Tag: architect

Advice Center

Interior Design Vs An Interior Architect: Understanding The Differences

2nd November 20210

interior architecture is often confused with architecture, interior design, and interior decoration. For a considerable amount of time, the debate as to the difference between the terms ‘Interior Designer’ and ‘Architect’ has continued to gather momentum. So, find out what the differences between an interior designer and an interior architect are.

What is the difference between an interior architect and an interior designer?

An interior designer focuses on the actual furnishings and decoration of the interior. Whereas, an interior architect designs building interiors and space planning.

What does an interior architect do?

The role of an interior architect is that they “blend art and science together”. They must take into account the functionality, safety, and appearance of the building. This takes a lot of skill and careful consideration throughout the design process.

Architectural Drawing 2 Result | Interior architecture design, Interior design sketches, Interior design renderings
interior design drawing

What does an interior designer do?

Generally, interior designers will work with you to design your space to suit your style, budget, and brief. Sometimes the designer will also purchase and install the furniture for you.

What are the differences between the two? There are many similarities between the roles of interior architect and interior designer. However, there are also some differences between the two jobs:

  • You need a license to become an architect. – One of the or differences is that all architects must have a license to call themselves architects and to practice architecture.
  • Interior design is more about aesthetic. – This profession focuses on space planning, creating cohesive and aesthetically pleasing designs for home interior and businesses.
  • Interior architects and structural renovations. – The interior architects will design the structure and get involved on a more technical level. They also work with builders, contractors, and technicians.

Work environment –

Interior architects usually divide their time between working in offices and working on construction sites. When in the office, they meet with clients to discuss projects, use computers to make plans, and develop budgets and timelines for projects.

They may also meet with other architects, engineers, interior designers, and construction managers to create more complex projects.

Interior designers also divide their time between working in offices and traveling for work. Then they are in the office, they usually meet with clients, research materials and décor options, and use software to create designs.

When they travel, they may meet with vendors to look for or retrieve materials, or they might go to client sites, where they carry out their design plans.

Interior Design Basics: 5 Interior Design Tips for Beginners - 2021 - MasterClass

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Building A Conservatory On A Budget: Ways How To Save Money

29th October 20210

If you are looking to add a valuable asset to your home, conservatories are the way to go. However, if you are trying to stay within a budget there are ways you can achieve a well-designed project. Some conservatories can reach up to £75,000 although, there are ways to get one done for as little as £5,000.  

Here are some ways to save money on a conservatory. 

Create a DIY conservatory –  

One of the best ways to save money on creating and installing a conservatory is by doing it yourself. While this is a much cheaper option, the process is complicated and can cause a lot of stress. 

You’ll need to build every element on your own, from the foundation to the roofing. As well as this you will have to make sure your design is within permitted development. Otherwise, you will have to spend more money on planning permission.  

Choose a cheaper type of conservatory –  

 There are a lot of options when it comes to the type and size of the project you want to create. You can decrease the costs by being careful with the size of the new space.  

For example, you could do a flat-roof and squared-off build to reduce the number of materials. However, if you use double glazing and slimline frames it lets the natural light flood in.  

If you design a conservatory with a fully tiled roof and partial brick wall instead of glass, be expected to pay more. Whereas, you can get simple lean-to frames that are not that expensive.  

 Choose uPVC over aluminium  

 UPVC offers a great balance between durability and price. It is a cheaper price than aluminium but it isn’t far off when it comes to performance. UPVC gives you as much flexibility and energy-saving potential. You can ger recyclable uPVC, meaning you can also help the environment while you cut the cost of your conservatory.  

Decide what it’s going to be used for first –  

Make sure you know how you are going to be using the conservatory. So, you don’t payout for any unnecessary features you don’t need.   

You should think about what you will use it for and when you are spending the most time in it. If you only use it on hot days in the summer you might not need as many electrical sockets. And if you use it all year you may consider adding underfloor heating.  

Use energy-efficient double glazing –  

A crucial way of saving money is to make sure you are using energy-saving materials. A way of doing this is by getting double glazing windows which increases the insulation and reduces energy usage.  

Double glazing works to create a thermal barrier for your space, pairing with the frames to give you air and water tightness. Because of this, you can stay comfortable in your space without relying on heating.  

