What is an Architect?

Only when we stop to realize how much we depend on architecture for all aspects of our daily lives can we truly appreciate the role Perth architects play in being the bridge between human experiences and the built environment. The incentive behind each conceptual idea ultimately comes from the ideology that architecture influences us in ways we don’t even recognize, though we spend majority of our lives surrounded by it.

Whilst other design technicians design within a 2-dimensional medium, Perth architects are trained to perceive and interact with the built environment as a 3-dimensional realm. Giving opportunity to use all elements within the living environment to tantilise the vast array of human senses. They comprehend the nature of form and manipulate these forces, by varying between the familiar and the unfamiliar, drawing inspiration from the very fabric that binds the world around them either by literal means or within their own lens of human experiences and interactions. Giving license to creating habitual art forms that are as unique and subjective as an artist expressing their most inner thoughts.

It is no surprise to learn that Perth architects must undertake 5 years of university education (Bachelor’s Degree and Masters). Students of architecture learn to embrace critical thinking and push the limits of their imagination, exploring various research and explorative methodologies. Analysing human psychological influences, they are taught to view architecture from multiple perspectives, and how humans can engage with it. Creating experiential spaces that can heighten our sensory perception that evokes a reaction – one that people can feel, inspiring thought and reflection. Making them artistic specialists of the built environment, with a selection of tools, by way of form and space, sunlight, and shadow, colour and materiality, which all have integral relationships through resonance and dissonance, just as instruments do in a musical composition.

Once graduated architects must undertake a further 3 years of practical experience covering the National Standard of Competency prior to undertaking an additional three examinations before they can be registered as a licensed architect. Bearing responsibility for their professional services, they must carry Indemnity Insurance for life, along with continual practical development (CPD) annually to retain registration. It is an offence under the Architects Act for a person or corporation that is not registered or licensed with the Architects Board, to call themselves an “Architect” or to claim to practice architecture. If you are unsure if you a dealing with a registered architect, you can do a quick online search on the Architects Board website for the state that you live in.

An architect’s role is as diverse and influential as their concepts, not to mention their level of responsibility. The term “God is in the details” indicates that something may seem simple, but in fact the details are complicated and well thought out. The true skill of an architect is how well they can transpose their conceptual motif into a detailed set of documents that can effectively convey, correct and accurate instructions to the building contractor. When engaging with an architect, they become the clients representative (much like a lawyer) throughout the course to the entire project. Perth architects become responsible for all aspects of the project, pouring in countless hours from the early planning feasibilities, conceptual design models, approval processes, statutory laws and building codes, detailed documentation, management of consultants, project specifications, budgeting, and time management. During the administration of the contract, architects make periodic site visits to ensure the design intent and quality of workmanship is adhered to. They also have certain powers under the contract, and can determine if work has not been done properly or is of poor quality, can withhold certifying payment for defective work until it is rectified, and can even recommend dismissal if a builder refuses to comply. This ensures a holistic and transparent service for the client, giving them peace of mind that the outcome of the project will meet their expectations.

Engaging an architect means trusting a skilled professional to deliver creative thinking, highly developed problem-solving skills, attention to detail and an understanding of functional performance, which essentially underpins everything an architect does. The untrained eye marvels at the simplicity of architectural forms, but only through the lens of an architect reveal’s the various layers of complexity, that were methodically articulated and resolved.

So who will you trust with the design and delivery of your biggest investment?