When it comes to the construction of buildings and projects, it’s easy to focus on the work of architects and engineers, but there’s another key professional who also plays an important role in ensuring the success of each project: the technical architect.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what this professional is, what their responsibilities are, and their relationship with other industry professionals.
Keep reading!
What is a technical architect?
A technical architect, also known as a building engineer or quantity surveyor in some countries, is a highly specialized professional in the field of construction and building.
Its main function is the comprehensive management of construction projects, from initial planning and budgeting to construction supervision and final delivery.
What are your roles and responsibilities?
The duties and responsibilities of a technical architect are varied and encompass multiple aspects of the construction and project management process.
The main responsibilities and tasks are:
- Construction planning: The technical architect participates in the initial planning of construction projects. This involves defining objectives, timelines, necessary resources, and estimated budgets.
- Budgeting: This includes estimating the costs of materials, labor, machinery, and other resources needed for construction.
- Cost management: During project development, the technical architect monitors and manages costs to ensure that the project remains within the established budget and that significant deviations do not occur.
- Construction supervision: During the construction phase, the technical architect closely supervises and monitors the project to ensure that plans and technical specifications are followed, as well as to verify the quality of the work performed.
- Professional Coordination: Collaborates with other construction professionals, such as architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors. Coordinates their efforts to ensure the project runs smoothly.
- Quality control: Verifies the quality of the materials used and the execution of the works. Conducts periodic inspections to ensure quality standards are met and resolves any issues that may arise.
- Technical documentation: Prepares detailed technical documentation, such as monitoring reports, quality certificates, and other documents required for the registration and legalization of the work.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that the project complies with all applicable local, national, and international regulations. This includes legal, safety, environmental, and accessibility aspects.
- Technical Consulting: Provides technical advice to clients and other professionals involved in the project. Offers recommendations on materials, construction techniques, and solutions to specific problems.
- Workplace Safety: Supervises and promotes workplace safety. Ensures safety regulations are followed and measures are taken to prevent accidents.
- Problem Resolution: Addresses and resolves problems that may arise during the construction process. This may include design adjustments, unforeseen problems on-site, or changes in client requirements.
- Delivery and acceptance of the project: cooperates in the final delivery of the project to the client, ensuring that all applicable requirements and regulations are met.
What is the relationship between the technical architect and other professionals?
This professional works closely with a variety of stakeholders involved in the construction process and manages relationships to ensure coordination and achievement of project objectives.
This profile usually maintains relationships with:
- Other architects: Collaborates with architects on project planning and design. The technical architect is responsible for managing and supervising construction, ensuring that plans and technical specifications are followed.
- Engineers: Works with civil, structural, electrical, and other specialists as needed. Coordinates their efforts to ensure engineering solutions are effectively integrated into the construction.
- Contractors and Subcontractors: Establishes relationships with general contractors and subcontractors who perform construction. Supervises their activities and ensures that quality and safety standards are met.
- Clients: Maintains ongoing communication with the client, discussing project goals, expectations, and requirements. Provides technical advice and ensures the client’s needs are met.
- Material Suppliers: Liaise with construction material suppliers to obtain quotes, evaluate the quality of materials, and ensure their timely delivery to the construction site.
- Inspectors and Regulators: Interacts with local and national building inspectors and regulators to ensure the project complies with all regulations and obtains necessary approvals.
- Construction crew: Supervises construction crews, including bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, and other workers. Coordinating their activities is essential for the smooth progress of the project.
- Safety Team: Works with the workplace safety team to ensure all safety regulations are followed and measures are taken to prevent accidents.
- Environmental professionals: On environmentally sensitive projects, the technical architect may interact with environmental and sustainability experts to ensure appropriate measures are taken.
- Local communities: Sometimes it is necessary to engage with local communities to address concerns about the project, especially in projects that affect the urban environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the technical architect plays a key role in the construction industry, bringing a valuable combination of technical knowledge, management skills, and experience.
Their presence is a fundamental element in the creation of safe, functional, and high-quality buildings.
Do you need a technical architect? At Fran Cortés Arquitectos, we have a team trained to tackle any project requiring this profile.
Write to us and let’s talk!
