Is Hiring an Architect Important?

– by Ar. Akshay Kumar Garg

Often people ask me why an Architect is important for designing a good building when his requirement is restricted only to the Approval of Plans and getting an Occupancy Certificate post completing the Construction.

To this, many of my fellow Architects reply that we undergo a proper graduation program and spend so much time learning the trade about the different aspects of buildings, etc. which sometimes doesn’t convince the prospective clients and they end up engaging unqualified people who are either draftsmen or with some interior designing certification course and who are charging less fees compared to the correct fees as per the guidelines defined by the regulating body of Architects.

I came across various articles where the various authors feel that hiring an Architect is not at all important and that it is not an important need as one can learn Architecture through sheer experience. After all, we have been living in this world for so many thousands of years and it is very easy to make your own house.

Confused? Yes.

I feel that all of the above statements are sometimes true and sometimes false. How? Let us explore the journey by a little peek into its history and then its evolution.

In the good old days, there was no concept of Architects. The design and construction of buildings was the job of Chief Artisans in the historical era. But they were hired for the design and construction of important buildings of the Town/City and not for the designing of homes. We all know that the oldest Civilization of India – The “Indus Valley Civilization” (Mohenjo-Daro & Harappa) has a well-crafted layout with covered and neatly laid out drainage system, neatly built housing structures – properly streamlined, with well-defined spaces for habitation, space for household animals, well-defined road networks, etc. We all agree to it. Yes? All this is evident through physical pieces of evidence of that settlement. This means that someone designed the entire settlement, keeping the overall intent and execution of the designed entity in mind. Correct? This person (the so-called designer or planner of settlement) had the overall picture of the intended design, how it would look, what needed to be taken care of while planning the settlement, the size of the clusters, the road widths, the space for shops, the congregation spaces, etc.

During the era of Mohenjo-Daro & and Harappa, there were no trained Architects or Artisans. The term “Artisan” was used for people who were involved in a particular type of Skill. These Artisans could be settlement planners, sculptors, furniture makers, cart-wheel makers, shoemakers, earthen pot makers, weavers, etc. This means that some people among them had that in-built skill to do such works, i.e., implementing the envisaged design/creativity. For that matter, it could be a village or a town settlement.

Now, one may argue that what is the big deal? Here also, a non-qualified person designed these settlements. They were not trained, so why so much importance for hiring an Architect? This is exactly what an Architect does. They are the people who understand the complications involved in a building design and that alone is why it is better to hire a professional Architect.

Let us see the same thing from a different perspective. Some people can sing a song well, but some don’t even understand the rhythmic notations of singing. Those who understand the tune and rhythm learn the music from already-trained legends who are called Maestros in the field of music.

Similarly, the so-called trained Architects had that in-built skill to design and understand the spatial aspects, proportions, massing, and relation of various aspects required for designing. These people discuss and run the client through the intended requirements, the pros and cons of what is right for the building, and what will be a bad decision. When a client decides to build a project, it is complicated and one is bound to get lost in the maze of designing, regulations, building codes, zoning laws, etc. It is the trained Architect who has the desired education, training, experience, and vision to pave the way for the client to understand the designing and construction process. They are molded and trained to see the bigger picture. They are not just designed with four walls and a roof. They are responsible for creating a holistic environment. Be it interiors and exteriors of the spaces, that will satisfy the functional requirements and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and live. In the process, they help their Client save unnecessary expenses by thinking ahead on Paper before it is being built.

In the concluding statement, I will say that if we intend to live in good-looking, aesthetic, hygienic, well-thought-out spatially relevant spaces.
Architects are trained to design for the present with awareness of the past and for the future which is unknown – A phrase by Ar. Norman Foster.
So. I will request all who intend to build a thoughtful timeless building, to think and decide wisely.

Why Should You Hire an Architect?

Few people realize how complicated it is to build – that is until they find themselves lost in the maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, contractors, and so on. No two building projects are exactly alike, so there is no single, clear-cut path to follow.

The architect is the one professional who has the education, training, experience, and vision to guide you through the entire design and construction process, from helping you define what you want to build to helping you get the most for your construction dollar.

Architects see the big picture. They don’t just design four walls and a roof – they create total environments, interiors, and exteriors, that satisfy functional needs and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and live.

