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An Architect by Any Other Name

What Do Architects Do?

Why an AIA Architect?

Finding the Right Architect in Nine Easy Steps.

Why Build Green?

Work with an architect .

Why use an architect

Outline Plan of Work 2007

Finding an architect

Commissioning architecture

Code of Professional Conduct

An Architect by Any Other Name¹

SUMMARY

Several years ago when Bill Gates, chair of Microsoft, relinquished his title as chief executive officer, he appointed himself chief software architect instead. Since then, several industries have adopted the term architect. If you’re in the insurance industry, you can call yourself a workforce architect. If you’re in the electronic industry, you can be a software architect or a systems architect.

IS THIS CORRECT USE OF THE TERM ARCHITECT?

Although many AIA members have inquired about the cast of new uses for the term architect, and expressed their displeasure of it, there is no official AIA policy for the usage outside the construction industry. The term architect is a generic one and the AIA does not own the rights to it.

In the profession of architecture, though, you cannot call yourself an architect or provide architecture services unless you are licensed. All states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories (Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) require individuals to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects or contract to provide architecture services.

To become licensed, an individual must have been awarded a professional degree in architecture, completed practical training or an internship, and passed all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination. Until all the requirements for licensure are fulfilled, architecture professionals are known as interns. Interns gain supervised architecture experience while working under licensed architects. Upon receipt of licensure, it is expected that licensed architects will protect the public health, safety, and welfare and take legal responsibility for their work.

Although there is no national agency with oversight for architect licensure, each state and U.S. territory has its own architectural registration board that sets standards for architectural registration and the practice of architecture. All architecture firms and individual architects who employ additional architects must register with their state architectural registration board.

Can recent architecture graduates, then, promote themselves as architects? Or, can licensed contractors provide architectural design services? No, not if they are not licensed architects.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

If you encounter an individual or a firm in the construction industry misusing the term Architect, you should notify your local AIA component office. While the AIA cannot investigate and prosecute individuals who misrepresent themselves as architects, AIA local component offices work in conjunction with state architectural registration boards to protect the term architect. The offending individual or firm will be asked to cease and assist the illegal use of the term. If the individual or firm refuses to stop using the term, the state architectural registration board can initiate legal actions against the individual or firm.

If in doubt, please contact your local AIA component office or state architectural registration board.

¹By AIA. Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.

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What Do Architects Do?²

You have a vision of what you want. Now you need to make that vision a reality. Here is how an architect can help you:
	Architects see the big picture.
	Architects are specially educated to help you define what you want to build, present ptions you might ever have considered, and help you get the most for your valuable investment. They donot just design our walls and a roof -- they create total environments, both interiors and exteriors, that are functional and exciting places in which to work and live.
	Architects solve problems creatively.
	Architects are trained problem solvers. Need more room for your growing family? Architects can show you how to enlarge your home so you wonot have to move. Have a limited budget? Architects can propose ways to get more for your investment than you imagined possible.
	Architects help you get the most from your construction dollar.
	Architects can reduce building costs, decrease your homes energy needs, and increase its future resale value through good design.
	Architects make your life easier.
Building is a long process that is often messy and disruptive, particularly if you are living in the space while its under construction. Your architect represents you, not the contractors. Your architect looks out for your interests and smoothes the process, helps find qualified construction contractors, and visits the worksite to help protect you against work thats not according to plan. Speak with an architect who is a member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the earliest stage of the design process.
²By AIA.

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Why an AIA Architect?³

Like doctors and lawyers, architects are licensed professionals. The title "Architect" may be used only by an individual who possesses a state license to practice architecture. They are the only professionals in the construction industry who are ethically bound to represent you, the building owner.
Professional qualifications generally include:
	College degree from an accredited school of architecture, requiring five or more years of professional studies.
	Three years of internship under the supervision of licensed architects
	Passage of a rigorous five-day examination
Only those professionals, who have fulfilled these requirements, or other requirements as stipulated by each individual state, may legally call themselves architects and practice architecture in the jurisdiction granting the license. Individuals may be registered, or licensed, in more than one state by means of reciprocal licensing agreements among the states.
Get the real thing -- Look for the "AIA" designation.
Look for the AIA initials after the name of any architect you consider for your project. AIA architects remain current with professional standards through continuing education and subscribe to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assure clients, the public and colleagues of their dedication to high standards in professional practice. At the heart of every successful project is a strong relationship between client and architect. AIA architects know that the more knowledgeable their clients are, the more likely they are to fully participate in the process and enjoy the benefits of a collaborative effort.

