talk about final figures. Make it clear that you need to assess exactly what is possible before you start to draw up plans, and point out that they may be pleasantly surprised!

    Discuss the quality of a build in the early stages

    Ask a client to compile a look book filled with photos of work they like and ideas that reflect their vision. You can put your professional slant on the plans, but at the same time demonstrate that you understand what they are trying to achieve. It’s sensible to make every design decision before work begins, as changing things on site can set back the build.

    Ensuring you get paid and requesting a retainer fee

    Ensuring you get paid and requesting a retainer fee

    The amount architects charge and which services they charge for can be confusing to a lay person. There are no set charges and no one method of billing, it depends on the type of project and the amount of time you will have to devote to it. When weeks run into months it makes sense to negotiate a retainer-fee, this is then applied to the final invoice when a project is complete.

    The amount architects charge and which services they charge for can be confusing to a lay person. There are no set charges and no one method of billing, it depends on the type of project and the amount of time you will have to devote to it. When weeks run into months it makes sense to negotiate a retainer-fee, this is then applied to the final invoice when a project is complete.

    To safeguard the rest of your fee, establish a payment schedule from the start and maintain a close relationship throughout. Be alert for any issues that could result in a delayed payment, or non-payment, and tackle them before they escalate.

    To safeguard the rest of your fee, establish a payment schedule from the start and maintain a close relationship throughout. Be alert for any issues that could result in a delayed payment, or non-payment, and tackle them before they escalate.

    Managing the build and employing contractors

    Managing the build and employing contractors

    As a designer, you are not usually responsible for employing contractors or floor plan experts like measured building surveyors, but you can recommend a trusted firm.

    As a designer, you are not usually responsible for employing contractors or floor plan experts like measured building surveyors, but you can recommend a trusted firm.

    When it comes to dealing with a builder on site, many clients would prefer not to and will pay you to manage the entire project. If you do take on this responsibility, you’ll need to check and sign off each stage of the work before the builder is paid.

    When it comes to dealing with a builder on site, many clients would prefer not to and will pay you to manage the entire project. If you do take on this responsibility, you’ll need to check and sign off each stage of the work before the builder is paid.

  • Grow your architectural firm with systems and more profit

    Build a better business with strong process foundations

    Build a better business with strong process foundationsBuild a better business with strong process foundations

    No matter what business is being looked at, there is always a foundation of processes that build up how the organisation operates. For an architectural firm, large or small, many of these processes are similar to any other company. Processes range from client acquisition, design to concept, quality control, change management, project control and analysis, ordering and other financial management tasks. Some of these tasks will be the same across any company, where others that look at design, acceptance and customer consultation may be more specific to the architect business. By enhancing these core processes and making them more efficient, effective and even less resource intensive, there is the opportunity to reduce costs, create more revenue and in turn drive up business profit.

    No matter what business is being looked at, there is always a foundation of processes that build up how the organisation operates. For an architectural firm, large or small, many of these processes are similar to any other company. Processes range from client acquisition, design to concept, quality control, change management, project control and analysis, ordering and other financial management tasks. Some of these tasks will be the same across any company, where others that look at design, acceptance and customer consultation may be more specific to the architect business. By enhancing these core processes and making them more efficient, effective and even less resource intensive, there is the opportunity to reduce costs, create more revenue and in turn drive up business profit.

    Start simple with fundamental processes

    Start simple with fundamental processesStart simple with fundamental processes

    For any architectural business who is operating in a live working environment, a complete overhaul of business processes is not advisable in one go. A wise approach is to look at some of the core processes that have a large impact on the business operation. These core processes hold the key to streamlining your organisation from the bottom up. One prime example may be the way in which you get clients and keep them. This is the marketing and client retention processes that are the bread and butter of your business. Strategies for effective communication, client service delivery and project assurance may be a great starting point.

    Cut out the unnecessary for efficient service delivery

    Cut out the unnecessary for efficient service deliveryCut out the unnecessary for efficient service delivery

    Every business is unique and requires tailored solutions to improve client retention and conversion to sale of services. Implementing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can streamline sales and customer relationships electronically.

    Every business is different and has varying needs, but in order to improve your client retention and conversion to sale of services, you may look to implement some CRM software. CRM software (Customer Relationship Management) allows you to manage all aspects of sales and customer relationships electronically. It will allow the booking of resources, management of time scales, communications and much more. By implementing this type of solution, you are able to cut out some of what would have been manual management of customer data. Resources spent on administration in the past could be better used in other more effective areas. With a more robust system in place, there is also an opportunity to be more effective in getting and maintaining customers, thus increasing turnover and profit. Done right, the costs of implementation are quickly negated by improved profit.

    Monitor, review and revise systems development


    Monitor, review and revise systems developmentMonitor, review and revise systems development

    As with any process change or new development, it won’t be perfect first time unless you are very lucky! Very much like your first architectural design, first time round, the customer may not be quite satisfied, so you go away, tweak it and try again. This is the same with process and systems implementation. We need to take time to review successes, learn from mistakes and implement a revised version to tackle what we found. This continued cycle of review and revision allows the wealth of experience to be built into the processes, making a product that is as streamlined as possible.

    As with any process change or new development, it won’t be perfect first time unless you are very lucky! Very much like your first architectural design, first time round, the customer may not be quite satisfied, so you go away, tweak it and try again. This is the same with process and systems implementation. We need to take time to review successes, learn from mistakes and implement a revised version to tackle what we found. This continued cycle of review and revision allows the wealth of experience to be built into the processes, making a product that is as streamlined as possible.

    For further reading…

    For further reading…For further reading…

    If you would like to read further on how to use systems and process development to enhance the productivity and profitability of your architectural business, ‘Process to Profit – Systemise Your Business to Build a High Performing Team and Gain More Time, More Control and More Profit’ is an excellent read that will help get you started on the road to more success. This is a great starting point that will show you how even small changes can mean big things for your business. Why not take a look today?

    If you would like to read further on how to use systems and process development to enhance the productivity and profitability of your architectural business, ‘Process to Profit – Systemise Your Business to Build a High Performing Team and Gain More Time, More Control and More Profit’ is an excellent read that will help get you started on the road to more success. This is a great starting point that will show you how even small changes can mean big things for your business. Why not take a look today?

  • The Difference Between a Measured Building Surveyor and a Building Surveyor

    From developing large agricultural structures to designing complex residential development schemes, a building surveyor plays an essential role in providing professional advice when development and building property. Surveyors work on a range of residential, commercial and industrial projects, including restoration and maintenance projects. Within the surveyor field, there are a variety of specialisms related to specific aspects of surveying such as measured building surveys.

    From developing large agricultural structures to designing complex residential development schemes, a building surveyor plays an essential role in providing professional advice when development and building property. Surveyors work on a range of residential, commercial and industrial projects, including restoration and maintenance projects. Within the surveyor field, there are a variety of specialisms related to specific aspects of surveying such as measured building surveys.

    The Role of a Building Surveyor

    Building surveyors provide professional advice on the design and development of a property, whether it is for a new build or the redevelopment of an existing property. Unlike a land surveyor, this type of surveyor focuses on the structure itself rather than the surrounding lands. They work with architects and other professionals to identify preventative measures to ensure buildings are safe. Surveyors also provide advice on how to make structures sustainable over time. In some cases, since they are specialists in building regulations and determining the condition of buildings, they also provide evidence in court as an expert witness. These professionals are involved in construction design and building works, and have an active role in project management and monitoring.

    Building surveyors provide professional advice on the design and development of a property, whether it is for a new build or the redevelopment of an existing property. Unlike a land surveyor, this type of surveyor focuses on the structure itself rather than the surrounding lands. They work with architects and other professionals to identify preventative measures to ensure buildings are safe. Surveyors also provide advice on how to make structures sustainable over time. In some cases, since they are specialists in building regulations and determining the condition of buildings, they also provide evidence in court as an expert witness. These professionals are involved in construction design and building works, and have an active role in project management and monitoring.

    Services Provided by Surveyors

    The work of a surveyor is diverse and can involve a wide range of tasks. They are involved in various aspects of construction, including design, maintenance, repair, refurbishment, and restoration.

    The services provided by a surveyor may vary and may specialise in specific aspects of building surveying. A surveyor may specialise in providing advice on property legislation or may provide a full project management and monitoring service.

    They may also focus on undertaking building surveys and measures surveys. Alternatively, a surveyor might specialise in providing pre-acquisition surveys or defect investigations.

    Typical work activities include providing advice on property schemes and projects, as well as identifying requirements for the project.

    They also prepare designs or drawings that include project specifications, costings and timelines.

    Surveyors also work to determine the condition of existing structures, including identifying potential safety issues and assessing defects to propose potential repairs to ensure the structural integrity of the property.

    The Role of a Measured Building Surveyor

    They might also provide advice on the environmental impact of a project, the preservation or construction of historic properties, health and safety issues, project feasibility, and building construction and design regulations.

    Surveyors may also deal planning applications as well as insurance assessments and claims.

    The Role of a Measured Building Surveyor

    While a generalist surveyor may provide a range of services, certain professionals specialise in carrying out measured building surveys. A measured survey is a building survey that is used to produce detailed plans for a building. These types of surveys are generally undertaken before redevelopment or renovation projects. They may also be used for commercial purposes or be completed once the construction phase of a building project is finished.

