What Does Architect Do | Complete Guide

The architect profession remains mysterious to many people. You know architects design buildings, but what does that actually involve? This guide explains the complete scope of architectural work, from first meeting to final inspection.

Initial Consultation and Brief Development

Every project begins with understanding your needs.

First meeting objectives:

Understand your vision and requirements
Discuss budget expectations
Review site constraints and opportunities
Explain the design and construction process
Establish working relationship

Brief development: The architect helps you define:

Space requirements (rooms, sizes, relationships)
Functional priorities
Aesthetic preferences
Technical requirements
Budget parameters
Timeline expectations

This phase transforms vague ideas into clear project requirements. What to expect from first consultation explains this process in detail.

Site Analysis and Feasibility

Before design begins, architects analyze what’s possible.

Site investigation includes:

Physical survey and measurement
Orientation and solar analysis
Access and circulation review
Views and privacy assessment
Vegetation and topography mapping
Neighboring building relationships

Regulatory research:

Zoning designation and restrictions
Building parameters (height, coverage, setbacks)
Special requirements (historic, environmental)
Permit pathway and timeline

Feasibility assessment: Can your requirements be achieved on this site within your budget? Architects identify constraints early, preventing wasted design effort on impossible concepts.

Concept Design

The creative phase where ideas take shape.

What happens:

Multiple design options developed
Floor plans showing spatial arrangement
Massing studies showing building form
Preliminary elevations showing appearance
Basic material palette established

Client involvement: You review options, provide feedback, and guide direction. Good architects present alternatives rather than single solutions, giving you genuine choices.

Deliverables:

Concept drawings (plans, elevations, sections)
3D visualizations or physical models
Area calculations
Preliminary cost indication

This phase typically includes 2-4 design iterations, refining concepts based on your feedback.

Design Development

Selected concept develops into detailed design.

Increasing detail:

All rooms fully developed
Window and door positions finalized
Material selections specified
Fixture and fitting locations determined
Structural approach confirmed
Services integration planned

Technical coordination: Architect coordinates with:

Structural engineer
Mechanical/electrical consultants
Interior designer (if separate)
Landscape architect
Other specialists as required

Architecture services include this coordination, ensuring all elements work together.

Client decisions: You make final selections for:

Materials (flooring, wall finishes, roofing)
Fixtures (windows, doors, hardware)
Equipment (kitchen, bathrooms)
Special features (fireplaces, built-ins)

Technical Documentation

Design transforms into buildable instructions.

Construction drawings include:

Site plan showing building position
Floor plans with dimensions
Elevations showing all facades
Sections cutting through building
Details of complex conditions
Door and window schedules
Finish schedules

Specifications: Written documents describing:

Materials and their requirements
Installation standards
Quality expectations
Product references

Structural documentation: Engineer produces:

Foundation drawings
Structural frame drawings
Reinforcement details
Structural calculations

This documentation package enables accurate contractor pricing and proper construction.

Permit Processing

Architects navigate regulatory approval.

Permit documentation:

Application forms
Required drawings and calculations
Supporting technical reports
Environmental assessments if required
Fee payments

Municipality interface: Architects handle:

Submission procedures
Examiner questions
Required revisions
Approval collection

Building permits guide explains Bulgarian permit requirements.

Timeline: Bulgarian permit processing typically takes 2-4 months. Complex projects or difficult sites extend this.

Tender and Contractor Selection

Architects help you find the right builder.

Tender documentation:

Complete drawing package
Specifications
Bill of quantities (optional)
Contract conditions
Instructions to bidders

Contractor qualification: Architects advise on:

Required qualifications
Insurance requirements
Reference expectations
Past project evaluation

Bid analysis: When quotes return, architects help:

Compare like with like
Identify exclusions and qualifications
Evaluate value not just price
Recommend selection

Choosing construction company provides detailed contractor selection guidance.

Construction Administration

During building, architects protect your interests.

Site observation: Regular visits to verify:

Work matches drawings
Materials match specifications
Quality meets standards
Progress matches schedule

Clarification and problem-solving: Construction reveals unexpected conditions. Architects provide:

Interpretation of drawings
Design responses to site conditions
Resolution of contractor queries
Change order evaluation

Payment certification: Architects verify:

Work claimed is complete
Quality is acceptable
Payment amount is justified

Progress reporting: Regular updates keeping you informed of:

Construction status
Issues and resolutions
Timeline adherence
Budget tracking

Quality Control and Completion

Final phases ensure project meets expectations.

Inspection stages: Critical work verified at key points:

Foundation before backfill
Structure before covering
Services before closing walls
Finishes before final payment

Punch list development: Near completion, architects compile deficiency lists for contractor correction. Multiple inspections ensure resolution.

Final certification: Architect confirms:

Construction complete per documents
All deficiencies corrected
Building ready for occupancy
Documentation complete

Interior Design Integration

Many architects provide interior design services.

Interior scope includes:

Space planning and furniture layout
Color schemes and material palettes
Lighting design
Fixed furniture and millwork
Fixture and fitting selection
Decoration guidance

Interior design services create complete environments, not just building shells.

Coordination advantage: When architecture and interior design come from one source, integration is seamless. No gaps or conflicts between building and interior.

Post-Completion Services

Architect involvement can extend beyond construction.

Warranty period support: During contractor warranty period:

Defect identification
Correction verification
Warranty claim assistance

Future modifications: As needs change:

Renovation design
Addition planning
Regulatory updates

Ongoing relationship: Good architect-client relationships often continue through multiple projects over years.

The Value Equation

Understanding what architects do reveals their value.

Without architect:

Design decisions made without expertise
Regulatory problems discovered late
Contractor controls information
Quality unverified
Problems become expensive

With architect:

Professional design expertise applied
Regulations navigated efficiently
Contractors held accountable
Quality independently verified
Problems prevented or resolved economically

The question isn’t whether you can afford an architect. It’s whether you can afford the consequences of proceeding without one.