Whether you are remodeling, adding on, or building from scratch, the architect can guide the way. Working with contractors and other construction professionals, architects can help you end up with a well-designed project that meets your needs and works within your budget and time frame.

Architects Solve Problems

Most building projects start with a want or need. “I need more file space in my office.” Or, “We’ve outgrown our house.” But how does that need or want to get translated into square feet and three-dimensional space?

That is what architects are trained to do, solve problems in creative ways. With their broad knowledge of design and construction, architects can show you alternatives and options you might never think of on your own.

Need more room for your growing family? An architect can show you how to enlarge your home so you don’t have to move. Not sure how fast your business is going to grow? An architect can design an office that meets your needs today and can be adapted for tomorrow. Have a limited budget? The architect looks for ways to make your project cost-effective.

Architects Can Save You Money

The architect’s services are a wise investment for the money, not an added cost to your project. Why?

Because a well-conceived project can be built more efficiently and economically. Architects plan your project with you. As your ideas evolve, changes can be made on paper much less expensively than later on when construction is underway. Thorough drawings also make it easier for the contractor to accurately price and build your project.

Because energy-efficient buildings can save you money on fuel bills down the road. An architect can design a building to maximize heating from the sun and let in natural light, thus reducing your heating, cooling, and electric bills over time.

Because the architect can work with your budget and help you select the appropriate materials and workmanship at a fair price. Architects develop the drawings and specifications to help you get bids for construction that are based on your requirements.

Because an architect can help you choose materials and finishes that are durable as well as beautiful, saving on frequent maintenance and replacement costs. Architects work to stay abreast of advances in roofing, brickwork, floor tiling, paint finishes, etc. Their familiarity with the full range of materials enables them to suggest the appropriate materials for your project.

Because good design sells. A well-designed house has a higher resale value. A well-designed store draws customers. A well-designed work environment attracts employees and increases productivity.

Architects Can Make Your Life Easier

Let’s face it, building is a long process that is often messy and disruptive, particularly if you are living or working in the space under construction. The architect you hire looks out for your interests and tries to find ways to make that process go smoothly.

If your project requires engineering or other design services, the architect can coordinate this team of experts so you don’t have to. The architect sorts out complex building codes and zoning laws. The architect can help you find qualified construction contractors based on your requirements. The architect visits the construction site to help verify that the project is being built according to plans and specifications.

The Modular Kitchen Revolution: A Journey Through Time

– by Ar. Akshay Kumar Garg

There is one room (undoubtedly a highly sacred place in a home environment) that is always referred to as the heart of any home for its residents and is known to most of us as the Kitchen or Rasoi (in Hindi). Some call it the house’s heart, while others call it the house’s nourishing shrine. This location appeals to everyone because the smell from it aggravates one’s appetite as it pervades the entire home when something delicious is being cooked, whether by the lady of the house, the cook of the house, or whoever enjoys the culinary art of preparing regional, oriental, or continental cuisines.

Indian kitchens have a history dating back more than 10,000 years, as does Indian cuisine. Indian cuisine offers a wide range of cuisines that vary according to region, state, and culture. The variation is immense, as are the kitchens and utensils used in them. In India, the kitchen is as important as a centre of worship in the home. Historically, India was mostly concerned with farming and agricultural produce, hence people ate more vegetarian meals. People become interested in non-vegetarian food as a result of hunting games.

Indian kitchens have developed from small corner Rasois with earthen cooking hearths in the open yard, where most cooking was done while seated on the floor with some spillover area in the open courtyard, to enclosed kitchens in the shape of Bawarchi Khanas.

This was done due to the rigorous purdah regime for the females in the house. And then came the change in urban areas with the use of kerosene stoves in enclosed cooking spaces, which produced less smoke than earthen hearths.

Then, most likely as a result of Western influence and the simple availability of cooking gas, a platform kitchen phase began to gain traction. This was because most educated females believed it was easier to cook while standing rather than sitting on the floor. It was simple and less dirty, and it allowed them to multitask with other housework. Because of efficient fuel use and the use of a wide range of home equipment and gadgets such as pressure cookers, toasters, OTG, blenders, gas cooking ranges, mixer-grinders, juicers and so on, cooking in the house has become completely smokeless.

