An architect attempts for an aesthetic solution for the functional requirements of a residence with in the economic constraints. Engaging the services of an architect is the primary step in home making. Many prospective home builders are reluctant to hire the services of an architect for the fear of cost factor. But the over all savings made by the expert advices of an architect  in costs involved in house construction is enormous in comparison with the architectural consultancy fee. But the services of an architect shall be made use of from the very beginning, if possible from selecting a house plot or a flat.

The advantages of hiring the services of an architect are manifold.

• Aesthetics-Houses designed by architects are found to be aesthetically appealing which in turn will attract better resale value and self esteem as a house owner.
• Planning & Functionality-The functionality of the  residence is more important than its aesthetics and the combination of the two  can be effectively realised with expert architectural consultancy.
• Economics-The advices of an architect if obtained from the very beginning of a housing project including the selection of the plot, will result in significant savings in construction costs and even freedom from  mental agonies owing to intervention of statutory bodies like development authorities  in different stages of construction. For example ,the nature of soil can have significant effect on foundation costs. The constructed area that can be built on different house plots as per prevailing building rules can vary significantly depending on the plot dimensions. Similarly an architect will be well informed about different zoning regulations which affect building sanctions & built-up area. When the building form is conceptualized considering the structural aspects, again costs can be reduced considerably, which an architect with his experience &expertise can easily achieve.

Before consulting an architect, the client should be very clear in his mind about the project budget and functional requirements. While the creative freedom of the architect shall have to be respected, his technical  capabilities should  be evaluated  carefully before  engaging his services. The client should have a clear idea about the fees payable by him to the architect and the services  receivable from the architect.

The practice of the architectural profession is regulated by the Architects Act, 1972, and the regulations framed there under. The Council of Architecture has prescribed the Conditions of Engagement and Scale of Charges under the Architects (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 1989. The documents stipulate the parameters within which the Architect is required to function. These define the responsibilities, the scope of work and services, and prescribe the mandatory minimum scale of professional charges with a view to making the Client fully aware of the duties and services which he may expect from the Architect. The professional services required by the Client may not be comprehensive in scope in all cases and accordingly a clear understanding between the two must be arrived at. The Council of Architecture has prescribed the Conditions of Engagement based on general practice of the profession in India. These documents are applicable to all registered architects and such architects who have specialized in areas such as Structural Design, Urban Design, City Planning, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture and Architectural Conservation.

For more details visit  www.coa.gov.in