What does an Architect do?
Understanding the architect’s role and how it fits into a well structured residential project
When planning a new home or undertaking a substantial renovation, one of the first appointments is likely to be an architect. But what does that role actually involve, and how does it relate to the other professionals involved in delivering a well run project?
In high end residential work, the architect plays a central role. However, the architect is rarely the only contributor. A successful project typically involves five key functions:
This is the third in our series explaining the different roles during a residential construction project.
Architect
Interior designer
Contract administrator (CA)
Each role brings a different set of responsibilities, skills and professional focus. This post outlines the core duties of the architect and explains how those duties interact with the wider team.
The five roles at a glance
These roles often work in parallel with a clear distinction between them:
Architect designs the building, leads the planning process, produces detail design information and coordinates the consultant team
Interior designer focuses on finishes, lighting, sanitaryware, bespoke joinery, furniture and decorative elements
Quantity surveyor manages the construction budget, prepares cost plans and valuations, and advises on changes
Project manager oversees procurement and sequencing, making sure decisions and orders happen at the right time
Contract administrator manages the building contract, chairs site meetings, issues instructions and certifies payments
In high quality projects, these roles form a framework that provides support and clarity for both the design and construction process. Having a strong team allows the client to focus on key decisions and enjoy the process, rather than managing complexity themselves. While some overlap is natural, each of these roles requires time, care and professional judgement to carry out well.
It is also worth noting that project complexity, budget, and client preferences may determine how many of these roles are filled by separate consultants. In a straightforward scheme, the architect may take on additional functions. In more intricate or ambitious projects, those roles benefit from the undivided attention of experienced specialists. The key is to scale the team appropriately without compromising quality.
What the architect is responsible for
The architect's role typically spans four key phases: feasibility, design, technical development and on site support. It is both creative and technical, with a strong emphasis on problem solving, planning strategy and coordination.
1. Briefing and feasibility
The process begins by understanding the client’s goals and assessing what is possible on the site. This may involve interpreting planning policy, listing status, structural opportunities and the desired quality or scale of the finished building. The architect provides early strategic advice to help the client make informed decisions before progressing too far.
This phase typically includes:
Site visits and precedent analysis
Preliminary sketches and area studies
Advice on consultants, approvals and early risks
Outline timelines and projected budget ranges
The architect brings together ambition and constraint, setting the tone for the entire project.
2. Design and planning
Once the brief is defined, the architect begins to explore design options. This includes spatial layouts, massing studies, design narratives and visualisations that respond to the context and client lifestyle. The design is iterated and refined, often in stages, before the planning submission is made.
This stage typically includes:
Concept design development and 3D visualisation
Layout plans and sectional studies
Planning application drawings and documentation
Coordination with specialists such as arboriculturists, daylight consultants or heritage advisers
The architect acts as the lead consultant and primary point of contact with the planning authority. if a planning consultant is not appointed.
Good design work often anticipates future challenges and ensures that early choices are compatible with the later stages of construction. A well considered concept lays the foundation for both buildability and planning success. It also helps clarify expectations between the client and the design team from the outset.
3. Detail design and coordination
Once planning permission is granted, the project moves into technical design, sometimes called detail design or Stage 4. The architect prepares a coordinated package of information that allows the contractor to price and build the scheme accurately. This phase includes:
General arrangement drawings
Construction details and specifications
Door and window schedules
Integration of structural, mechanical and electrical information
Tender packages for pricing and contract preparation
This information is used to tender the project to contractors and becomes the foundation of the formal building contract.
The architect continues to lead communication across the design team and ensures that everything is clearly documented and technically robust.
The success of this phase often rests on precision and clarity. A well coordinated technical package not only supports accurate costing, but also helps avoid costly mistakes and delays once on site.
The quality of this information is critical. Even the best contractors need clear documentation to build confidently. Details, junctions, materials and dimensions must be thought through, checked and illustrated in a way that avoids ambiguity. This is where the architect's skill in foresight and integration truly comes into play.
4. On site architectural support
During construction, the architect provides design coordination input. This includes answering questions from the builder, clarifying details, reviewing submittals and responding to site conditions that may require adjustments to the design. This involvement helps ensure that the quality and intent of the design are maintained throughout the build.
The architect is not responsible for managing the building contract unless appointed as contract administrator. In that case, the role includes issuing instructions, certifying valuations, chairing meetings and monitoring progress.
This stage benefits from regular attendance and good communication. The architect often works closely with both builder and contract administrator to ensure that what is built reflects what was designed, even when challenges arise.
Architectural support on site also helps resolve queries quickly. Whether it is a material substitution or a practical on site constraint, design questions are inevitable. Having the architect involved ensures that any adaptations remain true to the overall vision and are properly recorded for compliance and handover.
Related roles and how they support the project
Interior designer
The interior designer specifies all finishes and fittings inside the house. This includes sanitaryware, tiles, lighting, ironmongery and any fixed furniture such as wardrobes and shelving. They also coordinate with suppliers and ensure that aesthetic decisions align with the overall design. Their work often starts once the architectural shell is established and continues into the final furnishing and dressing of the space.
Quantity surveyor
The QS tracks the project’s financial position from start to finish. They provide cost plans during design, check that the tender returns are realistic, and advise on changes that may affect the final price. During construction, they assess monthly valuations and provide cost reports to the client. Their advice is key to understanding financial risk and staying in control of the budget.
Project manager
The PM handles sequencing and procurement. This role makes sure that decisions and orders happen in the right order to avoid delays. They track lead times, help the client place orders, and coordinate logistics. The architect continues to coordinate the design team, but the PM focuses on the timing and execution of the build.
Contract administrator
The CA administers the contract fairly between client and builder. They issue formal instructions, assess progress, chair site meetings, and certify interim payments. They also help manage defects at the end of the project. Although this role can be carried out by the architect, it is distinct in its duties and procedures.
In summary
The architect designs the building, secures planning consent, develops technical drawings and coordinates the consultant team. The role is central, but it works in conjunction with the responsibilities of four other specialists: interior designer, quantity surveyor, project manager and contract administrator.
Each brings a unique focus. Together, they form the structure that supports a well managed project. When each role is properly scoped and given space to function, the process becomes clearer, smoother and more enjoyable for the client. The architect leads the design, but it is collaboration that brings the whole vision to life.