Susie asked:


I need to know whether I have a load bearing wall in my house before it gets ripped down. The architect has only just mentioned that we should maybe check it out (even though he’s already charged over £200 for supposed investigative work) We have tried to do it ourselves and even though the rafters look like it’s not load bearing as they go in the same direction, part of the wall also goes down into the foundations which makes us a bit suspicious. so, we need to get it checked out for sure – but by whom? A structural engineer? is it our responsibility or should our architect have sorted all this out for us? Help!

Kelly

asker asked:


I’m doing a project and I need to know which type of architect has the highest paid salary.

Erik

mv asked:


I want to sketch my proposed residential building thru an qualified architect. What would be the appx. charges for that?

Marion

Christian Fea asked:


Copyright (c) 2008 Christian Fea

The term continues to grow in prevalence, but many people are still unfamiliar as to what a business architect actually does. Business architects are especially valuable to joint ventures because they bring together companies to create innovation. They essentially see the “bigger picture” between two companies and bring the corporations together to benefit all involve.

Where do Business Architects Work?

Business architects are highly effective in various settings:

-Directors of corporate leadership change

-Creators of joint ventures

-Developers of highly innovative programs

-Managers of new ventures and partnerships

Business architects can all work in different settings; however, their underlying goal is the same: help the business achieve greater success and effectiveness.

The Role of the Business Architect

Organizations prosper because of congruent, continuous decision-making at all levels of the business. Performance measures need to be aligned with the organization’s strategy. A Business Architect documents and defines a business strategy using requirements provided by their clients. The Business Architect evaluates the big picture, how the work process is directed ‘ and then finds way to improve the business to take revenues and effectiveness to the next level. Fundamentally, the business architect’s purpose is to allow businesses to have the highest probability of success against the competition.

In a joint venture, it can be a business architect that will develop the best strategy through an analysis of the companies’ objectives and goals. Often the business architect will create business strategies and innovative techniques that the companies can embark on together. Much like the traditional building architect creates the plan and how to implement the building process, the business architect can also be a primary foundation for a successful joint venture.

The Advantages of Using a Business Architect

The business architect can assist the business owner with developing a joint venture strategy. He or she can assist in every aspect, from defining goals to choosing venture partners. The savvy business architect can put in place strategies to define governance and accountability, as well as organizing information to assist in the decision making process. Having this kind of support may make a big difference in whether a joint venture will succeed or not.

The business architect usually is a savvy communicator. Their business experience can establish a connection with venture partners, define rules and support you in the joint venture process. The business architect can also provide a completely unbiased view of the advantages or disadvantages for engaging in a particular joint venture deal.

The title “Business Architect” still eludes many. Perhaps a better title would be that of “problem architect.” If you are looking to expand your business, or perhaps engage in a joint venture, a business architect can help you bridge that change to enjoy greater success. Fundamentally, a Business Architect is to a business what a Project Manager is to a project ‘ guiding joint ventures to a higher level of success. The investment in a business architect may very well pay off significantly in the profitable foundation built with the joint venture partnership.



Anthony

smithricky asked:


Construction has always been important role to increase or decrease the value of the property ever since human civilization happen. It is construction that defines the buildings and also proves to be the trigger for its purchase or sale. In the modern times, to deal with construction field there are various sectors that have emerged to form this industry. One of the most important among them would be Real Estate and Infrastructure, Manufacturers and Builder, Architects and Interior Decorator. Architects are a professional that specialize in the field are called as Architecture, dealing with the technical knowledge and management skills. The most important segment is to understand the related fields function of an Architect, as architect one closely works with various field that are;



Real Estate Development

Corporate Facility Planning

Construction Management

Interior Designing

Interiors and

Project management



Among all Real Estate lends a majority of work to this sector. The basic aim of the Real Estate sector is to deal with property which involves purchasing, disposing or customizing the property, however in order to perform any of these function the Real Estate alone is not a qualifier, architects here would bargain their share of importance when compared to various other related field which are involved in the process of construction. Architects define property by structuring them into castles, villas, flats, floor or just a wasteland. Architecture as sector has evolved it associates with various related field like, Architect Design, Architect Engineering, Architect Technology and among others. With this overview about Architects, they can be defined as, “people who are involved in planning and designing buildings and participants to supervise construction of the building”, therefore relating Architects to the field of Engineering would not be wrong. Understanding the criticality of Architects in the field today we have courses that certify architects in the field. These courses start from diploma to degree as per the interest of an individual.

The importance of architectures can be realized with the reorganization of architects not only with the Indian Real Estate Awards but also with the National Awards. The latest real estate events like Real India Fest 2009 also recognize the work of Architects in the field and therefore facilitate this sector by dedicating them with a different category of awards. This award recognizing their work not only in their field but also in the fields related to them. To conclude one can say that with the increase growth in the Real Estate and Infrastructure there would be an opportunity for the related fields to grow. Architects serve to be the backbone which brings them an opportunity of not only showcasing their talent but also enhancing their work. We could look at some of the key players today in the market. They are;



Architect Hafeez Contractor

Archkons

Sanson Sen and Associates (P) Ltd.

Span Consultants Private Limited

C. P. Kukreja Associates

Prem Nath & Associates

Semac Private Limited

OCI Architects and

Among Others





Dan

Michael C. Podlesny asked:


So you are dreaming to be an aspiring Architect or as George Constanza would, “you know I always wanted to pretend to be architect!”. Ok I had to work in some Seinfeld reference today so there it is. But lets not pretend here, lets talk about fact. You are an aspiring architect, and what better way to jump into the profession then learning more about it.

