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What is a Building Designer?
A Building Designer is first and foremost a
professional familiar with all facets of the building trade, whose plans
and designs represent the particular needs, style and budget of the
client.
The work of a Building Designer is varied and may consist of residential,
both single and multi-unit, and commercial structures as permitted by the
architectural statutes of each state. A Building Designer's approach to
any problem is based on the practical, functional and economical solutions
that will best fulfill the client's requirements, while translating these
factors into a concept that is both aesthetic and utilitarian.
A qualified Building Designer offers a complete array of professional
services. The Building Designer's prime task is to furnish preliminary and
detailed designs for the proposed structure, ranging from the initial
concept to complete working drawings and specifications that will comply
with all applicable building codes and regulations.
A Building Designer may supply or arrange additional services such as
selecting contractors and overseeing construction. A Building Designer may
be retained to provide all or any part of the planning, design, and
construction process as the client desires. These services are subject to
the policies and services of the individual designer.
During the initial planning stage, the designer confers with the client to
ascertain type, size, and ultimate usage of the structure. The Building
Designer may offer recommendations regarding the site, interior and
exterior layout, materials to be used, the range of services, and
architectural and exterior treatments. The Building Designer may provide
estimates of time and costs to be incurred in preparation of the drawings,
specifications, and construction estimates.
When the design concepts are accepted by the client, the designer may
present a contract detailing the extent of the services to be furnished
and outline the related responsibilities, fees, and structural, mechanical
and electrical considerations.
When retained to do so, a Building Designer may assist the client by
preparing and publishing bid proposals for construction, and may also
interpret and explain bid proposals to the client with any
recommendations. As the client's agent, a Building Designer may in some
states conduct on-site inspections of construction, ensuring that all work
meets the recognized standards and protects the client's interests.
A member of the American Institute of Building Design has met the
requirements of the AIBD By Laws and the work experience standards deemed
necessary to gain comprehensive knowledge of the profession of building
design.
The American Institute of Building Design maintains a registry of Building
Designers who have demonstrated outstanding competence in the field. Those
persons so certified are permitted to use the title of Certified
Professional Building Designer, which can only be appointed by the
National Council of Building Designer Certification. Certified members are
deemed qualified to perform services required in any portion of planning,
design and construction, as permitted in their state of residence or
practice. For more information on certification, please visit
www.ncbdc.com or call
1-800-726-7659.
For more information regarding AIBD designers in your area, or AIBD
membership information, please call or write: The American Institute of
Building Design
7059 Blair Road NW
Suite 201
Washington, DC 20012
1-800-366-AIBD
www.aibd.org |
Request a free copy of AIBD's
"Home
Design Journal."
You need more living space and have decided it's time
to get serious about a second-level addition, or perhaps you've purchased
a parcel of land with an eye toward building your "dream home" in the near
future. As you sit back and consider the scope of the project, you're
besieged with a whirl of questions.
The AIBD has complimentary publications
that are available by request. "A Guide to Residential Design
Specialists" is a 12 page booklet that can help your dreams become reality
in ways you never thought possible.
Contents:
How to Find the Right Building Designer
The Interview and Compensation
Your Role on the Design Team
Prioritizing Your "Wish List"
Establishing a Program and Budget
The Design Process
Also available is "The
Home Design Journal," compliments of the AIBD.
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