What do architects do? An essential read before your next project

An architect is a revered professional in Australia and rightly so. The projects they successfully complete can be nothing short of inspiring, requiring a diverse range of creative and technical skills. However, while most understand they are primarily responsible for the final outcome of a building project, many don't know exactly what an architect does to achieve this. Supported by insights from leading architects in the field, we decided to take a deep dive into the role of an architect including what they have to do to become one, their process, services and more.

Becoming an architect in Australia takes time, dedication, intelligence and acumen as a profession that encompasses a wide range of varied skills.

This starts with an educational pathway that includes a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (or similar), followed by a Master of Architecture from an accredited university.

Having completed these studies, a budding architect has to gain practical experience, typically through an internship or work placement, for around two years. Under the supervision of a registered architect, they'll develop the necessary professional skills and understanding they need to succeed on their own.

Finally, they will need to pass the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) conducted by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and then register with the architects' registration board in their relevant jurisdiction.

Continuous professional development is also required by the architect to maintain their registration status.

Architects in Australia play a crucial role in shaping the built environment by designing and overseeing the construction of buildings and spaces that are functional, sustainable, and pleasing to the eye. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, ensuring that the final design aligns with regulatory requirements, budget constraints, and environmental considerations. They are also responsible for ensuring that their designs enhance the quality of life for occupants and contribute positively to the surrounding community and environment.

More specifically, the services they typically provide are as follows:

Summary of architectural services offered

• Meeting with clients to discuss project requirements and objectives
• Developing design concepts that align with client needs and regulatory standards
• Preparing detailed architectural design drawings and specifications
• Coordinating with engineers, contractors, and other professionals to ensure project feasibility
• Overseeing the construction process to ensure adherence to design specifications
• Managing building projects including budgets and timelines
• Ensuring compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and environmental sustainability standards
• Conducting site visits and inspections to monitor progress and quality of work
• Revising designs as needed based on feedback or changing circumstances
• Providing post-construction support and evaluation.

“An architect versus a draftsman or building designer is that we give you something you haven't thought of before. You might have preconceived ideas about your project, and I might challenge those ideas for the better to make the building smarter, more efficient and more beautiful than you had ever considered. Architecture is a balance between pragmatics and poetry, balancing problem solving, pragmatic design with the creative side, but the two are always playing off against each other.” - Fiona Dunin, founder and director of FMD Architects.

Related article: Tools of the trade: the role of an architect

Architects work on a diverse range of projects that span across the residential, commercial, public, and industrial sectors. Their work includes designing homes, apartments, and community housing (new builds, renovations and extensions). They also frequently design offices, retail stores, hotels, schools, hospitals, and cultural institutions. Infrastructure projects, such as transportation hubs and urban planning, and the adaptive reuse of existing structures also fall into their remit. In recent times, sustainable design practices have become an important aspect of these projects, ensuring they meet environmental standards and contribute to long-term ecological balance.

Summary of architectural projects

• Residential homes and apartments
• Community housing and social housing developments
• Commercial office buildings
• Retail stores and shopping centres
• Hotels and hospitality venues
• Public buildings (schools, hospitals, libraries)
• Cultural institutions (museums, galleries, theatres)
• Industrial facilities and warehouses
• Transportation hubs (airports, train stations, bus terminals)
• Urban planning and development projects
• Adaptive reuse and renovation of existing structures
• Sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings.

“An architect will tailor a design specifically for you and your personal circumstances on your land, or with respect to the existing home. It is a unique, customised solution that often involves hundreds of hours discussing your aims and expectations in terms of how you want to live today and in the future, and then documenting it for construction to achieve the final built result. A large part of the role of the architect – when engaged for full services – is to liaise with the builder throughout construction. An architect will act in your interests, much like a lawyer, doctor or dentist, to professionally assist you.” - Robert Harwood, director of My Architect.

Related article: Why you should choose an architect for your next build or renovation

The building process with an architect is a journey that begins with initial consultations to understand the client's vision, needs, and budget. The architect conducts site analyses and develops preliminary designs, considering environmental, regulatory, and community factors. Once the concept is approved, the architect creates detailed drawings and specifications, coordinating with engineers and specialists to cover all technical aspects.

During construction, the architect may also oversee the project, manage the budget, and ensure compliance with designs, building codes, and sustainability practices. Upon completion, they may also assist with post-construction evaluations to ensure the final product meets the client's brief and expectations.

Steps in the architectural process

• Client consultation: Understanding the client's vision, requirements, and budget
• Site analysis: Assessing the site’s conditions, environmental impact, and local regulations
• Concept design and development: Developing preliminary designs and presenting them to the client for feedback, refining them into detailed drawings and specifications
• Planning approval and documentation: Submitting designs to local councils for planning permission and preparing comprehensive construction drawings and technical documents
• Coordination: Collaborating with engineers, building surveyors, and other consultants
• Tendering: Assisting the client in selecting a contractor and negotiating contracts
• Construction administration: Overseeing the construction process, conducting site visits, and ensuring compliance with designs.
• Project management: Managing timelines, budgets, and quality control.
• Final inspection and handover: Ensuring the project is completed to specifications and assisting with the final evaluation.
• Post-construction support: Providing ongoing assistance for maintenance and addressing any issues.

