Meenakshi College of Engineer-School of Architecture, Chennai

* refer additional academic books and prepare for exam

INTRODUCTION TO THE ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION

The Architecture Professional is introduced in India during the British Rule. The first school
of architecture to be established in whole of Asia is ‘School of Architecture’ started in 1880 in
Mumbai, later named as JJ School of Architecture.
Architecture is the imaginative blend of art and science in the design of environments for
people. People need places to eat, work, live and play. Architects transform these needs into
concepts and then develop the concepts into building images that can be constructed by others.
These projects can be as small as an entrance way and as large as an entire college campus—and
everything in between. An architect serves in a leadership role to bring together the design and
budgetary requirements set by the client, restraints of a site (where the building will be
constructed), needs of the building's users, and the limitations of materials into a unique and
balanced design solution. Decision-making, team leadership and creativity are the key elements of
making architecture. Succinctly put, an architect is a licensed professional with specialized skills
who designs buildings and cityscapes and helps make real the unique vision of their clients and
communities. The role of an architect is not just to design buildings. Through the design, the
architect must also protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public and the users of the
buildings. Therefore, like medical doctors, one must have a license granted by Council of
Architecture, India, in order to refer to oneself as an "architect." Doing so otherwise is illegal.

Role of Architects in Society

A common task, an architect will have to face, is to explain propective client and the society
at large, the role he/she plays. An Architect is an Expert Advisor, a General Manager, an Auditor, a
Supervisor, an Umpire (Judge) and above all a Man of Social Responsibility.

ADVISOR: Using the best of his knowledge and experience, an architect has be advise his client,
his advice must be only in the interest of his client.
GENERAL MANAGER: An architect is entrusted with financial undertakings. He has to co-
ordinate activities of many agencies like a general manager. In which his honesty of purpose must
be above suspicion.
AUDITOR: He has to work as an auditor, which certifying the payments to the contractors. He
must be selfless and impartial.
SUPERVISOR: Howsoever big or small the work may be, or at a distance or nearby, the work site
may be, the architect must frequently visit work under construction, to see that the work is being
carried out as per the conditions and specifications of the contract, and also as per the design
concepts. The owner is relying on the architect in this aspect.
UMPIRE: He has to work as an umpire in case of dispute between the owner and the contractor,
while implementing conditions of contracts, he must act with entire impartiality.
SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS: Whatever built environment an architect is creating has to last long
making its good or bad effects on the society. Therefore, he has the moral responsibility towards
the society. His behavior in the society reflects upon the Architectural fraternity as a whole.
EDUCATOR: He shall educate directly or indirectly, his clients and the society at large to improve
quality of living and environment, welfare of the town and the country. These are the moral and
legal expectations of an architect.
An architect helps to build the evolution of society by physically manifesting items of
culture in the form of spatial constructs where representations of culture meet the human mind in a
multi sensory locality. An architect has a physical sensory responsibility to the people who
experience the constructed space while also acting as an artist and painting the picture that we call
society. An architect must take into account the past, present and future of both building
techniques and global cultures in order to convey a structural message that relates to past and
present ideologies while gently leading the path for the future of human consciousness and cultural
identity.

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Meenakshi College of Engineer-School of Architecture, Chennai
* refer additional academic books and prepare for exam

Alternatives open on entering the Profession:

