This document provides an introduction to the architectural profession. It defines architecture as both the art and science of designing and creating buildings. An architect plans, designs, and oversees the construction of buildings. The purpose of architecture is to improve human life by creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Architects must have technical knowledge as well as business skills. They are responsible for designing buildings, preparing plans, selecting sites, coordinating consultants, and overseeing construction. The profession requires integrity, artistic ability, and social responsibility. It also involves establishing codes of conduct and membership in professional organizations.

1. Introduction to Architectural Profession
Dr. Smriti Ashok
Department of Architecture and Planning
National Institute of Technology Patna
INDIA

2. What is Architecture?
 Art and Science of Designing and Creating Buildings
 Profession of designing buildings, open spaces,
communities and other physical structures
 Architecture is both process and product of planning,
designing , constructing building and other physical
structures.
General term used to describe
 building and other physical structures
 Style and design and method of construction of buildings
 Knowledge of art. Science and humanities
 Design activities of an Architect from micro to macro level

3. Architecture, the art and technique of designing and building, as
distinguished from the skills associated with construction.
The practice of architecture is employed to fulfill both practical
and expressive requirements, and thus it serves both
utilitarian and aesthetic ends.
Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often
perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art.
What is the purpose of architecture?
 The purpose of Architecture is to improve human life.
 Create timeless, free, joyous spaces for all activities in life.
 The infinite variety of these spaces can be as varied as life
itself and they must be as sensible as nature in deriving from
a main idea and flowering into a beautiful entity.

4. Who is an Architect?
Thus role of Architects extends from Technical
knowledge to business management
An architect is a person who plans, designs and oversees the
construction of buildings.
To practice architecture means to provide services in connection
with the design of buildings and the space within the site
surrounding the buildings that have human occupancy or use as
their principal purpose.
The Person is registered,licensed otherwise authorized to use
the title of Architect and practice Architecture.
He/She Should have adequate knowledge to originate, design and plan
to arrange and supervise construction of buildings.

5. The aesthetics of a building is one of the principal
aspects considered in architecture.
The appeal of a building covers the combined effects
of a building's shape, size, texture, colour, balance,
unity, movement, emphasis, contrast, symmetry,
proportion, space, alignment, pattern, decoration,
culture and context.
Aesthetics in
Architecture

6. To have very close and fiduciary relationship with client based on
trust faith and goodwill.
Engaging consultants, specialists and contractors
Role of An architect?
 Creation to new Ideas
 Design of building
 Preparing feasibility plan
 Helping the client to define/ freez the scope of work
 Selection of Site
 Carrying out Building audit
 Density Structure
 Identifying /engaging Consultants
 Co-ordinating the design team-Structure, mechanical, electrical, air
conditioning services
 Answerable to client for design, Construction, Materials and
bundling

7. --Perpetration of Contract Documents
--Calling Tenders
--Selection of Contractors
--Award of work to Contractors/Specialists
--Maintain quality of work
--Rejecting defective work
--Ensuring construction of building as per approved drawings
--Execution of work as per contract
--approving payments of work as per contract.
--Resolving disputes between owner and contractor
-- Ensuing completion of work
– Obtaining completion and possession certificates for the
building
Role of An architect is not limited
Role of an Architect does not limited to creation of New
ideas/design but also include the following

8. Profession of Architecture
Profession calls for
MEN of INTEGRITY
BUSINESS CAPACITY
ARTISTIC ABILITY
Architect entrusted with the financial undertaking in which
his honesty of purpose above suspicion
As professional Adviser to his client -his advise must be
absolutely disinterested/unbiased
While exercising judicial functions between client and
Contractor – must act impartially
Has Moral Responsibility
--Profession
--Society
--Environment
--Associates

9. Architectural Profession- Its Characteristics
Characteristics of profession
1. Corpus of knowledge
2. Prolonged period of study and practice
3. Membership of professional association
4. Code of Conduct
5. Social responsibility
A professional Architects required to satisfy all the above
criteria. A professional in general and an Architect in
particular has abundant Social Responsibility. This is
basically his obligation to the society in which he/she
operate is termed as social responsibility.

10. Social Responsibility
1. Preservation of Environment
2. Elimination of Poverty
3. Best value of Clients Money
4. Judicious Use of depleting Natural Resources
5. Conformance of building bye law and
Regulations

11. 1 Qualification Specific body of knowledge
2 Membership
Professional
Institution
For progress and relentless drive for
improvement
3 Standard of
Ethics
Normal duty, obligation and code of conduct
4 Code of
Conduct
Bound by Code of Conduct
5 Attitude
towards profit
It is not the primary purpose. It is incidental
6 Social
Responsibility
Unselfish Service to the society
Difference between Profession and other Occupation
The following factors distinguishes a professional from a non-professional

12. Architect’s Profession: Duties and Liabilities
Architect's Profession combines
 Business: - Deals with the Client’s Money
 Technology: Planning , designing controlling of all activities
 Quasi Judicial: Administration of contracts between owner and contractor
and resolving any differences between them as and when they arise

13. Basic Relationship among the Key participant’s in Building Projects
Sub Contractor
Client
Consultant
Vendor
Prime Contractor
Consultant
Contractual Relationship
May/May not be contractual relations

14. Architect’s Profession: Duties and Liabilities
Architect’s Duties and Liabilities are as under.
1. With The Clients: Contract for Professional Service entered with the
client. The contents of the contract are:
I. Responsibilities
II. Remuneration
III.Copy right
IV.Mode of payment Fees
V.Dispute Resolution
VI.Termination of Contract
In large works, employment of professionally capable consultants are
preferred. There could be various sets of consultants under the main
consultants for planning and design in main work, service and Construction
management proper coordination among these professionals are required

15. Architect’s Profession: Duties and Liabilities
2. Contract Documents: The contract documents are between the
Clients and the contractors. It incorporate the duties and Architects.
These duties relate to
I. Extension of Time
II. Variations
III.Removal of defective works
IV.Interpretation of Conditions of Contract
V.Modification of Design
VI.Certification of Payment

16. Architect’s Profession: Duties and Liabilities
3. Statutory Body: Are as follows.
I. Approval of plans by the Local Municipal /Corporation
Authorities
II.Design and execution of Works as per building bye Laws and
Regulations
III.Environmental clearance wherever necessary
IV. Clearance of Airport authorities if required
The IIA is abided by regulation framed by Council of Architecture.
Registration of Architects vide Sec 23 of the Architects Act 1972.

17. Thanks