Trimble Architects

What an architect does on a regular daily basis depends on where they work, whether that is a large city or a smaller town. It also depends on what type of company or firm they work for and many other factors.

See below for a brief outline at what architectural firms do:

What does an Architectural Firm do?

An architectural firm is a business that provides architecture and building design services. Put simply, architects work with clients to plan, design, and help deliver buildings and other structures. What an architect does each day depends on the type of firm, the size of the team, and the kinds of projects they are working on. 

An architecture firm can help at every stage of a project, from the first ideas to the finished construction. In the design and construction journey, a firm is responsible for turning a client’s needs into clear plans, drawings, and specifications that contractors can build from. The firm also helps manage time, quality, and the process, so the work stays safe, legal, and on budget.

WHAT IS RIBA ARCHITECTURE?

The main purpose of an architecture firm

The main role of architecture firms is to design buildings that are safe, useful, and pleasant to live or work in. They do this by listening to the client, learning about the land and the environment, and then creating a design that meets the brief. A good firm will also think about how people will use the space day to day, and how the building will stand up over many years. 

In an architectural practice, the work is not only about drawings. It is also about decision making, problem solving, and helping a project move forward with the right information at the right time.

The design process from start to finish

Most firms follow a clear design process, even if the exact steps depend on the project. 

At the start, the firm meets the clients to understand their needs, budget, and deadlines. This is where the team gathers key information, such as what rooms are needed, how the space should feel, and what the client wants the building to do. 

Next comes early design, where architects create rough layouts and simple images to test ideas. This stage helps the client see the direction of the project and choose what they like. The firm may also look at the site, the local area, and any rules that affect what can be built. 

After that, the firm develops the design into detailed drawings and documents. These include building plans, key sizes, and the parts of the building that need careful thinking, such as doors, windows, stairs, and the building structure. The firm also prepares specifications so the quality and materials are clear. 

When the design is ready, the firm helps with the move into construction. This can include preparing documents for pricing, answering questions from a contractor, and checking that the work on site matches the plans.

Working with clients, contractors, and other professionals

A big part of an architectural firm’s work is working with other people. Architects often act as the link between the client, contractors, and other professionals, such as structural engineers and building services designers. On many projects, everyone must agree on how different parts fit together, so mistakes do not appear later on site. 

For example, if a design includes large windows, the team must make sure the building structure can support them, and that the heating and ventilation still work well. A firm helps manage these checks so the final design is practical and safe.

Managing time, budget, and quality

Many people think architecture is only about the look of a building, but the firm also helps manage the project. A firm may support the client with a project programme, which is a plan for what happens and when. They can also help with cost checks, so the design stays within the budget. 

Quality matters too. A firm can help ensure that the drawings and specifications are clear, so the contractor can price and build the job properly. During construction, architects may review samples and answer site questions, which helps protect the client from poor work or wrong materials.

What different roles exist inside a firm?

What you do in an architectural firm depends on the size of the business and the types of projects it takes on. Larger firms often split roles, while smaller firms may have people who do a wide range of tasks. 

In a large firm, a design architect may focus on the creative side and early building design. They might sketch ideas, create images, and prepare presentations to help clients choose a direction. 

A production architect, or a technical team member, may spend more time developing detailed drawings. This includes plans, sections, details, and coordination with other professionals. It can involve careful and repeated work, but it also helps an architect understand how buildings are put together. 

Some architects focus on contract administration, which means supporting the project during construction. They may visit site, respond to questions from contractors, and help manage changes. 

A specifications writer focuses on written specifications. These documents explain what materials to use, what standard is required, and how the work should be finished, for example the quality of paint, the type of insulation, or the finish of flooring. Smaller firms often have architects who do some of everything. They might meet clients in the morning, work on drawings in the afternoon, and manage the team and programme across several projects at once.

Residential, commercial, and public work

Architecture firms can work on many types of buildings. Some focus on houses and home extensions, while others focus on commercial buildings like shops, offices, and warehouses. Some firms work on public buildings, such as schools, health centres, and community spaces. The difference often depends on the firm’s experience, the team size, and what projects they have worked on before. A firm that designs homes every day may have strong knowledge of space planning and family needs. A firm that works in the commercial world may spend more time on safety rules, access, and building services.

Helping with planning and local rules

Many projects need permission from local authorities. An architectural firm can help prepare drawings and documents to support an application. They can also advise on likely issues early on, such as building height, parking, neighbours, or how the building fits the local area. This support saves time and reduces surprises. It also helps clients make good choices before spending money on detailed drawings.

Tendering and choosing a contractor

Some clients need help finding and choosing the right builder. An architecture firm can prepare documents for pricing, review quotes, and explain the differences between them. This is helpful because quotes can look similar at first, but small details can change the final cost and quality. The firm can also help set clear expectations, so the contractor understands what is required before construction begins.

Site visits and checks during construction

During construction, an architect may visit the site to review progress and check if the work matches the plans. They do not replace the contractor’s role, but they can help spot problems early and raise them with the right people. Site visits also help keep communication clear. If something needs to change, the firm can issue updated information, so the contractor is not guessing. This helps reduce delays and mistakes.

After the building is finished

Some architecture firms stay involved after handover. They may help with small final fixes, check any problems that appear once people move in, and learn what worked well for future projects. This can improve the quality of the firm’s work over time and help clients feel supported.

Types of architectural firms

There are many types of architectural firms, and each offers a different working environment. Sole practitioners often work from home or a small office and take on smaller projects like refurbishments, extensions, and one off homes. 

Small boutique firms usually have a few people and may handle a mix of design and technical work. Medium firms often have stronger systems, take on larger projects, and may specialise in a certain sector. Large firms can have many offices across the world, with teams working on big and complex buildings. 

Some firms are family run, and some are co owned, where the people working there share responsibility for success. The right type depends on what kind of work you want to do and what environment helps you do your best work.

What makes a good architectural firm?

A good architectural firm listens well, explains things clearly, and shows care for the client’s needs. They should be open about the process, the likely time needed, and the budget risks. They should also work well with contractors and other professionals, because good teamwork protects the project. When you choose a firm, look at the quality of their past work, how they communicate, and whether they understand your project type. It also helps to meet the people who will actually work on your project, not only the person who wins the work.

Hiring an architect to manage your project

Some clients hire an architect to help manage the project, especially when the job is complex or time is tight. In this role, the architect helps plan the work, track the budget, coordinate the team, and keep the process moving. They aim to reduce stress for clients and ensure the project stays organised from start to finish. 

This can be useful for both residential and commercial projects, and it often depends on the client’s needs, the size of the job, and how much support is wanted during design and construction.