People trained as architects can choose another career path related to their skills. The
training acquired through an architecture-based education can be applied to a number of different
non-architecture based job titles. Some career choices include construction manager, urban planner
and graphic designer.
Creativity is a prime trait needed to be a successful architect. Beyond being creative,
architects need to be skilled in drawing and designing, as well as communicating with other
designers and builders. Individuals who hold B.Arch degree can pursue different career path and
apply those architecture-related skills to other disciplines.
Construction Manager:
Construction managers read and understand the design plans of a building, and they
determine which construction materials would be the best and most cost-efficient to use. They also
oversee the hiring of general contractors used to complete a project's specific aspects, like painting
or plumbing. Several managers may work together on large construction projects, overseeing
different aspects of them.
While architects aren't always involved in the construction portion of a building's creation,
they frequently come in contact with construction managers to help keep projects running on time
and on budget. An architect's ability to understand complex building plans is a key part of the job.
Architects also have knowledge of building materials and how their strength and durability can be
most efficiently used in construction.
Urban Planner:
Urban planners use their knowledge of design and construction to effectively develop areas
for residential, commercial and social use. Their job entails studying the current land use and
preparing reports about it, covering such things as local population growth and resource
availability. This process helps ensure their plans are presently viable and sustainable for years to
come. Part of this gets accomplished by meeting with local councils and citizens' groups to hear
their suggestions about what a community needs.
Urban planners often specialize on one aspect of the job, such as transportation, urban
development or land-use enforcement. However, the demands of the job require them to be aware
of how their individual project will affect a community as a whole. The position demands that a
planner be aware of how to maximize a particular space, which is something an architect's sense of
design might help with. Additionally, a creative architect can create a structure that has long-lasting
functional and aesthetic sensibilities.
Graphic Designer:
By implementing artistic and creative skills - including drawing, layout and photography - a
graphic designer uses visuals to communicate a verbal idea. Graphic designers often play key roles
in the advertising process by creating images used to help consumers identify and remember a
particular product. The job does allow for a range of creativity, but most projects begin with a
designer consulting with a client about what the image should portray. Usually throughout the
process, designers work closely with clients by showing them various drafts until they're satisfied
with the finished product.
Graphic designers can work alone, but many times, they may oversee or work with a team
of designers. A job as a graphic designer offers a way to use the drawing abilities and creativity that
architectural training develops. The position also utilizes an architect's ability to work as part of a
team to satisfy a client's wishes.

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Meenakshi College of Engineer-School of Architecture, Chennai
* refer additional academic books and prepare for exam

Registration of Architects:
Only a ‘registered Architect’ or a ‘registered firm of Architects’ can use the title and style of
“Architect”. Every time an Architect signs an agreement with the client, he is supposed to quote
his ‘Registration Number’. If any person misuses the title and style of Architect, such acts
tantamount to committing a criminal offence, which is punishable under section 36 or 37 (2) of the
Architects Act, 1972
It is very important that every qualified Architect, desirous of carrying on the profession of
‘Architect’, be registered with the Council of Architecture because any reference in law to an
Architect, shall be deemed to be a reference to an Architect registered under the Act.
The registration with the Council of Architecture entitles a person to practice the profession
of Architecture, provided he holds a Certificate of Registration with up-to-date renewals; A person
to use the title and style of Architect. The title and style of Architect can also be used by a firm of
Architects, of which all partners are registered with COA. Limited Companies, Private/Public
Companies, societies and other juridical persons are not entitled to use the title and style of
Architect nor are they entitled to practice the profession of Architecture.

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURE?

A person can have his name entered in the Register, on payment of the prescribed fee, if he
resides or carries out the profession of Architecture in India and has the necessary qualifications,
after having undergone education in accordance with the Council of Architecture – Minimum
Standards of Architectural Education Regulations, 1983.

WHAT IS THE RELEVANCE OF THE REGISTRATION NUMBER?

On entry in the Register, the Registrar issues a Certificate of registration, in which the
Council of Architecture’s Registration Number is mentioned. This Registration Number has to be
quoted by the Architect, when signing on an Agreement or on any documents related to the project
for which the Architect has been signed.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR GETTING REGISTERED WITH THE COUNCIL OF

ARCHITECTURE?
An application for registration is addressed to the Registrar of the Council. The application
along with the prescribed fee and the necessary documents should be submitted personally at the
office of the Council or sent by post to “The Registrar, Council of Architecture, India Habitat
Centre, Core 6-AFirst floor, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110 003.” The documents to be submitted
for Registration include:
1. Application form in the prescribed format, duly filled in and signed by the applicant, along with
two recent passport size photographs duly signed, with name mentioned at the back.
2. A copy of the date of birth certificate attested by either a Gazetted Officer or Notary
Public/Oath Commissioner.
3. The recognised architectural qualification certificate on the basis of which registration is sought
i.e. 5-year B.Arch. Degree or 5-year Diploma in Architecture or 5-year Government Diploma in
Architecture or Membership of I.I.A. Certificate (as the case may be), in original, for
verification and return by Registered Post, along with a copy of the same duly attested by either
a Gazetted Officer or Notary Public/Oath Commissioner. The recognised architectural
qualifications (Indian and Foreign) are listed in the COA SCHEDULE.
4. The copies of marksheets for all the semesters/years of the recognised architectural
qualification duly attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary Public/Oath Commissioner.
5. A copy of the Marriage Certificate duly attested by either a Gazetted Officer or Notary
Public/Oath Commissioner towards change of name consequent upon marriage. However, in
case of change of name due to reasons other than marriage, only a copy of the Gazette

