Editing Architect (section)

===Design role===
The architect, once hired by a client, is responsible for creating a design concept that meets the requirements of that client and provides a facility suitable to the required use. The architect must meet with and ask questions to the client, to ascertain all the requirements (and nuances) of the planned project.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://studentscholarships.org/salary/556/architects.php|title=Architects – What do Architects do?|website=StudentScholarships.org|language=en|access-date=2020-04-29|archive-date=2020-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513161920/https://studentscholarships.org/salary/556/architects.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

Often, the full brief is not clear in the beginning. It involves a degree of risk in the design undertaking. The architect may make early proposals to the client which may rework the terms of the brief. The "program" (or brief) is essential to producing a project that meets all the needs of the owner. This becomes a guide for the architect in creating the design concept.

Design proposal(s) are generally expected to be both imaginative and pragmatic. Much depends upon the time, place, finance, culture, and available crafts and technology in which the design takes place. The extent and nature of these expectations will vary. Foresight is a prerequisite when designing buildings as it is a very complex and demanding undertaking.

Any design concept during the early stage of its generation must take into account a great number of issues and variables, including the qualities of the space(s), the end-use and life-cycle of these proposed spaces, connections, relations, and aspects between spaces, including how they are put together, and the impact of proposals on the immediate and wider locality. The selection of appropriate materials and technology must be considered, tested, and reviewed at an early stage in the design to ensure there are no setbacks (such as higher-than-expected costs) which could occur later in the project.

The site and its surrounding environment, as well as the culture and history of the place, will also influence the design. The design must also balance increasing concerns with [[environmental sustainability]]. The architect may introduce (intentionally or not), aspects of [[mathematics and architecture]], new or current [[architectural theory]], or references to [[architectural history]].

A key part of the design is that the architect often must consult with engineers, surveyors, and other specialists throughout the design, ensuring that aspects such as structural supports and air conditioning elements are coordinated. The control and planning of construction costs are also part of these consultations. Coordination of the different aspects involves a high degree of specialized communication, including advanced computer technology such as [[building information modeling]] (BIM), computer-aided design (CAD), and cloud-based technologies. Finally, at all times, the architect must report back to the client, who may have reservations or recommendations which might introduce further variables into the design.

Architects also deal with local and federal jurisdictions regarding regulations and [[building code]]s. The architect might need to comply with local [[Urban planning|planning]] and [[zoning]] laws such as required setbacks, height limitations, parking requirements, transparency requirements (windows), and [[land use]]. Some jurisdictions require adherence to design and [[historic preservation]] guidelines. Health and safety risks form a vital part of the current design, and in some jurisdictions, design reports and records are required to include ongoing considerations of materials and contaminants, waste management and recycling, traffic control, and fire safety.

====Means of design====

Previously, architects employed drawings<ref name="MAD 225"/> to illustrate and generate design proposals. While conceptual sketches are still widely used by architects,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.archdaily.com/639533/17-napkin-sketches-by-famous-architects |title=17 Napkin Sketches by Famous Architects |date=5 June 2015 |access-date=8 March 2019 |first=Karissa |last=Rosenfield |work=[[ArchDaily]] |issn=0719-8884 |archive-date=5 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305230926/https://www.archdaily.com/639533/17-napkin-sketches-by-famous-architects/ |url-status=live }}</ref> computer technology has now become the industry standard.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/architecture/2011/03/think_before_you_build.html |title=Think Before You Build |first=Witold |last=Rybczynski |date=30 March 2011 |journal=[[Slate.com|Slate]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614053149/http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/architecture/2011/03/think_before_you_build.html |archive-date=14 June 2018 |publisher=[[The Slate Group]] |via=[[Graham Holdings Company]] |access-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Furthermore, design may include the use of photos, collages, prints, linocuts, [[3D scanning]] technology, and other media in design production. 
Increasingly, computer software is shaping how architects work. BIM technology allows for the creation of a virtual building that serves as an information database for the sharing of design and building information throughout the life-cycle of the building's design, construction, and maintenance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalbimstandard.org/faq.php#faq1 |title=Frequently Asked Questions About the National BIM Standard-United States |work=National BIM Standard |access-date=17 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016190503/http://www.nationalbimstandard.org/faq.php#faq1 |archive-date=16 October 2014 |publisher=[[National Institute of Building Sciences]]}}</ref> [[Virtual reality]] (VR) presentations are becoming more common for visualizing structural designs and interior spaces from the point-of-view perspective.