Small Conservatories - Small conservatory range | Anglian Home

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Looking To Become An Architect? Here’s What You Need To Know

28th October 20210

What do you do as an architect?  

An architect is a skilled professional who plans and designs buildings and usually plays a key role in their construction. Architects are trained in the art and science of building design. Since they’re responsible for the safety of their building’s occupants, architects must be professionally licensed. 

Is being an architect a good career?   

Architects are highly respected in society. Due to their creative nature and attention to detail, they are considered a combination of arts and intelligence.  

Is studying architecture hard?  

You may have heard that architecture is a challenging subject to study, which might be daunting if you are thinking of perusing a career in it.  

Architecture is more difficult than many degrees as it involves thinking creatively and technically. It is also a very time-intensive course with an average workload of 36.7 hours per week. 

The different ways to get into this role –  

You can get into this job through:  

  • University courses 
  • An apprenticeship  
  • Working towards the role  

University –  

For example, you’ll need to complete:

  • A degree recognised by the architect’s registration board (ARB) 
  • A year of practical work experience 
  • A further 2 years full time university course like BArch, Diploma, MArch 
  • A year of practical training 
  • A final qualifying exam 

Course providers will want to see a portfolio of your drawings, hand-drawn sketches, photos, and models. So prepare when you are getting interviewed for degree courses.  

Apprenticeship –  

In particular, you can get into this role through an architect degree apprenticeship. This usually takes 48 months to complete, with a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university. In addition, you’ll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) AND A levels, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.  

Work –  

If you’re already working at a high level in an architectural practice but cannot study full time, you could qualify through RIBA Studio.

You’ll need to be registered with the ARB. Furthermore, you can register here:

https://architects-register.org.uk/

How much do architects earn?  

According to the RIBA jobs salary 2020, the salaries of registered architects in the Uk range from £21,000 to £80,000 a year. In addition, the average mid-career salary is somewhere around £40,000 a year.  

Although, we see that many architects actually earn very little, considering the work that they do and the responsibilities that they carry.  

Is being an architect worth it? 

The short answer is yes, it’s a creative, diverse, and ever-changing subject and profession that provides a huge array of opportunities and avenues to explore. Architecture is not easy, but if you dedicate yourself to it and are passionate about the subject it can be very fun.   

B.Arch Degree Course Syllabus,Eligibility | Education After 12th
an architect in work

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Architectural Service Prices UK: How Much Do They Charge?

20th October 20210

Architects’ prices can vary, not only in their level but also in the methods of their calculations. There are different methods for calculating the prices. This includes the percentage of construction, a fixed fee, and hourly rates.  

When you decide that you would like to use architectural services, the first question you have in mind is how much does it cost to hire an architect? 

Prices back in the day  

Up until the 1980s, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) published a mandatory and recommended fee scale on the prices they could expect architects to charge. However, due to the increase in competition the fee scales were abolished.  

How much do architects charge? 

This isn’t a simple question because there are so many different ways, they can charge you. And it also depends on your project and the features you want to include. Although here is an overview of the different methods:  

  • A percentage of the project – this can range from 1.5% to 20%. Usually, the bigger the project, the lower the percentage.  
  • Fixed fees – the architects can quote you a lump sum depending on how much work they will have to put into your project.  
  • Hourly rates – will get charged by the hour.   

Architect’s fees for residential projects will normally vary between 10%-14% of construction cost.  

How much does it cost for the drawings?  

Architects make design decisions that will add value to the site, they will then draw the floor plans, elevations, and visualisations. You will need these for planning applications, building control approval, and for the builders to use for construction.  

Prices typically range from £1400 – £6000 with an average of £3700. Although the prices will differ depending on the size and complexity of the project.  

Your architect will play an important role in:  

  • Discussing your project in detail with you  
  • Providing advice, guidance, and assistance  
  • Preparing and submitting your planning/ building regs application  
  • Hel you manage design and building mistakes (if any) 

A good architect will save you money in the long run, through careful planning that avoids costly changes and a U-turn on site. They would be looking out for your money at every stage.  

