Architects are licensed professionals that are responsible for the design and supervision of architectural structures. Although many people believe they are designers, not many realize that there is a variety of architects who are skilled in different projects and sectors.
The chosen area of specialty that architects choose depends on their background, education and career path. There are many UK local architects but few top-notch architecture firms that employ different types. This is because most firms tend to focus on only one or two specialty areas.
It is essential to understand the types of architects involved with a construction project.
The Eight Types of Architects
The different forms of architecture will often be defined by the structure’s design and duration of construction. A licensed professional is classified according to the type of structure they design most often.
Here are the eight different types specialized in different fields of architecture.
Commercial Architect
Architecture students often tell you that the dream is to design iconic buildings that will change the city’s skyline. These types of structures can be designed by commercial architecture.
A commercial architect works in the design of non-residential properties such as shops, offices towers, museums, hospitals and public buildings. These architects specialize in designing buildings that are useful and practical for a large range of building users. They also strive to create inspiring or memorable places.
A commercial architect should not only have exceptional design skills but also understand commercial building codes, safety regulations, financials, and other aspects of construction.
Residential Architect
The task of designing a beautiful home may be considered an architectural necessity. Many people aren’t aware that residential architecture is an extraordinary specialty in this day and age, where many homeowners have access to affordable, practical homes.
Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier were two of the most famous architects in the history of residential design. Even Zaha Haid the British-Iraqi architecture, although she is best known for her neofuturist commercial structures, has designed at minimum one private residence.
Residential architects are often employed by private clients as well as real estate agents to design functional, stylish dwellings for homeowners. Residential architects are required to have the creativity and ability to transform a client’s dream home into a reality. They must also be able keep the house within budget. It is important that residential architects are familiar with the regulations and local building codes as well as be able to adapt to these restrictions.
Green Design Architect
Domestic and non-domestic building contributes greatly to greenhouse gas emissions. As more people become aware of the harmful effects that buildings have on the environment, sustainable architectural is gaining in popularity.
Sustainable architects possess an expertise in creating environmental-friendly and energy efficient builds. They are familiar with the best sustainable products available and how to build green buildings to meet specific standards. These architects need to be adept in using innovative construction methods and imaginative in finding ways that these innovations can be integrated into a functional, appealing space. They also work closely to the construction industry supply chain to ensure the use of local skilled labour resources, locally produced materials, and components wherever possible.
Sustainable architecture also means an architect is more likely not to be intrusive in his designs.
Industrial Architect
Industrial architects bring their experience to designing spaces where functional needs are the top priority. Industrial architects often design buildings such as warehouses or factories, storage buildings, distribution and logistics centers, production and processing facilities, power plants. Transport hubs and terminals are just a few examples.
An industrial architect refers to an architect who is skilled in integrating the processes, equipment and other requirements of specific industries into a functional building design. Industrial architects’ main objective is to make a space that streamlines the operation of a company while also providing ergonomic space for its employees.
Conservation Architect
The UK houses many of the most extraordinary structures in all of history. As with all historical buildings, however, they are susceptible for normal wear and tear. Conservation architects are specialists who specialize in the conservation and restoration of historical and protected properties. They frequently work with listed buildings, such as castles, palaces, ecclesiastical churches, and residential properties that have historical significance.
These architects are skilled in period architecture and can help preserve historic buildings’ beauty and craftsmanship, while still providing modern amenities for their residents. These conservation architects are also familiar with the legislation and regulations required when renovating and extending listed buildings.
Landscape Architect
Landscape architects specialize, as the name suggests, in the design, development, and maintenance of outdoor spaces. These include lawns, squares orchards and parks. They can also be involved in designing golf courses, resorts, as well as other recreational spaces.
These architects are specialists in horticulture. They determine the best places for different types of trees, plants and flowers. They make these decisions based on climate, site, and what kind of greenery will thrive there.
Landscape architects have expanded their horizons beyond outdoor spaces because of the popularity of sustainable designs. Landscape architects often work with sustainable architects in order to integrate indoors and outward spaces seamlessly.