If the path you want to pursure is being an innovator in the architecture industry then look no further than Great Schools by Design, a program administered by the American Architectural Foundation (AAF) and sponsored by the architectural company Target. This program allows students to get involved in designing schools and matches school leaders with architectural innovators.

But maybe you are already a young architect and want to stir up some creative thoughts about new designs, maybe a better design of an already existing facility. Willard Daggett, president of the International Center for Leadership in Education, suggests, “technology is an important foundation for building.” He continues, “sustainability issues should be considered when building a design and that the design should have an artistic consideration.”

So where can an architect or aspiring architect go for more information besides the web? The 2007 American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York Chapter Design Awards will be held on April 9 to July 7 in New York City as well as the AIA National 150 Best Buildings Exhibition Opening is on April 11 in Washington, D.C. and of course The Snapshot 007: Current Houston Design on View will be held on May 18 to June 16 in Houston, Texas. Three great shows and venues for aspiring architects to gain some knowledge and inspriation.

As with an goal achievment process or career path succession, one should always have a mentor or someone in the industry they can look up to and learn from. Architecture is no different. Architect Steven Ehrlich, is a good place to start. It has been his principle in designing which has made him well known and successful in the architecture profession. His resume includes designing the eco-conscious building in Zaria, Nigeria with a mud and thatch experimental theater. This structure is still maintained and due to its cultural relevance it was described as a reflection of a singular multicultural modernism. Ehrlich states, “that latest technology in architecture allows architects to be environmentally responsible.”

Or you can look to Eddie Jones, another successful and brilliant architect. Jones has designed buildings for the state of Arizona. He tends to use the element of surprise in his work, where inside his architecture, “unexpected ways of letting the sun and moon enhance the experience of a space abound,” claims an unnamed source. Eddie Jones runs the Jones Studio Inc. with his brother, and he continues to “benefit creatively from what surrounds him naturally,” according to Architecure Digest.

So as you can see the profession of architecture is a challenging one, yet there are many avenues you take as well as groups, people and exhibits you can draw inspiration from to enhance your career.

By: Michael C. Podlesny



Gordon

Roboko asked:


Im 15 and want to become an architect but i have no idea of the kind of things that they do. For example would i travel a lot or would i be working in an office or outside?
Any help will be very much appreciated.

Lucy

griffd1 asked:


I am checking references on a residential architect. What specific questions should I ask the people to whom I speak?

Ruben

Catherine Harvey asked:


Architectural visualisation has come in many shapes and forms over the years. We’ve seen the ideas from ancient civilisation that consisted of huge stone structures, remnants of which still remain today. We see all around us the architectural visualisation of the Victorians. Obsessed with the ornate styling of the gothic trends of the time, they were very keen on gargoyles, spires and lots of fancy detail.

Engineering feats have come on a hundred fold since the days of the Victorians. Materials have come and gone in fashion, glass being quite a big feature of buildings over the last twenty or thirty years. Extra strong glass has been developed that make it suitable for use in large sheets to make bright, modern buildings with a futuristic look. However, the problem of sitting in a greenhouse when you’re at the office has had to be overcome.

With air conditioning and protective shields on glass this has now become an easier product to work with but those in earthquake zones are not so keen on the idea, however safe it may seem!

Architectural visualisation has been set further challenges over the years. Engineers have had to come up with ways to make building safer in our ever more dangerous climate of extreme weather and terrorism. Added to this is the matter of the way architects like to challenge themselves, coming up with structures that appear to defy the laws of physics but are actually clever ways of deploying engineering skills.

Skyscrapers have been a part of our landscape for many years now. Originally seen as a bit of an eye sore, their usefulness in housing lots of people in a small area has outweighed the complaints. They are also useful in built up areas for accommodating many businesses in one block but the challenge to give them some visual appeal has been set for architects globally.

To this end, an Italian architect has come up with a skyscraper with a difference. The view changes hourly. How can this be so? Once built, the architect believes it is possible that each floor will be able to rotate. Two buildings are planned in this style the first 80 floor ‘dynamic tower’ is planned for Dubai with another in Moscow by the end of 2010.

David Fisher is the owner of the Rotating Tower Technology Company and architect behind this proposed building. Of course, the concept is not new. There are already buildings with individual floors that rotate but to construct a complete tower that is in constant perpetual motion is something else.

The idea from the architect is that buildings fit around our seasons. Not so long ago everyone wanted a home with a South facing garden to make the most of the summertime but what if that home could rotate so that you could make the most of good weather all year round? Not an idea yet applied to individual homes but I guess these skyscrapers are just the beginning.

Prefabricated apartments that spin round a central concrete core are the idea behind the tower and will be activated by voice command. Electricity generated by solar panels and wind turbines fitted between floors. This is an innovative idea to keep a building supplying its own energy so also takes into account its impact on the environment.

Residents will purchase an entire floor each with its own parking space, right outside! Car elevators, gardens and swimming pools are also to be incorporated into this architectural visualisation and has set huge challenges to the engineers working on the project.

The first tower is expected to cost 355 million pounds so I’m doubting that the average person will be taking out a mortgage on a floor. Initial reservations stemmed from the fact that Mr Fisher had never designed a skyscraper before but experienced architects are also collaborating on the building and ensure us it will be as safe as houses.



Mildred

indie124 asked:


What classes are required in college? What do you have to do after college? How much does the average architect make?

Jill