Architects fees can vary widely from one professional to the next and each will have their own model for charging out their services. Many architects in Australia will charge a percentage of the estimated budget while others will charge a fixed fee or hourly rate.

The percentages can range anywhere between 5-15% of the estimated budget depending on the scope of services agreed and the complexity of the project. Some services, like feasibility services, may incur additional fees.

This may seem a lot at first glance but it's important to think about the long-term benefits, including those that are a direct result of a well-designed building, like improved insulation that will mean reduced energy consumption, lower utility bills and reduced maintenance costs.

As you can no doubt already see, architects are extremely talented, multi-skilled professionals who offer a variety of services to successfully realise a wide range of building projects. Their professional expertise in design ensures functionally efficient and visually pleasing results. They can skilfully translate a client's vision into reality, creating tailored solutions that maximise space, light and comfort.

On top of this, their regulatory knowledge is hugely important. Their experience can help you navigate complex requirements so your project complies with local building codes zoning laws and sustainability standards.

Last, but not least, their ability to project manage from start to finish, coordinating with contractors and specialists, takes much of the burden off the client, leading to better quality construction, reduced risks and costly errors and smooth execution.

"There’s a lot of architecture consumed through online media, print and television that promote the idea of going out and tackling a renovation or build on your own. However, when homeowners start working through the build process they realise the value of having a professional guide them through what is an incredibly complicated journey. I think people are universally surprised at how many decisions need to be made when building a new home. There is a shared experience of surprise among homeowners when building, particularly at the peak of constructions, when suddenly they’re on site with a building talking about stuff they don’t understand. Architects understand what is going on, can talk shop and look after the builder." - Warwick Mihaly, co-founder of Mihaly Slocombe Architects.

Related article: How to choose between an architect and building designer

Now that you know just about all there is to know about architects and what they do, the next step is to pick one for your next building project. These tips will help make that search easier.

1. Define your goals and understand your needs

You should first clearly outline your project goals, budget, and your stylistic preferences before searching for an architect. This will then give you a basis for your search, looking for architects whose work closely aligns with your vision.

2. Review their portfolio

You should always examine an architect’s previous work to see if their design style and experience match your project requirements. Thankfully, platforms like ArchiPro help you do this as each architect has a unique profile showcasing their projects that you can effortlessly browse.

3. Check credentials and experience

It's rare that a professional will fraudulently call themselves an architect without being one, but it never hurts to check that they are licensed and registered with the relevant architectural board in Australia for your jurisdiction. At the same time, you might want to consider their years of experience in the field, especially if you're undertaking a particularly ambitious project.

4. Ask for references

There are few things more telling than the personal experience of a client when it comes to a building or construction project, so be sure to seek out and speak with past clients of your prospective architects. Specifically, you'll want to focus on the architect's communication skills, reliability, and the outcome of their projects.

5. Evaluate communication skills

Having just mentioned this, you can actually evaluate their communication skills yourself during your initial conversations with them. You'll ultimately want to choose an architect who listens well, communicates clearly, and is open to feedback, as good communication is essential for a successful collaboration.

6. Understand their fee structure

As we said earlier, many architects will work on a percentage figure of an estimated final budget but others will not. There may also be services that incur additional fees on top of this. Don't hesitate to ask for clarity about an architect's fee structure so you can calculate how this will work with your budget (which you should also be transparent about). This will help you plan your finances accordingly and help you avoid any surprises will the final bill arrives.

7. Ask about their approach to sustainability

If sustainability is important to you (as it is for most now), ask about their experience with environmentally friendly design and how they incorporate sustainable practices into their projects. This will lessen your carbon footprint and could help save you money on long-term utility costs too. It will also be an indication of how abreast the architect is with modern products and innovations, which could be a handy point of difference that separates your final candidates.

"An architect brings a unique set of skills and expertise that can make the difference between creating an average building and creating a home that will tick all the boxes. They can help create a vision that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, functional, and structurally sound. While the cost of hiring an architect may seem expensive, the value they bring is worth the investment in the long run. When hiring an architect, it’s important to choose one with a proven track record and a strong reputation in the industry. In the end, you’ll be left with a home that meets all your needs and exceeds your expectations." - Jessica Murray, founder and director of Cooper & Blake Architecture

Related article: The value of hiring an architect in Australia

There's no greater asset than a talented architect for a building project so it makes sense to invest time in the process of understanding what they do before diving into your search. The more you know, the easier this will be and the greater chance you'll pick one that helps you achieve all your objectives from start to finish.

Browse our extensive directory of over 400 architects in Australia on ArchiPro