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Meenakshi College of Engineer-School of Architecture, Chennai
* refer additional academic books and prepare for exam
Notification, duly attested by either a Gazetted Officer or Notary Public/Oath Commissioner,
will be accepted.
6. A duly attested copy mark sheet of 10+2 or equivalent examination with 50% marks in
aggregate.
7. A demand draft (Non-refundable) drawn in favour of “Council of Architecture”, payable at
Delhi/New Delhi towards registration fee. There is also an option of availing one-time payment
at the time of registration by paying vide demand draft which is subject to submission of the
final Degree/Diploma, in original, along with an attested copy of the same.
8. A self-addressed envelope of size 14″ x 10″ for sending the certificate of registration by
Registered Post.
If the Registrar is of the opinion that the applicant is entitled to be registered, then he shall enter
the name of the applicant in the Register and issue a Certificate of Registration. Any person whose
application for registration is rejected by the Registrar, can within three months of the date of
rejection, appeal to the Council.

Architect’s office and its management

[location, organization structure, responsibility towards employees, consultants and
associates, elementary accounts, tax liabilities]

Location:
Architect’s office environment is very important – they tell visitors a lot about what to
expect from the place they are visiting. One may set up their office in a big city or smaller town,
but one should make sure it has prominent address. It should be easy to find out or to locate.
Small room space is enough to start an office. It could be part of the architect’s residence,
provided it has a direct access and not an access through their residence. Another important point is
that during office hours care should be taken that the office space look like an office room.
Working from home sounds like a delightful idea as there are advantages of flexible
working hours, low overheads, security, comfortable environment and easy ways to balance family
life. And if your start-up goal is to save some money in your initial period, then it is not a bad idea
to make an office space in your home. But the thumb rule says that success of any office depends
on three factors:
Location, Location and Location
Thus, choose to work from home only if its location is appropriate for your company needs and has
enough space for your office utility

Organisation Structure

An organizational structure defines how activities such as task allocation, coordination and
supervision are directed towards the achievement of organizational aims. It can also be considered
as the viewing glass or perspective through which individuals see their organization and its
environment.

An architecture firm usually has at least one "principal," a licensed architect who is the sole
proprietor of the firm, or one who shares an ownership interest with the other architects in the firm.
Small firms with less than 5 people usually have no formal organizational structure, depending on
the personal relationships of the principals and employees to organize the work. Medium-sized
firms with 5 to 50 employees are often organized departmentally in departments such as design,
production, business development, and construction administration.
Large firms of over 50 people may be organized departmentally, regionally, or in studios
specializing in project types. Other permutations also exist.

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Meenakshi College of Engineer-School of Architecture, Chennai
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PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT

Drawing Office or Design Structural & Survey Administration

Office Department

Functions: Functions: Functions:

Development of design Structural designs, Office Correspondence,
concept, Inputs, Land Survey Book Keeping
Municipal Drawings, Quantity Survey, Accounts
Working Drawings, Specifications, Estimation, Observation of Govt. Tax
Details, Presentation Preparation of Contract Rules, Stationery Purchase
Drawings etc. Papers, Bill Checking and House Keeping
checking of Item rates etc.
Posts: Posts:
Senior Architect Posts: Manager/Secretary
Project Architect Structural Designer Accounts’s Clerk
Assistant Architect Quantity Surveyor Typist
Junior Architect Assistant Engineer Receptionist
Draftsman / Trainee Surveyor Peons
Draftsman

Taxes:

Professional Tax:
This is a tax laid by the state government. This tax is an amount fixed by the government, which is
not related to the income of the individual and has to be paid annually. This tax is applicable in all
Tamilnadu as well.

Income Tax:
Architects are liable to pay income tax to the Central Government, when your annual income is
more than a stipulated amount. The salaries of the assistants employed and their service conditions
etc. is responsibility of the principal architect.

Service Tax:
An architect gives professional service to his client. This service is taxed by the Government.
Therefore, an architect has to charge the client on the amount of fees certain percentage, as service
tax. This amount shall be paid to the government. The responsibility to charge the service tax to the
client and to pay it to the Government, if received from the client is vested with the architect.

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