What is the role of an architect in a commercial interior project and how to get the most from your team?
An architect plays a crucial role in commercial interior projects, but their contributions may not be clear to the uninitiated. Of course, architects are responsible for designing the layout and flow- taking into account factors such as traffic patterns, accessibility, and functional needs to create efficient and usable spaces. They must also consider the needs of the business, such as branding, functionality, and customer experience, to create spaces that work well and look good.
However, here are 5 more things you should expect from your project team:
Feasibility, scope identification, project outline and programming: These long boring words are actually really important during the lease process to make sure the space your considering can meet your needs and look for any roadblocks to getting where you want to be.
Lease negotiations: It is critical to have an architect or experienced construction professional review what you are agreeing to in your lease, as well as what you are agreeing to receive from the landlord. Often, delivery terms are material to the deal and should be negotiated with budgetary impacts in mind.
Establishing key deliverables for your construction project such as process and timelines: Often, timelines must be established early enough to balance against rent commencement and fundraising milestones. An architect should be able to map these processes and associate timelines to best predict project timing, including design, engineering, permitting and construction.
Code compliance including accessibility: While interiors projects may seem less complex than large, ground up construction, there are still many codes and regulations that need to be addressed. Accessibility is a big one and should be designed for from the outset by a team that has a full grasp of what is required.
Facilitation and coordination of technical teams such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and plumbing engineering, kitchen design, specialty equipment, retail fixturing, etc. The architect will be the central force in communicating and coordinating the various and often technical project teams for best success.
By working with an experienced team that has a full grasp of these issues, you can ensure that your commercial interior project is a success.