    To complete the survey, a measured building surveyor uses digital instruments to obtain precise measurements of a property. These measurements are then used to produce a plan by the surveyor or another professional. The building measurements are also used by architects and interior designers for further planning and development work on the property. Plans or drawings may also be used to obtain planning permits from local authorities.

  • What is subsidence in buildings?

    Subsidence

    Subsidence is the sudden, rapid, and sometimes permanent sinking of an area of land.

    This usually occurs when the ground can no longer support the weight of the buildings or other structures on it.

    Subsidence can damage buildings and other structures, and it can be dangerous for people if it happens suddenly.

    There are many causes of subsidence, but the most common is water pressure.

    When water seeps into the ground, it can cause the soil to expand and become less dense.

    This can cause the weight of buildings or other structures on the ground to be greater than the ground can support, and the ground will sink.

    Other causes of subsidence include mining, natural underground cavities, and changes in the level of groundwater.

    In some cases, subsidence can be caused by human activity, such as when people dig trenches or boreholes into the ground.

    Subsidence can cause serious damage to buildings.

    Cracks can appear in walls, floors, and ceilings, and doors and windows may no longer fit properly.

    In severe cases, subsidence can cause buildings to collapse.

    Subsidence is a problem that is likely to become more common as our climate changes and we experience more extreme weather conditions.

    Heavy rainfalls can

    What is subsidence?

    What is subsidence?

    Subsidence is the downward movement of the ground beneath a building. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:

    -The loss or decomposition of organic materials in the soil, such as tree roots or peat.

    -The collapse of man-made structures underground, such as tunnels or mines.

    -The extraction of groundwater or oil from beneath the ground.

    Subsidence can cause problems for buildings above ground, as the weight of the building can cause cracks and damage. In severe cases, subsidence can even cause buildings to collapse.

    If you think your property may be affected by subsidence, it’s important to get in touch with a structural engineer or surveyor who can assess the situation and advise on the best course of action.

    Causes of subsidence

    Causes of subsidence

    Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a building settles or collapses. This can be caused by a number of things, including:

    • The natural decomposition of organic materials in the soil, which can cause the ground to compact over time

    • The wetting and drying of soils, which can lead to shrinkage and cracking

    • The extraction of groundwater or minerals from beneath the ground, which can cause the ground to collapse

    • The movement of underground water courses, which can erode support for the ground above

    • The failure of man-made structures such as retaining walls or tunnels

    How to prevent subsidence

    How to prevent subsidence

    Subsidence is the gradual settling or sinking of a building. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including the natural settling of the foundation over time, or damage to the foundation from things like water leaks or tree roots. Subsidence can also be caused by changes in the ground underneath the foundation, such as when groundwater is removed from an area faster than it can be replenished.

    1. ensuring that the foundation is properly designed and built

    2. ensuring that the foundation is regularly inspected and maintained

    3. repairing any leaks or damage to the foundation promptly

    4. avoiding removing groundwater from underneath the foundation faster than it can be replenished

    How to repair subsidence damage

    How to repair subsidence damage

    Subsidence is the gradual sinking of an object into the ground. This can happen to buildings when the ground underneath them begins to settle or erode. The most common cause of subsidence damage is water. When the ground becomes saturated with water, it expands and puts pressure on the foundation of a building. This can cause the foundation to crack and allow the building to sink into the ground.

    There are several ways to repair subsidence damage. The most common method is to inject concrete into the ground around the foundation of the building. This will provide support for the foundation and help prevent further sinking. In some cases, it may also be necessary to underpin the foundation with steel beams or other supports. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to demolish the affected part of the building and start from scratch.

    Case studies of subsidence

    Case studies of subsidence

    Subsidence is the downward movement of the ground beneath a building. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as when the ground becomes waterlogged and starts to settle, or when trees or shrubs are removed from around the building and their roots no longer support the ground.

    There have been a number of high-profile cases of subsidence in recent years, including at Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge in London. In both cases, extensive remedial work was required to stabilise the buildings and prevent further damage.

    If you think your home may be affected by subsidence, it’s important to get expert advice as soon as possible. A structural engineer will be able to carry out an investigation and give you an idea of what needs to be done to fix the problem.

    Conclusion

    Subsidence is a common problem in buildings, especially older ones. It occurs when the ground beneath the foundations of a building starts to sink, causing the foundation to crack and the walls to start leaning. In some cases, subsidence can be corrected by shoring up the foundation or injecting it with concrete. In other cases, however, the only way to stop subsidence is to demolish the building and start again from scratch.

    Subsidence is a common problem in buildings, especially older ones. It occurs when the ground beneath the foundations of a building starts to sink, causing the foundation to crack and the walls to start leaning. In some cases, subsidence can be corrected by shoring up the foundation or injecting it with concrete. In other cases, however, the only way to stop subsidence is to demolish the building and start again from scratch.

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