
Most construction companies do not have their own design team on staff and have to work with an external architect or architectural technologist. This causes roadblocks in the design and construction phases.
Stretch Construction offers a unique opportunity for clients with our architectural technologist and in-house design-build services. Whether you have a design developed by another architect that you’d like our team to review or you are starting from scratch, we are able to provide added value to your construction project.
Having an architectural technologist on staff in a construction company provides numerous benefits and enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the design-build process.
Understanding the Role of an Architectural Technologist
Architectural technologists work closely with architects, engineers, and construction teams to develop and translate architectural designs into practical construction plans. They are responsible for ensuring that designs are aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound by considering factors such as building codes, constructability, regulations, and the needs of customers.
An architectural technologist produces detailed technical drawings and specifications that guide the construction process. These drawings may include floor plans, elevations, and other structural details. They must have a keen eye for detail, as accuracy is crucial to ensure that the final structure is safe, efficient, and in line with the original design intent.
Additionally, architectural technologists are often involved in project coordination and management. They collaborate with the rest of the contractor teams, addressing any technical challenges during the construction phase.
Streamlined Communication and Collaboration
Having an architectural technologist in-house significantly improves communication by having the design and construction teams under one umbrella. This position allows them to effectively translate the architectural side into a format construction professionals can easily understand and execute.
By actively participating in design reviews, construction meetings, and site visits, architectural technologists ensure that the design and construction teams are aligned and have a shared understanding of the project requirements.
This enhanced communication results in smoother project execution, as potential conflicts and discrepancies can be identified and resolved early on. Design modifications or adjustments can be made in a timely manner, minimizing delays and rework.
The design-build process greatly benefits from the real-time collaboration and problem-solving capabilities of an architectural technologist. Using advanced software and technology, architectural technologists can engage in real-time discussions and modify designs. For example, they can propose alternative construction methods or materials that may optimize efficiency or reduce costs without compromising the design intent. However, before there is an issue during construction, an on-staff architectural technologist takes any concerns into account from the early stages of the project, reducing the likelihood of costly design changes during construction.
Having an architectural technologist in-house also reduces the need for external coordination, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Instead of relying on external consultants or additional coordination meetings, the architectural technologist can directly communicate and collaborate with both the design and construction teams.
Seamless Integration of Design and Construction
Working with a construction company that offers in-house design-build services bridges the gap between design and construction in a commercial construction project. Having team members that can provide input from a design and construction perspective streamlines processes and create a more effective building design.
With the help of an architectural technologist, your design-builder can take your commercial project from concept to completion. This way, they can integrate Value-Engineering from the beginning to ensure your project has the most successful outcome.
However, they can also support you, no matter what stage you are at, including if you already have designs from an outside architectural firm. The design-build team can analyze your existing drawings and provide valuable input, such as overlaying of plans and clash detection. Clash detection involves identifying where parts of the building design (e.g., plumbing, walls, etc.) could interfere with one another.
Cost and Time Efficiency
Construction companies, like Stretch Construction, that offer in-house design services are able to be proactive in addressing potential issues in the design versus being reactive in the field during construction. This can help keep the timeline and budgets down.
In-house design services also minimize the additional costs of hiring external specialists for design modifications or resolving construction-related issues. So, with an architectural technologist in-house, the project budget can be optimized, and the overall project costs can be better controlled.
Having an architectural technologist on staff in a construction company like Stretch Construction offers significant advantages in the design-build process. With the expertise and collaboration of an architectural technologist, the communication between the design and construction teams is streamlined, resulting in smoother project execution and minimized conflicts. In addition, the real-time problem-solving capabilities of our architectural technologist ensure efficient decision-making and prompt design modifications.
Stretch Construction's in-house design services demonstrate our dedication to providing value and efficiency to clients' construction projects.
If you would like more information on Stretch’s in-house design services for your commercial construction project, feel free to contact our team.