What to expect from an architect’s price proposal –  

Although each project is different, the proposal should include the same key information: 

  • A description of the project and brief 
  • A schedule or description of services to be provided 
  • The fee chargeable, broken down against work stages of the project 
  • Additional chargeable expenses  
  • An outline of project timescale  

If your proposal doesn’t include any of the information above, ask your architect for further clarification.  

What's the Average Building Cost Per Sq M in 2021? | Checkatrade

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Architecture & Building

The First Architect In History – The Fascinating Story Of Imhotep

15th October 20210
Imhotep - World History Encyclopedia
Statue of Imhotep

Who was Imhotep?  

Imhotep (2667 – 2600 BCE) whose name means “the one who comes in peace”. Was an Egyptian polymath best known as the architect of King Djoser’s step pyramid. Imhotep was a commoner by birth who advanced to the position of one of the most important and influential men in Egypt through his natural talents.  

He was chancellor to the pharaoh Djoser, high priest of the sun god Ra, and a vizier. As well as a poet, physician, mathematician, astronomer, and architect. In time he also became the god of wisdom and medicine. Some sources also say he was the god of science and architecture.  

Djoser step pyramid (2670 – 2650) – 

Under King Djoser’s reign (c. 2670 BCE) Imhotep was vizier and chief architect. He was the probable architect of Djoser’s step pyramid.  

When Imhotep began building the step pyramid, he changed the traditional shape of the King’s mastaba from a rectangular base to a square base. The reason why Imhotep decided to change the shape is unknown. But many think he wanted to have a square base from the start. 

 The masonry was laid not vertically but inclined toward the middle of the pyramid to increase the structural stability. Limestone bricks were used to build the pyramid.  

Imhotep decorated the pyramid with inscriptions and engravings of reeds.   

When the pyramid was completed it stood 204 feet high. It was the tallest structure of its time.  It was also the first pyramid built in Egypt.

Djoser was so impressed with the pyramid he disregarded the ancient pattern that only the king’s name may appear on monuments. Djoser then had Imhotep’s name inscribed on it well.  

When Djoser died he was placed in the burial chamber beneath the step pyramid. And Imhotep went on the serve his successors.  

Imhotep’s other architectural projects –  

Imhotep then went on to design and build another step pyramid.  Pharaoh Sekhemkhet asked Imhotep to construct another pyramid. He planned it to be greater than Djoser’s. The pyramid was never completed because the pharaoh died during the 6th year of his reign.  

After Imhotep’s death –  

About 3,000 years after his death, he was gradually glorified and defied. Imhotep is among the few non-royal Egyptians who were deified after their deaths. Traditions from long after his death treated him as a great author of wisdom texts, and especially a physician. Soon after he was worshiped as a demi-god.

2,000 years after his death, Imhotep’s status had risen to that of a god of medicine and healing.

Imhotep’s tomb has never been found and It is suspected his tomb is in north Saqqara. Where most well-known tombs of the period are located.  

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Architecture & Building

7 Types Of Expert Architects And What They Design

6th October 20210

Residential Architects 

Firstly, the residential architect’s design homes. they work with the homeowners designing custom homes or adjusting existing home plans. These architects also work closely with developers and home builders. Most of these architects will be dealing with clients directly and they will be handling many other tasks. 

Architecture & Design

Commercial Architects 

Commercial architects design buildings with a commercial purpose. This includes: 

  • Hotels 
  • Office buildings/ Skyscrapers 
  • Bridges 
  • Schools 
  • Museums 
  • Government buildings 
  • Anything that’s not a residential home 

Commercial architects are a very important branch of this career path. They will mostly work with businesses rather than individuals and they help design larger commercial properties. People who design commercial projects need to have an understanding and knowledge of building and engineering. However, many architects like this role because the buildings they create become important parts of the cities.  

Here's How Much Architects Earn In Every State

Landscape Architects 

A landscape architect focuses on creating outdoor spaces for people to enjoy. They create outdoor structures in spaces such as parks, college campuses, garden areas, and more. They also design the paths and the layout of the outdoor area.  

To be successful in this line of work you will need to have a lot of knowledge about plants and what is going to work well in the environment you are working with. The location of each landscape is planned out very thoroughly because it has to engage the public and pique their interests.   

