From museums to schools and homes of all kinds, whatever structure you see is made by architects. There are great minds behind such beautiful and amazing residential and commercial buildings. Working with them means you can customize designs, expert guidance, and access to a network of reliable contractors.
But the question arises - "What are the types of architect?" "Are there only commercial and residential architects?"
The answer is—there are several types of architects depending on the scope, style, scale, and type of projects. This blog discusses all the types of architects with varied skill sets and how they fit your needs.
Here are a few architect types :
Residential Architects
Residential architects specialize in designing homes for private construction, including single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, etc. They create functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces for their clients and customize the home style to the client's personal preference.
They work with real estate companies and private clients to create stylish yet functional spaces for homeowners. They must adhere to the local building code and regulations and consider the client's budget.
Commercial Architects
Commercial architects design commercial buildings such as - office spaces, retail stores, hotels, shopping centers, etc. The concept of commercial architecture may extend to airports, hospitals, and stadiums as well. This architecture field involves creating spaces that meet the specific needs of businesses.
Commercial architects are responsible for creating designs that are practical, safe, and comply with regulatory compliance. They understand the importance of the layout of the commercial space in promoting productivity, encouraging foot traffic, and creating brand identity.
Green Design Architects
Today, there is a huge demand for green design architects as people are becoming more aware of how negatively buildings contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Green architects make eco-friendly and environmentally supportive buildings. They focus on creating extraordinary designs without impacting the planet. They understand the concept of sustainable building methods to meet the green building standard.
These professionals proficiently use innovative construction features to ensure functional and visually appealing space. They have good knowledge in aerodynamics, sun, and shading and work with the construction industry supply chain, in addition to local skilled labor resources, and use locally produced and sustainable materials.
Industrial Architects
Industrial architects design and plan manufacturing, production, and distribution facilities, such as warehouses, factories, logistic centers, etc. Hence, they design functional and efficient buildings that can effectively operate without being disturbed by outside elements.
They understand the use of each building and can integrate the equipment, including the tools and machinery required to carry out daily operations. As these structures are usually complicated, industrial architects work with industry specialists to ensure the building has the most efficient layout.
Conversation/Restoration Architect
If you think architects mostly design new buildings, that's not always the case. They also restore and conserve historic buildings. The USA has a list of buildings that hold significant historical importance. They protect these sites from external elements so that they stay in good condition for the coming generation.
Not anyone can work on these buildings; only architects with an understanding of the restrictions to be followed can do so. They also have a good understanding of the historical context. Their key skills are investigation, documentation, and inspection of the site.
Lighting Architect
Lighting architects are responsible for planning and designing lighting layouts for various spaces. They work on the functionality and aesthetics of projects for all kinds of commercial, residential, and public spaces. They are experts in lighting technology, design aesthetics, and energy efficiency.
They understand how natural and artificial lighting affects the human mind. To ensure the space looks sustainable and pleasant, they consider various factors such as the quantity of light required and its intensity.
Historic Preservation Architects
Historic preservation architects ensure the preservation and protection of old buildings with cultural or physical value. They determine a structure's worth by considering its age, construction quality, and current state.
They plan and initiate renovation work to restore the structure to its original state so it lasts longer while representing the historical culture of the United States. They are only responsible for making repairs and renovations that don't alter the building's appearance. They work with engineers and historians to create plans to preserve the structure and meet guidelines.
Site Architect
Site architects not only plan the building but also oversee its physical realization. They are responsible for designing the basic layout of the building, which is turned into construction documents that help visualize its exterior and interior.
They work on the site, overseeing the construction work and communicating with the specialists present there. They are the first line of contact when the project starts. They are also responsible for the successful execution of the project as per the original plan.
Hospitality Architect
This is a subset of commercial architecture. It mostly focuses on designing and constructing buildings and facilities that offer services related to leisure and accommodation, such as hotels, resorts, etc. These architects are responsible for creating spaces that offer comfort and fun.
They use several strategies, from integrating local art and materials to designing the natural landscape to ensure stunning views for the guests. They also consider lighting, layout, and choice of materials to incorporate luxury into the space. This leaves the visitors feeling healthy, refreshed, and inspired.
Landscape Architect
As the name suggests, landscape architects design and develop outdoor spaces. Examples include lawns, parks, private and public gardens, squares, orchards, and walkways. They are either experts in horticulture or work with one another to determine what types of trees, plants, flowers, and other greenery should be planted.
They consider the climate, the property's location, and what types of plants and flowers will thrive under what conditions. They also work with sustainable architecture to understand how the interior and exterior of the space can be integrated.
Interior Design Architect
Designing a space requires an artistic mind along with technical knowledge. They have a basic understanding of fabrics, colors, furniture designs, lighting, etc., which ensures the space is aesthetically pleasing, safe, practical, and sustainable. They work on all sorts of projects, from commercial to residential, of all sizes and spaces.
They consider every aspect of the room to create a functional and efficient space. Interior architect design possesses the knowledge of human psychology and behavior in terms of design, which includes assessing receptiveness, comfort design, and the client's cultural and social preference.
Urban Design Architect
Urban design architects deal with the arrangement, appearance, and functionality of towns and cities. These architects specialize in designing neighborhood development, considering the pedestrian walking area and the driving area. It mainly involves planning public spaces and infrastructure that improve the living conditions of a particular town and may resemble and connect with the urban environment.
In addition, they are responsible for planning the building arrangement, public transportation system, pedestrian pathways, recreational spaces, etc., that give the region a touch of urbanity. They usually create a plan book to pass on to architects working on individual buildings so that everybody is on the same page about how a particular area should look.
How to Find the Best Architecture?
Not every project is the same, which makes hiring an architect a challenging task. So, here's a few tips you should consider before hiring one:
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Interview potential architects.
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Check if they are flexible to adapt to changes.
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Check for the architect's experience and expertise.
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Ask them to give you a 3D walkthrough of preliminary designs.
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Ask them for sample designs and plans they have made earlier.
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Understand if they have a good knowledge of local building codes and regulations.
Conclusion
Architects bring a fresh perspective to any project because they are trained to do so. They can identify opportunities for adding new aspects and improvements that align with the client's vision and preferences. Depending on their expertise, they can handle projects of any size and scale. Hence, they can help create the space and structure of your dreams.
