Introduction to the subject of Professional Practice for Architects in India

1. Professional Practice-1
Lecture-1
Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni
M. Arch., A.I.I.A.
Architect & Director
Vishwaniketan College of Architecture, Arts & Design (Affiliated to Mumbai
University)

2.  Registration and Code of Conduct-COA
 Establishment of Office
 Interaction with
 Clients
 Statutory Authorities
 Consultants
 Associates
 Employees
 Contractors
 Professional Organizations- like IIA and Construction Industry
 Responsibility to Society
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Architectural Practice in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

3.  For practicing as Architect in India registration with Council of
Architecture is mandatory for all architects
 Registration entitles practice anywhere in India
 Registration also make architects responsible for:
 Code of Professional Conduct
 Norms for professional practice-scale of charges and services
 Rules for architectural competitions
 Registration with COA is the basis for registration in other countries.
 Practice without registration is against the Act and is punishable.
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Architectural Practice in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

4.  Physical Infrastructure
 Setting up Workspace for self at Residence/Commercial
location
 Workspace for employees
 Meeting place for Clients, Consultants, Contractors & others
 Statutory compliances
 Marketing to obtain new clientele
 Building up social networks
 Participation in public events/functions
 Participation in Competitions
 Publications
 Attending Seminars/Conferences
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Architectural Practice in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

5.  Discuss Client requirements and prepare Design Brief
 Discuss & Finalize Agreement for Services and Fees
 Present proposal and get Client’s approval.
 Provide specifications and tentative estimate.
 Provide technical advise and help in obtaining statutory approvals
 Appoint consultants in discussion with client
 Investigate site and finalize technical aspects of proposal (includes
Environment Impact Analysis)
 Provide working drawings, specifications and final estimates
 Decide method of execution/ float tenders if required
 Advise on selection of Contractor and agreement formats
 Supervise the execution of work on behalf of Owner
 Act as first Arbitrator of Contract
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Architectural Practice in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

6. TECHNICAL ISSUES
 Architect responsible for technical correctness of advise
 Drawings-to comply with regulations
 Calculations of Areas and other technical aspects
 Specifications for all materials and methods to ensure safety
 Supervision of Construction activity entrusted to Architect-not the
Owner/Client as it involves health & safety of inhabitants
 Architect responsible for compliance with regulations
 Architect entrusted as a Technical Expert in public matters before
statutory authorities – like redevelopment of an area, advisability of user
change
 Architect considered as representative of Construction Industry in its
interaction with Statutory Authorities- one who sees the overall picture
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Architectural Practice in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

7. ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
 Architect as a Consultant and as Employer is also liable for
 Professional Indemnity Insurance-for projects & clients
 Insurance of office equipment and employees
 Income-Tax-Self/Firm/Employees
 Service Tax (GST)
 Employees Provident Fund
 Professional Tax-Self/Employees
 Appropriate work environment for employees (protection against
abuse or unsafe work environment)
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8.  Architect decides the requirement of Consultants for a specific project
 Need to interact with consultants on scope of their work, fees and other
details
 Provide appropriate details and data for consultant- like soil investigation
for design of footing, heating load fro HVAC consultant etc.
 Discuss various options in relation to the technical drawings and discuss
suitability for the specific project.
 Approve consultants work, specifications and estimates in concurrence
with Client
 Incorporate details of consultant’s work in working drawings issued for
execution and jointly supervise the execution.
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Architectural Practice in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

9. Associates are architects with who an architect may enter into an agreement
of partnership- sharing a part or all work related to a specific project
Associates are entitled to a share of fees like a consultant (not salary)
Need an agreement on the scope of work and fees.
Associates are architects and need to be part of client and consultant
interactions
Associates may also get involved in the execution of work, and need to be
familiar with all aspects of construction like Tenders & Contracts.
Contribution made by the Associates to the work in the form of design and
supervision need to recognised
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Architectural Practice in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

10.  Employees in an architectural firm include:
 Architects-design & detailing
 Engineers-Estimating, Site Supervision, Quantity Surveying
 Administrative Staff-Administration & Accounts
 Office Functions include:
 Client, Consultant & Contractor interactions
 Support activities and support staff
 Maintenance of Records both inter-office and statutory
 Employee management includes:
 Salary, incentives, promotions & career advancement
 Hierarchy, Task allocation and accountability
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Architectural Practice in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

11.  Architect’s interaction with contractors commences with the Tender
Documents. Architect’s role here is:
 Clarification of Tender document-specifications, conditions of contract
and working drawings
 Finalization agreement for work
 Instructions for execution of work & Supervision
 Approval of samples, shop drawings and construction techniques
 Approval of alternative materials/technology
 Quantity surveying & billing of completed work and certification.
 Discussion on administrative issues of contract like Time Limit
 Getting work completed and Certifying the work after completion
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Architectural Practice in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

12.  Indian Institute of Architects is a single largest professional organization
of architects in India.
 Membership is voluntary but desirable.
 IIA organises seminars for Architects, has public forums to generate
awareness about the profession of architecture in society and acts as
representative for architects’ fraternity with statutory authorities.
 Through IIA bonds between members are established and nurtured,
leading to exchange of ideas and consultation about professional issues,
helping individual practice too.
 Membership of other organizations in construction industry are also
helpful in practice-builders association, contractors association, building
material manufactures/suppliers organisations etc.
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Architectural Practice in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

13.  Architects as experts in the field of design and construction need to lend
their expertise for common cause like betterment of civic spaces in a city,
housing for the poor, disaster relief, norms for eco-friendly construction
systems etc.
 Architects also need to make society aware of good design and good
construction practices to avoid mishaps
 Architects can initiate help to aspirants to the field of architecture, and
also contribute to teaching young professionals.
 Architects as fellow human beings are also part of the society and need to
contribute to the welfare of society either individually or as part of other
organizations like Environmental Organizations, Lions Club, Rotary Club
or such other public service organizations.
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Architectural Practice in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect