The main purpose of architecture, whether in Kerala or in any other part of the world, has to be the ability to place quality over quantity. An architect needs to possess dedication, professionalism and a constant passion for innovative work. The best architects complete their designs and then ensure that builders prepare constructions in a planned manner.
Understanding lifestyles
The best architects in Kerala would first try to understand the lifestyles of their clients in detail. Different features need to be added to a house or a commercial area on the basis of lifestyles. For example, if different members in a family need rooms of their own, it would be a good idea to get a duplex designed. Not only would it increase space within a house, but it would also impart privacy. Other than that, for someone who is looking at sustained living, environment friendly designs and technologies will have to be part of the house.
Knowledge of an established architect at a well known firm would comprise of the following components:
- Master planning
- Interior design
- Project estimation
- Site evaluation
- Design development
Apart from the main designs, an architectural firm also needs to look at design alternatives. At the same time, it must be ensured that the client’s costs are kept under control. It is best to inform the firm of the available budget right at the start, for plans to be prepared suitably.
Do you need a firm with diverse experience?
As a client, you need to first establish whether you require the service of the architecture one time or on a recurring basis. If the requirement is just for one time, the best idea would be to choose a firm with suitable specialists in the field you are looking at. On the other hand, if you have a requirement on a long term basis, possibly as a real estate firm, it would be advisable to choose a firm with a diverse portfolio. Different types of architectural projects are likely to include the following:
- College campus designs
- School designs
- Auditoriums and community halls
- High rise apartments
- Villas
- Resorts
- Hotels
- Places of worship
- Ashrams
Giving homes their lost grandeur
Sloping wooden roofs are ideal for the homes in Kerala, as modern glass roofs cause problems to home owners due to leaves and bird droppings. Extensive woodwork and ferrocement at cheaper rates are great alternatives for Kerala homes. Branded interior design material can be replaced by more beautiful building materials for the lost grandeur.
Types of architectural services
Most often than not, firms in Kerala will provide a mix of the following architectural design services:
- Site visits
- Work schedules
- Client discussions
- Rough estimate according to preliminary sketch
- Details and drawings of architectural working
- Estimate as per architectural drawing
- Finalisation of contractor
- Documentation of tenders
- Built drawings
- Completion certificate, with project being handed over to client
Designs help gain future investments
Think of today’s architectural design has an investment into the future. You can truly reap the benefits of a well designed home by giving it for rent or commercial development at a later date. The upkeep of the entire property and its area will also hold value in determining the value of this property at a later date.
Good design architects will take care of all the design elements and their implementation during the process of building a home or renovating it. Building laws are constantly getting stricter, and so it is better for the experts to get the relevant licenses and approvals, instead of you trying to figure out the laws on your own.
Businesses are always intent on saving costs in the long run. These days, many companies are intent on remodeling existing offices instead of constructing new ones, especially if there’s no question of shifting from one location to another. Remodeling helps businesses maximize the available space in its existing office. It is a great move for a company that is looking to expand operations but at a reasonable cost.
Different stages of commercial remodeling are:
- Making plans and creating the design
- Working out the prices and then bidding
- Purchase of materials and engineering
- Structural repairs and redesigning
- Finishing out the process
- Cleaning the area and removing debris
Architects have to engage a general construction contractor with experience in renovation. They have to ensure that structural rigidity of the framework is maintained while modifying the existing structures. Also, it is not possible to vacate the entire building to complete this work. Specific areas will have to be under renovation at one time while employees in other areas can function normally. At the end, the office owner would want to look at his or her existing commercial space as a glamorous showcase instead of the simple design it was before.
