What Does an Architect Actually Do?

An Architect wears a variety of hats depending on what part of the process a design may currently be in, but can be thought of as the conductor of the orchestra that is design. They maintain roles as the leader of the design team, partner and advocate to their clients, and collaborator with the Contractor. They will listen and incorporate your many hopes and dreams into your new home as part of the design process, and will also present new ideas to you to ensure that no opportunities are missed.

Day-to-day, an architect will meet with you and other members of the project team to discuss various issues and find resolutions. Part of their time is spent directing work, and meeting with team members internally to give them feedback. And, part of their time is spent drawing. This is done largely on the computer to facilitate accuracy and the sharing of information, but many architects still take pride in their sketching abilities that are instrumental during early design, and to explore ideas all the way through construction.