era | PART 3 Build Your Architecture to Make it a Reality
Part 3
in the process to design + build architecture specific to you
However you choose to build your architecture, these are the steps that take you through this part in the process.
Whether you employ a contractor to do everything for you, have some contractors help you along the way or do everything yourself, soon you will find yourself
living with architecture every day.
Take the information you have gathered, the design you have put together and the documents you have prepared to build your architecture and
live the lifestyle you wish for.
Live with the little things that make your every day special.
This is the exciting part :)
But you can’t do it without first gathering information and putting that information together..
You need to gather information about your
PURPOSE | PLACE | PEOPLE | PROGRAM | PARTS
Then put the information together
PATTERNS | PLAN | PROFESSIONALS | PERMIT | PAPERS
Before reading further, find out how to gather information and how to put the information together.
Build the Reality.
Until now you have gathered information and put it together to create a set of documents that describe the design and how you will construct your architecture.
Now it is time to build your architecture.
More than anything, I believe this part in the process is all about
COMMUNICATION
Maybe you thought that building was about putting together bricks, mortar and all of those things in between that are the material parts of a building.
But to make all of that happen, there is a lot of information that has to be communicated.
Communication is what makes architecture come together.
Drawings to communicate the location of your architecture as well as the extent and connection of materials.
Written specifications to communicate the type of materials and quality of construction.
Written documents to communicate to ask questions, give answers and direct any changes.
Verbal communication to discuss problems and resolve solutions.
Written record of verbal communications.
Construction is a very honest.
You can’t hide anything, so don’t ignore anything and expect it will be changed or fixed or go away. Communicate.
Ask a question - find an answer.
Make sure that every one involved is on the same page.
‘You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.’ - Winnie the Pooh | AA MILNE
Communicate and build your architecture.
These are the different steps in the process to build your architecture and the ways that you communicate in order to make it happen so that the architecture that has been designed will be constructed to be specific to you.
PROCURE MAKE IT HAPPEN
How will you build your architecture? How you will build the reality?
To procure is to obtain something with care and effort. In the construction industry it is most often referred to as ‘the procurement method’. For me, the procurement step in the process involves two parts:
Method
Action
Learn the options and decide which procurement method is right for you.
PACT Your Contract
Make an agreement. Make a deal
A contract is a legally binding agreement between two parties. It is whatever you both agree to. It can be for anything and be made up of anything!
If you are employing any type of professional – a consultant or a contractor – you will likely enter a formal agreement with them to work with you. For example, you may agree with a consultant that they will design your architecture and you will pay them for it. Or, you may agree with a contractor that they will build your architecture and you will pay them for it. Because you are asking for something to be done, it is important to be open, honest and very clear about what you are asking for, and therefore what they will be delivering to you in return. This avoids confusion or dispute and ensures a positive outcome for both parties.
Look at the options and decide which construction contract is right for you and your architecture. Or if someone is making the decision for you, understand more about the contract you will be involved with.
COMMENCE Your Build
Construct Your Architecture. Start to build.
The beginning – the start – the commencement point at which you begin to construct your architecture.
Technically, there may be a specific date or time frame from signing the construction contract, when commencement of the actual building work will start. For example, you may accept a tender or sign a construction contract on a certain date and the contract will say that work will commence a certain number of days later.
However, it is essentially when you start to build your architecture. Exciting times!
There are a few things that happen between when the construction contract is signed and when the actual works begin, so make sure you are aware of anything that is your responsibility in that time to ensure you don’t affect commencement.
PROGRESS Your Communication
Administer a Contract. Communicate with a contractor.
As construction progresses, keep in touch with what is happening by communicating regularly and monitoring the progress of the work being completed by the contractor you are working with.
Whoever is managing the construction of your architecture will plan in which order they will progress to complete the works described in the contract documents.
It is good for you to have an idea of what is coming up. This particularly helps if you need to provide information to the contractor at any time in order to avoid causing delay in building your architecture.
You don’t have to guess or assume what will be happening. Ask the Contractor!
COMPLETION Live Your Lifestyle
Living in Architecture Every Day. Finish things off and move in.
The final stages in finishing your architecture so it is ready to share special moments with you every day.
You are almost there! Completion of your architecture means things are finishing up and you will be able to move in.
If you have employed a contractor or contractors to build your architecture for you, it means completion of your construction contract or contracts. If you are building your own architecture, it means that you are finishing up – congratulations! In general, it means that the construction of your architecture is complete.
‘house; .. it is a form of garment, in that it must suit one’s life.’ - RICHARD LEPLASTRIER | ARCHITECT
For you to Save
THE PROCESS.
This is the third and final part in the process to design and build architecture.
If you would like to see how this part fits within the process, you may be interested in a little book I have written that sets out the Process in one place. It is a guide and workbook to help you through each step in your architectural journey.
The process is summarised in this little Blog post - era | the Process to Design + Build Architecture.
Each part in the process will also be broken down into its individual steps right here in this little Blog - so keep checking in to see the whole set!
Til next time!
Start the process to find your architectural language and make your little ideas a reality.
Click here to see the little things I have made for you, or click here if you would like to work with me one on one.