Design Services
______________ Architecture
Architecture is to building as literature is to the printed world.
Architecture must satisfy its intended uses, must be technically sound, and must convey aesthetic meaning. But the best buildings are often so well constructed that they outlast their original use. They then survive not only as beautiful objects, but as documents of the history of cultures, achievements in architecture that testify to the nature of the society that produced them.
These achievements are never wholly the work of individuals. Architecture is a social art and is the practice of building design.
Traditionally, the term Architecture applied to those buildings who's designs and structures were deemed culturally significant.
Today, Architecture applies to any building or structure requiring aesthetics with a programmed usability controlled by the limited budget the project is expected to run by the date of its completion.
Architecture is extremely important to any project. With it, the completed building will not only serve its intended use and look nice to the people who will live and work within it, the building will also be safe from the aspect of fire safety and structural integrity; efficient, providing all the comfort features like heating and cooling to aid in temperature and humidity control, lighting and power that create the environment for the functions it was designed and engineered for; aesthetically pleasing to meet the client's image; functional, the building will meet the daily demands of the client's business; and culturally responsible, maintaining today's social and technical standards.
Today's Architecture has become a team effort. State laws require a registered architect to execute the design working closely with the client, engineers, a variety construction materials representatives and often a construction manager to make sure that the design conforms to the requirements of the client and complies with public health, zoning, and building-code requirements. The architect converts these requirements into a set of drawings and written specifications. Contractors complete their work under the supervision of the architect. State and local inspectors review the construction for general compliance with the local building codes and the project is completed when the local authorities approve the building for occupancy and the owner accepts the building.
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