Why Do Some Graduate Landscape Architects Have a Poor Understanding of Planting? - Land8

Interior Design Architects 

Many say interior design architects are just as important as the ones that design the building. In addition, they need to make sure that the interior elements are looking as good as possible and they understand how to get the most out of your living space.  

Those who are working as interior design architects will need to have a lot of understanding of design elements. They will need to know everything about different fabrics that are available. Many people consider interior architecture an art form because it involves a lot of pairing colours and matching different elements.  

10 Mistakes That (Almost) Everyone Makes in Interior Design

Urban Design Architects 

Urban design architects have the interesting challenge of making an entire area as beautiful as possible. The designer will be tasked with something such as designing a neighborhood. They need to plan the entire layout of the block for example where the houses will go, features such as trees and shrubs, maybe even a park adding some beauty into the area.  

A large project like this provides the chance for an architect to show off their overall skills. It is a great responsibility serving an entire community and it will be challenging but also fulfilling.  

Urbanism (Planning & Design) - Architecture & Urban Design - Research Guides @ Fordham at Fordham University Libraries

Green Design Architects 

These architects are specifically trained to be able to design homes to be as environmentally friendly as they can be. With environmental concerns at a high, people are thinking about the impact they are having on the environment. You need to be able to design the homes to use as many renewable energy sources as possible while also considering the materials the home is using.  

The architects trying to make homes green will keen a lot of knowledge in specific areas. Understanding how to use the natural properties of the sun and the shade will be important. Aerodynamics often plays a key role. 

Amazing Projects That Take Green Architecture To New Heights

Industrial Architects  

Finally, an industrial architect is able to translate and integrate the different processes, machinery, equipment, and other requirements of a specific industry into a functional building design. Industrial facilities are designed by professional architects.  

A professional is going to be able to design the facility in a way that will operate as efficiently as possible. They can get the most out of the space and ensure that everything looks great too.  

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Design and insperation

The world’s Youngest And Successful Woman Architect

5th October 20210
20/20 Vision: Courtney Brett, 25, owner and architect, Casburn Brett Architecture, Daphne - al.com
Courtney Brett, Worlds Youngest Architect

Who is Courtney Brett?  

Courtney Brett, who at 24 became the youngest licensed architect in the history of the American Institute of architects. Brett made headlines because then began college at 14, she transferred to auburn University’s architecture program at 16. And at 20, started working for Skidmore, Owning’s & Merrill (SOM) in New York. By the age of 21, Courtney was working on Qatar Petroleum, and it was shaping to be the largest construction in the world. 

Early life – 

By the time Courtney was 10, she knew she wanted to be an architect. On long car trips, she would entertain herself by sketching floor plans. Her family moved around a lot due to her father being an air force officer. Brett says “I had lived in and gone to school in so many different types of buildings; I was drawing plans and elevations trying to figure out how they worked”.  

Due to her SAT results which were obviously quite good, Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia recruited her for their early-college program at the age of 14. However, she left after two years because they didn’t provide an architecture program. She then started Auburn University at the age of 16, to pursue her dream of architecture.  

Brett has said that her age or other people’s age has never intimidated her. It turns out that in this field of work young women will always stand out. So, going to college at 14 is a great way to learn to hold your own as the youngest person in the room.  

Working life as a architect –  

Courtney’s first job was at SOM, the legendary firm behind projects like the freedom tower. Brett said she was lucky to find a female role model in her immediate team manager. She noticed how differently people interacted with men and women in the industry. Especially Courtney because she was the youngest. Brett experienced men micromanaging everything she did, so it came to the point she had to say something.  

Brett then started her own firm called Casburn Brett Architecture, on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. She appreciated the freedom she found in doing so, even though there are many challenges. However, after having her company for a couple of years Courtney has said her clients have been overwhelmingly positive. 

Projects – 

She first started working on designing homes in west Alabama, with Auburn’s well-reputed Rural Studio.

A couple of years on Brett made the leap and became the firm owner of Casburn Brett Architects. A month after starting her practice Brett scored her first major commission, a master plan for nine acres on the coast of orange beach. This called for a boardwalk, event space, playgrounds, shopping, and restaurants. However, the project went into limbo because a portion of the seawall awaited repair. 

