Everything You Need to Know About the Architect Job and Buildings

Architecture is an indispensable, complex and creative profession that requires great attention to detail. Architects design all the structures around us, being responsible for the construction of homes, office buildings, buildings, shopping malls and other commercial spaces, bridges and more.

The work of architects can be very rewarding, but it is not easy. They need to work closely with their customers, to understand their needs, so that they can turn their dreams into a safe, durable and beautiful building. Here's more about what it means being an architect and what architecture is all about.

What is architecture?

Because of its complexity and significance, architecture is considered an art. Basically, it refers to the techniques of designing and supervising the execution of a building. It has both a practical role, since it creates stable structures and a functional space, plus an aesthetic function, due to the style or even the selected materials.

For example, the stone integration into a building is excellent, from both a practical point of view, due to its strength, durability and helpful thermal and soundproofing properties, plus, in terms of aesthetics, thanks to the singularity, versatility and beauty of the tiles.

What can architecture communicate?

Architecture defines a society or a historical time. It is based on the desires and needs of a community and reveals details about environmental factors (flat or pitched roofs, less or more thermally insulating materials, etc.), daily activities and living standards (small rooms, tall and spacious rooms, open spaces, etc.), design preferences, influences from other cultures, etc.

At the same time, different ideas can be communicated through architecture. Here are some of the options: paying homage to a great personality, and celebrating his/her style, rebelling or protesting against trends in art or politics, conveying the personality or beliefs of a community, and developing a new technology.

How to understand architecture?

To understand the architecture of a building or a structure, you should consider: the architectural style and details, the period of construction, the social and political context, the architect's portfolio and the recipient of the project. The materials used can also offer you many clues.

The marble stands for elegance and luxury, while white marble indicates purity and eternity. Travertine denotes opulence since ancient Rome, and slate implies a harmony within the natural elements - earth, fire, water and air.

About the profession of architect

The architects must undergo an extensive training: architecture degree plus a mandatory 2-3 years practical training, aimed at acquiring the necessary theoretical and practical skills. Then, after obtaining a license to practice, the architects may choose to work alone or manage the projects as employees.

Besides, the architect's learning process is perpetual. They have to keep up with new regulations and innovative materials, such as SKIN Flexible Slate - a natural stone 'wallpaper' that can be integrated into their projects in many creative ways.

What is an architect?

An architect is the expert in charge with the design, quality control and construction management. Find more details below. Keep in mind that mainly the architect is required to find the best solutions for implementing a project that conforms with the building regulations, i.e., the requirements of the beneficiaries, and to connect them with the available technologies and materials.

At the same time, the architect acts as a manager. He is the connection between the contractor and the technical expert in charge of the safety and quality of the work.

What does an architect do?

An architect's work is complex; he or she must have skills that include mathematics, technical drawing and design, communication and the ability to plan, plus attention to detail and creativity. Find out briefly about the architect’s activity, below:

• analysis of the urban, legal, and technical contexts, specific to each project;
• building designs that are functional, safe, sustainable and beautiful;
• meet the customer’s expectations in terms of practicality, according with the available regulations and standards;
• the interior design architect duties include projects for the development, redesign or refurbishment of buildings;
• counselling services;
• project cost assessment, plus operation/maintenance costs on request;
• submits the necessary documents for building permits;
• project coordination plus identify and solve potential issues, such as conflicts between parties, budget compliance, etc.

We invite architects and out-of-inspiration customers for a visit to the PIATRAONLINE showroom, to discover amazing ideas. Europe's largest stone pavilion features the latest trends in interior or exterior design for the design lovers.

How can you find an architect for your project?

If you need an architect for your home, or for a commercial or public building project, you have many options, such as:

• use search engines to find architects in your city/in the area of your project;
• search online maps for nearby architectural offices;
• check out the online reviews on the topic;
• ask for reference with family, friends or colleagues;
• check membership lists of architects' associations in your area;
• pay attention to local ads/press coverage;
• §  search/ask on social networks: review the customer’s opinions.

The most famous Romanian architects

Here are, briefly, three of the most famous Romanian architects, and their most notable works:

• Ion Mincu (1852-1912) - architect and university professor, supporter of the neo-Romanesque style. He integrated traditional Romanian elements into his works. As a symbol of gratitude, the University of Architecture and Urbanism in Bucharest, with its Palace of the Institute of Architecture bear his name.

• Ion D. Berindey (1871-1928) - was an architect and minister, also supporter of the neo-Romanesque style. His most notable works include Palace of Culture in Iasi (served as the Administrative Palace of Iasi), Cantacuzino Palace in Bucharest (also National Museum "George Enescu") and the "Admiral Vasile Urseanu" Astronomical Observatory;

• Horia Creanga (1892 - 1943) - he was the exponent of modern architecture and its Romanian promoter. ARO building in Bucharest is one of his most famous works.

Today, successful architecture offices include: Blue Projects, Concrete & Design Solutions, K-Box Construction Design, Capital Vision, and Leviatan Design. Moreover, read the series of interviews with Romanian architects on the PIATRAONLINE blog: Raluca Pavel (Four Design Studio), Diana Gadea (ARTemis Arhitecture & Landscape), Alexandra Puiu (Emotion Home Design), etc.

Top World Architects

Below, three of the world's top architects and their famous works:

• Norman Foster (1935 - present) - is a British-born architect and designer, expert in high-tech architecture. His works include The Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe, London) and the HSBC Building, Hong Kong;

• Zaha Hadid (1950 - 2016) - is the world's best-known female architect, known as the "Queen of the curve". Her notable works include the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games, the MAXXI museum in Rome;

• Antoni Gaudi (1852 - 1926) - was a Catalan architect, famous for the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Parc Güell, all in Barcelona.

Architecture is an art that combines functionality and durability of structures with beauty and innovation. Whether it's a home, an office building, a commercial space, a museum or a structure, architects are essential.