Do you actually need an Architect? A lot of people are asking this question at a certain point in their life in many parts of the world now. Or this question never came to their mind and they probably did not need an architect. In this short article I will try to explain in simple terms, when an architect is needed and when not.
In principle in many parts of the world today architects are seen as those professional licensed from the society and are the guardians of creating adequate living spaces, working spaces and spaces of other functions for humans. It is the same as with doctor professional, the guardians of the health of our body and mind.
So to put it simply, the construction of every space dedicated for human use in our built environment should be done under the project and supervision of an architect. But, having said that, I must add that architects are not needed for every kind of projects and there are good reasons for that.
Hiring an architect adds cost to every project and a worldwide standard is that it will add 10% to the cost of the project, the architect will get paid with that 10%. So almost all around the world you will find this principle valid: for future homeowners (i.e. people who own some land and want to build a new home on it) there is no requirements for hiring an architect as long as the house is for their own use. This is allowed to reduce the cost of home building. But the future homeowner must hire a structural engineer to sign the project. Because structural engineers are the only one who can calculate, sign and take responsibility before the law that that building will hold up to certain weight, earthquake etc. While you can do without the architect, you cannot do without the structural engineer.
So the architects have a monopoly for deciding and signing what is a project according to all standard of a society, but there is quite a few examples when you will never be under an obligation to hire an architect.
So why and when then do you need an architect? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
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