 Courtney didn’t like seeing the site empty so she designed a temporary food stand in four shipping containers so that it was portable when her plan could be executed.  

Her firm helped convince a discounted chain shop to build in two master-planned towns. With a highly regulated building style, instead of locating the stores on farmland outside the town limits.  

AIA Wunderkind Courtney Brett Bridges Architectural Worlds - Curbed

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Design and insperation

The Richest Architect In The World: Norman Foster

29th September 20210
Norman Foster drops Madrid foundation project after planning snub
Norman Foster

A short summary –  

The richest architect in the world Norman Foster was born on the 1st of June 1935 and then took on the profession of a British architect and designer. He is now a key figure in British modernist architecture. His architectural practice Foster + Partners was founded in 1967. It then soon became the largest in the UK, and it maintains offices internationally. 

Childhood – 

Norman was the only child of Robert and Lilian Foster. The family moved to an area in Manchester England, where they lived in poverty. His parents were diligent and hard workers. His father was a machine painter at an electrical engineering company. This influenced Norman to take up engineering, design, and architecture. And his mother worked in a local bakery. His parents were always working and Norman often had friends and family look after him which led to a restricted relationship with his parents. 

Education to be an architect-  

Foster attended Burnage grammar school for boys. He was bullied and considered himself quiet and awkward. When he turned 16 and passed a trainee scheme exam which led to his first job. He became an office junior and clerk.  After that, he then had to complete his national service. In which he chose the air force because aircraft had been a long-time hobby.    

Upon returning to Manchester, he became an assistant to a contract manager in a local architect. (John E Beardshaw and partners). The staff advised that if he wished to become an architect, he should prepare a portfolio of drawings using the equipment from Beardshaw’s practice. Norman’s work was so impressive he joined the drawings department.  

In 1956, Norman began to study at the school of architecture and city planning part of the University of Manchester. He was eligible for a Maintenace grant so he took part-time jobs to fund his study. His talent and hard work were noticed in 1959 when he won a RIBA silver medal. He won this for what he described as a measured drawing of a windmill. After graduating in 1961, Foster won the henry fellowship to yale school of architecture in Connecticut. Where he met his future business partner Richard Rogers and earned his master’s degree.  

Career as an architect –  

Norman returned to England in 1963 to establish his own architectural practice, with rogers and 3 other people. One of their first projects was the cockpit, a minimalist glass bubble installed in Cornwall. The feature of this project then became a returning theme in Foster’s future projects. After the four separated Norman and one other from the group Wendy founded a new practice. Foster Associates. Norman collaborated with American architect Richard Buckminster Fuller on several projects. Such as the Samuel Beckett Theatre at St Peters College, Oxford. 

Foster associates concentrated on industrial buildings. Until a family-run insurance company wanted to restore a sense of community to the workplace. In response, foster designed space with modular, open-plan office floors, long before open-plan became popular. He also included a roof garden, a 25-meter swimming pool, and a gymnasium to enhance the quality of life for the employees.

Some of his biggest work –  

Foster received a commission for the construction of a new terminal building at London’s Stansted airport. The building is a landmark of high-tech architecture. It was awarded the European Union Prize for contemporary architecture.  

He also gained a reputation for designing offices. Norman designed the HSBC Main Building in Hong Kong, at the time it was the most expensive building ever constructed.  

Foster + Partners submitted a plan for a 385-meter-tall skyscraper, the London Millennium tower. However, the height was excessive for London’s skyline. So instead, Norman proposed 30 St Mary Axe, popularly known as “the Gherkin”.  

Norman Foster Cancels Plan to Move Foundation to Madrid | Artnet News

His style evolved into more sharp-edged modernity. And he then designed the tallest bridge in the world, the Millau Viaduct in Southern France.  

Norman Foster: 'I have no power as an architect, none whatsoever' | Norman Foster | The Guardian

Retirement –  

In January 2007, it was reported that Foster has called in to find buyers for Foster + Partners. Foster doesn’t intend to retire but sell his 80-90% holding in the company valued at £300 million to £500 million.  

Norman currently sits on the board of trustees at architectural charity article 25. Foster believes attracting young talent is essential. And is proud that the average age of people working for Foster + Partners is 32 just like he was in 1967.  

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