Previously, there was a separate kitchen store for storing food grain items, and most of the storage was done in bulk. As a result, there was no need to design kitchen cupboards within the kitchen space. Only necessary spices, fruits and vegetables were stored in the kitchen.

With flat sizes diminishing, increasing land prices, and most supermarket products readily available from local grocery stores, most homeowners believed that establishing a separate kitchen storage is a waste of space. Furthermore, the urban Indian community experienced a paradigm shift towards working couples. However, the need for storerooms within the house remained for keeping general household supplies such as woollen cloths, quilts, spare beds, and so on. Furthermore, as consumers became more aware of the services provided by architects for thorough kitchen design with adequate demarcation of various activities, cabinetry within the kitchen was designed as per the activity classification. This is how the concept of designer kitchens grew, with well-defined activities and storage, but with a neat and clean appearance as opposed to the age-old chaotic, dark looks. The concept of modular kitchens was still unknown at the time though. It gained traction after the twentieth century.

In terms of planning, the kitchen consists mostly of three components:

  • the Dry Areas, i.e. the Storage and Cooking Areas,
  • the Preparation Area which may be referred to as Semi-wet Area, and
  • the Wet Area is the wash area.

Most of us are familiar with the above notion as the golden triangle of kitchen design.

Today, most dry grocery storage is done in kitchen cabinets with a clear distinction between conventional storage and storage for long-shelf items. Along with goods, there is space for utensils and cutlery. Again, there are utensils for general use and utensils for specialist use, which are huge and utilised for a specific style of cooking.

The preparation area is where the cutting, chopping, kneading, mixing, and other tasks are completed. Though some preparations require grinding by electro-mechanical means, they are classified as dry because electrical appliances are required for such preparations.

Architecture and Creativity – What is the relation?

– by Ar. Akshay Kumar Garg

When we think about creativity, our minds venders into different places, say some art work in a museum, a cool dress or outfit in an apparel’s showroom or a latest building erected in some corner of the city or an iconic building created by a well-known Architect, internationally.

Creativity is an ambiguous term and will be difficult to provide a precise definition for it. However, in general, one can say that creativity is a mental process that combines flexibility and inventiveness to create a valuable, useful, and novel product. Right?

Creativity covers many paths and disciplines, and it’s an art in and of itself. Architects depend on creativity in both straightforward and intricate ways.

A students may be tempted to pursue a career as an architect because of the practice’s inherently creative nature. But what’s the truth when it comes down to it? It’s no secret that creativity thrives in architecture. After all, it is a free-for-all where the mind is at its most creative form.

When we’re in the studio, we may feel that we can be at liberty, more inquisitive, and bolder in our designs. Our professors and mentors push us and challenge us to be more creative architects. But how creative architects actually are? And does anything ever stand in the way of their growth? Yes – limitation of thoughts some times.

Important aspect in the process of solving design problems is creativity. Using one’s creativity is very essential when solving problems related to design assignments be it in architecture, engineering, product design etc. Most design problems are ill-defined. They are typically not fully solvable by standard problem-solving skills or techniques.

One feature of design problems is their complexity, ambiguity, and uniqueness. Design problems are non-routine and ambiguous, making it impossible to predict what kind of information will result in what kind of solutions. Therefore, solving design problems requires coming up with a wide range of original, possibly inventive ideas as well as unexpected solutions.

What it means to be a creative architect depends on who you are, both as a designer and as a consumer. A simple design that focuses on a few elements, such as light and form, massing etc. can be as powerful as buildings that are curved and appear to floating or fluidic. How people interact with a building or use also determines whether the creativity of an architect fulfils the users/ occupant’s requirements.

THE ABOVE IMAGE AND PRINCIPALS ALSO APPLY FOR CREATIVE THINKING

Ingenious architects and designers are the brains behind every structure, urban area, and buildings who remain true to their goals and do things wholeheartedly. Since everyone displays creativity in some way, it is impossible to define what it means to be a creative architect. Unknowingly, we occasionally tend to be more creative than we are. Discovering how to push yourself and incorporate your viewpoint into your designs is an exciting journey.

Le Corbusier use to feel that creativity is something religious, whereas Frank Lloyd Wright use to feel that creative thought is “human light on mankind” and that creative people are attributed to God. Because of this, artistic creativity can be understood in the majority of artistic fields of study by simply examining the lives, emotions, and creations of artists.

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