This presentation discusses the role of architect in professional practice in India and the responsibilities as a professional

1. Professional Practice-1
Lecture-4
Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni

2.  Buildings affect not only those who commission and execute
them, but also everyone who uses and occupies them, and create a
context for activities around them. This makes the role of an
architect wider and includes everyone involved in the design and
execution of a project as well as the users of the built environment.
 An architect, therefore, needs to consider his/her role vis-à-vis :
 Client/Owner of the project
 Contractors/Executors of the project-including the consultants,
associates and employees
 Users/occupiers of the built-environment
 Impact on the society and the neighbourhood
 The Global context of his/her work
 Ethical practice
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

3.  Architect is expected to use all his knowledge and experience to
help the client in the entire process of designing and execution of
the project, which includes:
 To understand the requirements of the project and guide the
owner in formulating a viable proposal.
 Preparing an appropriate response to the requirements in
design.
 To advise the Client on the statutory requirements regarding
the project and assist the client in obtaining approvals.
 To draft specifications, provide estimates and advise on
formalities of Contract Document
 To advise the client on the financial and statutory obligations
about the project and methods of execution.
 To act as an impartial adviser in the execution of the project.
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

4.  Architect is expected to supervise the execution of work in the
interests of the Owner, and needs to instruct the Contractor for
proper execution of work, which includes:
 Accurate and complete information about the project –working
drawings, specifications and clarification on site if required.
 Instruct the contractor to follow the contract conditions in case of
lapses – both administrative (insurance, site establishment,
workers’ safety etc.) and technical (Quality of materials,
equipment and methods of execution).
 Guide the contractor in appropriate methods of execution and act
impartially in following the contract conditions – intervene in the
matter of bills, payments and other issues faced by the contractor
in the execution of the work.
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

5. Consultants are an integral part of the architect’s services and hence
an architect is expected:
To provide them with accurate and complete data about the
project
To involve them in the execution of work.
To recognize and respect their professional contribution.
To enter into a proper agreement with the consultant about the
scope of their work and fees, and compensate them fairly
Similarly, associates and employees contribute to a large extent in the
design and development of a project in the architects office, and
an architect is expected to recognize and respect their
contribution, and compensate them fairly for their contribution
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

6.  Except perhaps for the individual residence (and not even here if
you include the servants and servants) a building is rarely used
exclusively by the Client/Owner who commissions the project
and pays fees to the architect.
 The architect, therefore has a responsibility to the users and
occupiers of the space he/she designs, as their sense of well being
in the built environment is largely dependant on the quality of
design.
 The architect, therefore, is expected to visualize and provide for
the physical and psychological comfort of all the users and
occupiers of the building.
 This factor is most important in the design of a public project/any
project where the architect is unable to approach/interact with the
final users/occupants at the stage of design.
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

7.  Architect has a larger responsibility to the society – design
decisions have a great impact on society-in terms of both the
immediate and long term effects- on the site where a project is
executed as well at its immediate surroundings. They include:
 Appropriateness of design with respect to environment
 Selection of materials and technology
 Inclusivity of design
 Sensitivity to ecology
 Sensitivity to the context – behavioral issues, culture and heritage
 Sensitivity to vernacular traditions and resources
 Response to expectations of society through architectural design
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

8.  A notable project by a talented and successful architect not only
provides a role model for its region/state, but also inspires the
fraternity of architects all over the world.
 An architect, therefore, needs to be aware of this global context
and should try to promote a value system through design
 This can be a set of universal values, which may have applicability
in diverse contexts.
 This can help in creating a consensus in the world architectural
community about the vital aspects affecting the entire planet –
issues like awareness of limitation of earth resources, need for
sustainable practices and environmental impact of architectural
design.
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

9.  Architect is looked upon as an expert in the design and execution
of the project, and his decisions are followed faithfully by
everyone involved in the project-the client, contractor, consultants,
associates and employees. Hence the architect has responsibility to
maintain a certain self-discipline:
 To be fair and impartial in performing his duties.
 To be fair and considerate towards fellow professionals,
consultants, associates and employees
 To prevent undue influence in any decision – by rejecting
inducements, nor trying to influence anyone by offering
inducements
 To maintain the dignity of the profession by scrupulous behavior,
and unostentatious methods of promotion of one’s practice
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

10. Architect as a professional has a key role in the building industry – his
decisions regarding design and execution are respected and
followed by everyone involved – the Client, Consultants,
Contractors, Associates & employees – hence he has a responsibility
to see that:
His design is sensitive to needs of the society – in terms of culture,
context, ecology, economy and resources.
He is fair and impartial in performing of his duties.
He is free from undue influence, nor does he try to unduly influence
anyone.
He respects his professional colleagues, consultants, associates &
employees
He maintains a certain self-discipline befitting his status as a learned
and experienced professional
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect