ARCHITECTURE
FORMWORK
Architecture : Phased Services
1.
Feasibility & Inception
At inception, FWA liaises with the client to acquire an understanding of their ideas and requirements, in order to determine through research and consultation, how best to achieve the client’s objectives if indeed they can be achieved. The client’s goals when leveraged against various project planning variables such as existing site conditions, budgetary constraints and statutory planning standards, allows a contextual framework to emerge which informs the design process right from the start.
2.
Schematic Design
Creativity as a scope of work in the design process is both the most fun and the shortest. Ideas happen in a split second of brain function and the rest of the labor is spent solidifying and communicating those ideas effectively. Through established and newly minted architectural modes of documentation, conceptual designs are formulated and presented to the client for feedback and approval. During this phase, preliminary cost information and project strategies are discussed and a finalized project brief begins to emerge.
3.
Statutory Planning
Here, FWA undertakes the preparation and submission of all drawings & documents required by the Town and Country Planning & Development Office (TCPO), as well as all other relevant statutory agencies and departments, for the erection or substantial renovation of the architectural project in question. Statutorily approved planning documents are necessary in obtaining certificates of compliance once the project has been completed.
4.
Design Development
Design schematics are developed into design documents during this phase. Certain aspects of the project comes into focus namely materiality, lighting and function, and outline details governing the construction and working of the architecture are initially formulated. Other consultants, sub-contractors and suppliers are sufficiently informed in order to submit outline design proposals and tenders.
5.
Construction Design
This phase involves the technical design of all aspects of the project and is mainly concerned with the details of how the various building elements come together in a way that achieves both a high level of craftsmanship and maintains integrity in the construction process. Where relevant, information is provided for the production of a Bill of Quantities. Other production information from the various consultants, sub-contractors and suppliers are finalized and are appended to a full set of architectural drawings, documents and specifications, in order to complete a set of ‘Contract Documents’ and to enable a contractor to prepare a tender.
6.
Tender
Provided that all or some of the previous phases have been undertaken the project is now transported into the builder’s market. Where relevant, arrangements are made for sub-contractors to be let prior to or during the work and a list of tenderers is formulated for approval by the client. Tenders are then solicited from the approved contractors and the architect advises and assists the client with appraisal and selection of the winning tender. Alternatively, the client may choose to forgo the tender process and simply negotiate the price and contract with a pre-approved contractor.
7.
Project Management
As the architect, FWA can either take the role of ‘Contract Administrator’ or ‘Project Consultant’. As contract administrator the architect would administer the terms of the construction contract between the client (employer) and the contractor. As project consultant, the client would retain another entity as contractor administrator and the architect would take on advisory role to the construction works being undertaken.
8.
Project Completion
This final phase involves the conclusion of the building contract where all previous phases engaged have been completed in a satisfactory manner. Also procured are the various certificates of compliance from the various statutory departments, where relevant.