³By AIA.

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Finding the Right Architect in Nine Easy Steps.⁴

SUMMARY.

Every architect has an individual style, approach to construction, and method of work. For homeowners who wish to retain an architect to design a new home or renovate an existing one, it is important to seek out an architect whose style and working methods are compatible with the scale and type of project and the client’s needs. Follow these nine general steps to find the right architect for you.

MATCH THE ARCHITECT TO THE PROJECT.

1)	Make a list. Ask your neighbors or the owners of architect-designed new homes or renovated homes in your community for the names of architects who provide services in your area. Because the relationship between a homeowner and an architect is such a personal one, most residential clients and architects find each other through personal referrals.
2)	Research. Become acquainted with the architects who work in your area before contacting them directly. Many firms, even small ones, have Web sites that feature their work.
3)	Check credentials. Architects who practice in Libya are required to be members of the Libyan General Guild of Engineering Careers (LGGEC). Determine whether the architects on your list are LGGEC members.
4)	Conduct phone interviews. Once you have conducted your research and have developed a list of prospective architects, call each firm on your list. Explain that you are interested in procuring architectural design services, and ask to schedule a brief phone interview with the firm principal. If you were referred by a previous client, be sure to share this information. During the phone interview, describe your project and ask if the firm is available to accomplish it within your desired time frame. You need to request for a literature outlining of the firm’s qualifications and experience. If the firm is unable to undertake your project, ask whether it can recommend another firm.
5)	Interview select firms. The phone interviews and additional literature provided by the firm should help you narrow the list of candidates. Interview the firms on your short list, preferably at the firm offices. The interview allows you to meet the people who will manage your project and to learn if the chemistry is right; you may be working with them for a long time. Some architects charge a small fee for initial interviews or meetings, which often involve at least some professional design advice. Inquire about such fees prior to the interview.
6)	Ask questions. How busy is the firm? Does it have the capacity to take on your project? Who in the firm will be primarily responsible for your project? What is the firm’s design philosophy? What is the fee structure? What is the firm’s track record for performance completed on time and within budget?
7)	Inspect completed work. If possible, ask each firm to show you at least one complete or substantially complete project.
8)	Check references. Ask for references from both past clients and contractors with whom the architect has worked, and check them thoroughly. Ask the clients the same questions you have asked the architect: Was the project completed on time and within budget? Was the person primarily responsible for the project the person who was introduced as such at the initial meeting? Was the client satisfied with the completed project? Was the client satisfied the architect again? Ask the contractors whether the documents prepared by the architect were sufficiently clear and detailed to enable the prepare accurate cost estimates and complete the project in accordance with the design intent, and whether the architect addressed issues during the construction period promptly and thoroughly.
9)	Make the professional service, not a product. The right architect will be the one who has demonstrate your satisfaction the judgment, technical expertise, design talent and communication skills that suit you needs.

⁴By AIA, with minor additions and deletion. Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.

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Why Build Green?⁵

Building green saves money.

	The cost per square foot for buildings seeking LEED Certification falls into the existing range of costs for buildings not seeking LEED Certification. Source: Davis Langdon (2007). Cost of Green Revisited: Reexamining the Feasibility and Cost Impact of Sustainable Design in the Light of Increased Market Adoption.
	Building sale prices for energy efficient buildings are as much as 30% higher per square foot than conventional buildings. Source: Miller, N., Spivey, J. & Florance, A. (2007). Does Green Pay Off?
	An upfront investment of 2% in green building design, on average, results in life cycle savings of 20% of the total construction costs – more than ten times the initial investment. Source: Kats, G. (2003). The Costs and Financial Benefits of Green Buildings: A Report to Californias Sustainable Building Task Force.
	Estimated Value of green construction starts:
	2001: $3.24 billion.
	2000: $792 million.
	2003: $5.76 billion.
	2004: $4.51 billion.
	Today: $12 billion.
	Today: $12 billion.
	2010 (projected): $60 billion (10% construction starts).
	Real estate and construction professionals overestimate the costs of green building by 300%. Source: World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
	Perceived cost benefits of green building:
	Operating costs decrease 8-9%.
	Building value increases 7.5%.
	Return on investment improves 6.6%.
	Occupancy ration increases 3.5%.
	Rent ratio increases 3%.

Source: McGraw Hill Construction, Green Building SmartMarket Report, 2006.

	Building green stimulates the economy by creating a demand for green jobs and workers that can contribute directly to creating a sustainable future. The US economy could generate 2 million green jobs in as short a stretch as two years. Source: Political Economy Research Institute & Center for American Progress (2008). Green Recovery: A Program to Create Good Jobs and Start Building a Low-Carbon Economy.

Green buildings consume less energy and fewer resources .
	In comparison to the average commercial building.
	Green buildings consume 26% less energy
	Green buildings have 13% lower maintenance costs
	Green buildings have 27% higher occupant satisfaction
	Green buildings have 33% less greenhouse gas emissions
Source: GSA Public Buildings Service (2008). Assessing Green Building Performance: A Post Occupancy Evaluation of 12 GSA Buildings.


Green building occupants are more productive.
	A study by Carnegie Mellon University measuring the relationship between increased lighting control and productivity showed an increase of up to 26% in productivity and 27% headache reduction Source: eBIDS.
	The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection found that employee relocation within one building cost about $2,500. Flexible design features found in the integrated green building helped cut employee relocation costs by 90%. Source: The Costs and Financial Benefits of Green Buildings: A Report to California Sustainable Building Task Force, October 2003.
	Sales in stores with skylights were up to 40% higher compared to similar stores without skylights. Of 108 stores operated by chain retailer, 2/3 had skylights and 1/3 had electrical lighting, mostly fluorescent. Source: Heschong Mahone Group (1999). Skylighting and Retail Sales: An Investigation into the Relationship Between Daylighting and Human Performance.
	Students with the most daylighting in their classrooms progressed 20% faster on math tests and 26% faster on reading tests in one year than those with the least day lighting. Source: Heschong Mahone Group (1999). Daylighting in Schools: An Investigation into the Relationship Between Daylighting and Human Performance.
	Corporate perception of whether green fosters innovation: 57% agree; 28% neutral and 15% disagree according to McGraw-Hill Construction (2007) Greening of Corporate America SmartMarket Report.
	Improvements in indoor environments are estimated to save $17-48 billion in total health gains and $20-160 billion in worker performance. Source: Fisk, W. (2000) Health and productivity gains from better indoor environments and their relationship with building energy efficiency. Annual Review of Energy and the Environment: 25, 537-66.


Green building occupants are healthier.
	People in the U.S. spend about 90% of their time indoors. Source: Environmental Protection Agency (1987). The Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study.
	EPA studies indicate indoor levels of pollutants may be up to ten times higher than outdoor levels. Source: Environmental Protection Agency (2008). An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality. Accessed via: www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html.
	Significant associations exist between low ventilation levels and higher carbon dioxide concentrations –a common symptom in facilities with sick building syndrome. Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2002). Indoor Carbon Dioxide Concentrations and Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms in the Base Study Revisited: Analyses of the 100 Building Dataset.

⁵By USGBC.
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Work with an architect .⁶
Whether you intend to construct a new building, expand your current facility, or adapt an existing structure, it makes sense to consult a professional.

How much does it cost? .
Architects fees can be based on a percentage of the total construction cost, on time expended, or a lump sum. You can select all or part of an architect’s service, from an initial design discussion through to the final delivery of the project on site.

How to select the right architect.

Clients often appoint an architect who is known to them or who has been recommended, or whose work they admire. This can be a sound initial response, but a more structured process of selection is desirable where matching requirements with the range of skills and services available has to be more precise. Call each firm on your shortlist, describe your project and ask if they are available to accommodate it. If so, request literature that outlines the firm’s qualifications and experience. Ask to see a portfolio of work, or to visit finished buildings and visit their websites. Above all talk to your intended architect. It is important to ensure that you are compatible. Your architects must convince you both of their creativity and their ability to get things done. Commercial clients can use a system called "quality-based selection". The RIBA publishes a booklet in the Clients Guide series. To order a copy contact RIBA Publications on 020 7256 7222.


Writing the brief.
The ultimate success of your project depends on the quality of your brief, ie. your ability to clearly describe to your architect the requirements and functions of your building, and proposed methods of operation and management. It is wise to ask your architect to assist you in preparing a final brief. Your architect will need to know:
	Your aims
	Your design style: Are you looking for a design in keeping with the existing building? Do you want a contemporary or high tech design? Are you concerned about having a sustainable/ecological design?
	Your reasons for embarking on this building project: What activities are intended for it?
	Your authority: Who will be making the decisions? About the designs? About costs? About day-today matters when the project is underway?
	Your overall expectations: What do you hope to achieve by this project? A more comfortable place for you to live in?
At the initial meetings, your architect will listen carefully to your intentions and create a brief, addressing not only design aesthetics but also the function of the building. Timings and budgets for your project will be defined at an early stage and only after you have approved initial sketches will the ideas be developed further.


Appointing an architect.
A good working relationship between architect and client is crucial to the success of any project. You and your architect should discuss and agree on the scope and cost of architectural services before the project is started and ensure the agreement is in writing.
To help clients who are embarking on smaller building projects, the RIBA publishes two forms of agreement:
	D-Con-07(domestic project agreement ) suitable for use where the client requires work to his/her home
	C-Con-07(concise agreement) suitable for a professional commission or construction project with simple contract terms where the client is acting for business or commercial purposes
For clients who are looking at larger building projects, the RIBA publishes:
	S-Con-07 (standard agreement) suitable for any professional commission or project where detailed contract terms are necessary. It can apply to most procurement methods, including design and build.
All the agreements can be obtained from RIBA Publications: +44 (0) 20 7256 7222


The planning process.
You are obliged to comply with legislation concerning planning, Building Regulations and health and safety. These are all matters on which your architect can advise, often dealing with the various authorities on your behalf. On commercial projects, there are often a number of people who need to be involved in decision making and review. Many organisations find it helpful to organise a committee to include all the people who need to be involved. However, you structure your decision-making process, make sure that one person is designated as the point of contact between your organisation and the architect. The RIBA Client Services team can assist you in the appointment of a RIBA Client Design Advisor who can perform this role.

Preparing to build
With planning approval in place, your architect can recommend an appropriate form of building contract and will prepare drawings with technical specifications which describe your agreed proposals, for selected builders to cost.

Work in progress
Your architect can, if you require, monitor the builders work in terms of meeting the standards required, finishing on time and not exceeding the contract figure.

RIBA Outline Plan of Work 2007
The Outline Plan of Work organises the process of managing, and designing building projects and administering building contracts into a number of key Work Stages.

⁶By RIBA. Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.
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Why use an architect⁷
Commissioning Architecture RIBA Copyright: RIBA Architects are trained to take your brief and can see the big picture.
	Architects look beyond your immediate requirements to design flexible buildings that will adapt with the changing needs of your business.
	Architects solve problems creatively.
	When they are involved at the earliest planning stage, they gain more opportunities to understand your business, develop creative solutions, and propose ways to reduce costs.
	Architects can save you money by maximising your investment.
	A well-designed building can reduce your bills now and increase its long-term value.
	Architects can manage your project from site selection to completion.
	In many building projects the role of the architect includes co-ordinating a team of specialist consultants such as landscape architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, interior designers, builders and subcontractors.
	Architects can save you time.
	By managing and co-ordinating key project elements they allow you to focus on your organisation’s activities.
	Architects can help your business.
	They create total environments, interior and exterior, which are pleasing and functional for the people who work and do business within them.

⁷By RIBA. Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reade

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Outline Plan of Work 2007⁸

PDF LINK

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Finding an architect⁹

PDF LINK

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Commissioning architecture¹⁰

PDF LINK

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Code of Professional Conduct¹¹

PDF LINK

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