10 Architect Design Hacks You Need

10 ARCHITECT DESIGN HACKS

With the fast evolving world we live in, staying with the traditional design methods we learn from school will leave you behind the competition. It is important to keep up with the latest innovations and continuously have a hunger for learning and observing.

Here are the top 10 useful design hacks you can apply for your next project.

Don't start till you have the data

Absorb every detail firstly as much as you can. Go visit the site and recognize the access towards the site, strengths and weakness of the site, sun path direction, feel the environment and roughly envision the project being completed. Ask about the initial goals of the client, what is the budget range, discuss and get to an agreement with the client, it won't be the perfect plan but an initial plan will speed up the process and your direction to achieving the project.

When you have all the data gathered and when you and the client feels comfortable with the initial conversation about the project only then should you begin with the conceptualization.

Go for a break

A cycle of continuous production is only healthy up to a certain extend. "A well rested and inspired mind is usually the most creative mind." It is not always about working hard and putting in the hours designing and creating. Productivity and creativity comes in different ways, being still and finding inspiration first before putting on your battle gear is one effective way to find the inspiration that you need.

As an architect, it is given that you are a hard worker who can work both day and night, you probably can't wait to get back to your office and start conceptualizing. It is important to remember to treat your mind and body properly, don't worry too much about time being wasted when you are investing in yourself.

With "going for a break" being said, you must not forget to seek inspiration. Whether that's walking around the city taking ideas from existing architecture, going for a hike observing nature, or consuming inspiration from Pinterest, do what is necessary to feel good try to have fun and get that excitement back up.

Conceptualize in 3 dimensional

Working straight with 3 dimensional concepts will help you understand the finished design a lot faster compared to the traditional way of working in 2 dimensional. There are a lot of low cost 3D software you can start with that could be effective for the conceptualization, a few examples are Sketchup, Cinema4D, and Blender, other softwares are Revit, 3Ds Max, and the like. There are also free online options to create your 3d concepts like Coohom which is a pretty sweet free tool anyone can play on.

What is important to remember when conceptualizing in three dimensional is that you don't need to model every detail yet. The idea of the conceptualization stage is just there for you the designer and the client to have a draft of how the project will probably look like. The refined detailing can come after the concept design is approved. This way you save money and time from going straight to the costly detailing phase.

Model the environment firs

Work

Niche down to your forte

You are now an established architect and you feel overwhelmed with all the different clients coming in your door with projects ranging from residential to commercial to minor renovations to major renovations and so forth.
Now is a great time to decide on what you want to specialize in and focus only there, this way you get to excel in this specific field, work more efficiently, and create a brand around this one niche.

This is the strategy big companies stick with to maintain their success. Why Nike doesn't sell pizza and why Apple doesn't sell supplements.

Being laser focus and precise with what you have to offer will bring you the biggest success in your business and in return will allow you to improve your craft.

Incorporate natural light: Maximizing the use of natural light in a building can help create a more comfortable and energy-efficient space.

Choose materials carefully: Consider the durability, maintenance, and sustainability of different materials when making design decisions.

Utilize blank space: Don't be afraid to leave some areas of a building unoccupied or undecorated. This can create a sense of openness and allow for flexibility in the future.

Consider the user experience: Put yourself in the shoes of the people who will be using the space and consider their needs and preferences when designing.

Use color strategically: Color can have a big impact on the mood and atmosphere of a space. Choose colors carefully to create the desired effect.

Play with texture: Incorporating a variety of textures can add interest and depth to a space.

Invest in quality lighting: Good lighting can make a big difference in the appearance and functionality of a space.

Don't be afraid to take risks: Experimenting with unconventional design elements can result in unique and memorable spaces.

Collaborate with other professionals: Architects can benefit from working with a diverse team of professionals, including engineers, interior designers, and contractors.

Summary

The standard minimum fee for architects is 10% of the project construction cost. This shall cover the typical feasibility studies, schematic designing, design development, contract documentation, and a small retainer's fee if the architect chooses to extend his services.

The billing sequence of this 10% fee goes as follows:
P25,000 for the Typical Feasibility Study phase which will cover site study, general surveying, general engineering works, data gathering, mobilization costs, and miscellaneous.

15% Progress Billing for the Schematic Design Phase which shall cover conceptual and schematic planning.

25% Progress Billing for the Design Development Phase which shall cover the development of plans from architectural to engineering designs.

50% Progress Billing for the Contract Documentation Phase which shall cover all signatories from architects to engineers.

10% Billing for Retained Services until the construction is completed.

Author:

"A word of advice for a young professional architect, allow your client to give you his/her thoughts and ideas for the project but don't let your client give you a final design for you to merely follow and create for the sake of just having the signed and sealed documents.

At the end of the day, you are the professional and you want something more special than what your client wants for himself, so your job as the professional is to gather all the necessary data, educate your client on what can be done and what can't be done and provide the best possible finished product that will meet most of the given requirements, abide with the local restrictions, and fit the budget."

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