PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

GROUP ASSIGNMENT-1
PREPARED BY : SUBMITTED TO :-
- Edlawit Kebede 234/2013 Instructor Feven
- Sadam Jara 076 /2013
- Sisay Geda 075 /2013 DATE OF SUBMISSION:
- yared Endalkachew 080/2013 Date:- 03-03-2017 E.C

ADDIS COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE & URBAN PLANNING 2017 E.C
01 What is An Architectural firm? and classify architectural firms based on sizes and
what kind of elements they include.

“ “An architectural firm is a professional organization specializing in designing

and planning buildings and structures. They offer comprehensive services from
initial concept through to project completion, covering residential, commercial, and
industrial projects. Architectural firms may also provide urban and interior design,
landscape architecture, construction management, and consulting on sustainable
building practices, ensuring a holistic approach to the built environment.”

ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS CAN BE CLASSIFIED BASED ON SEVERAL KEY

FACTORS, INCLUDING:
1.Project Type Specialization:
Some firms focus on specific types of projects, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or
institutional buildings, while others may handle a mix of project types.

2.Firm Size and Structure:

Firms range from small, boutique studios with a handful of architects to large, multi-disciplinary
firms with hundreds of employees, each offering different levels of personalized service and project
scope.

3.Design Philosophy and Style:

Some firms are known for a particular design approach, such as modernism, sustainable
architecture, or traditional styles, catering to clients with specific aesthetic preferences.

4.Service Offerings:
Firms may differ in the services they provide, from basic design and planning to full-service
packages that include interior design, landscape architecture, construction management, and
sustainability consulting.

5.Geographic Focus:
Some firms work locally or regionally, focusing on projects within a specific area, while others
operate nationally or even internationally, with the capacity to manage projects across diverse
locations and regulatory environments.

6.Specialization in Sustainable Practices:

Certain firms emphasize environmentally sustainable practices, specializing in green building
design, energy-efficient technologies, and eco-friendly materials.

The most common way

to classify architectural
firms is by their size or
scale. WHY?
Project Scope
Resource Capacity
Expertise
Implementation
Types of Customers
1.2. CLASSIFICATION OF ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS
A. SMALL FIRMS
Size: Typically fewer than 10 employees.
Focus: Primarily on residential projects, small commercial spaces, and specialized niche
work.
Services: Small firms provide highly personalized, hands-on service, often directly engaging
with clients for a customized design experience.

Specializations:
Residential design (e.g., single-family homes, townhouses)
Small-scale commercial work (e.g., cafes, local shops)
Renovation and restoration projects
Consulting on specific design elements, such as sustainability or materials

B. MEDIUM FIRMS
Size: Usually between 10 and 50 employees.
Focus: A wider range of projects, including mid-sized commercial buildings, multi-family
residential developments, and small institutional projects.
Services: Medium firms may offer specialized services like interior design, landscape
architecture, and urban planning.
Specializations:
Commercial buildings (e.g., offices, retail spaces)
Mixed-use developments
Public sector projects (e.g., libraries, government buildings)
Additional services in landscape design and urban planning
C. LARGE FIRMS
Size: Over 50 employees, often with hundreds or thousands of staff across multiple locations.
Focus: Large and complex projects, including high-rise buildings, master planning, and
extensive commercial or institutional developments.
Services: Comprehensive design, construction management, and consulting. Large firms
often have specialized divisions for interior design, engineering, urban planning, and
sustainability.

Specializations:
High-rise and skyscraper design
Major institutional or commercial developments (e.g., corporate campuses, hospitals, airports)
Large-scale infrastructure projects and master planning
D. GLOBAL OR INTERNATIONAL FIRMS
Size: Largest architectural firms with a global presence and offices in multiple countries.
Focus: Iconic and groundbreaking projects, large-scale urban developments, and consulting
for international clients, often pioneering new design technologies and sustainable practices.
Services: A full suite of services, including international consulting, urban planning for cities,
and innovative solutions in sustainability and construction technology.

Specializations:
Large-scale urban development and planning
Major projects for multinational corporations, governments, and global organizations
Innovations in green architecture, smart cities, and advanced building technologies
02 List out common organizational structures of architectural firm and describe them
in detail.

A. STUDIO-BASED STRUCTURE
This structure is common in small to mid-sized firms, where projects are handled by specialized
teams or “studios.” Each studio is responsible for managing all phases of a project, from design
to construction. This structure fosters close collaboration among team members, providing a
more creative and flexible environment.

Key Elements:
Studio Leader/Principal Architect: Oversees the studio and provides high-level
guidance on design direction.
Design Team: Includes architects, designers, and drafter teams who work on the
creative aspects of the project.
Project Management: Managed within the studio, involving coordination, timelines, and
client communication.
Technical Team: Handles the technical aspects such as structural, mechanical, and
electrical systems.
Construction Oversight: Typically, a project manager or construction manager from the
studio works directly with contractors.
Workflow:
1. Client Contact:
Initial meeting between the Studio Leader/Principal Architect and the client to
understand needs and preferences.
2. Bid Process:
The Design Team develops conceptual designs and proposals, while the Project
Manager or Studio Leader works on cost estimates.
3. Design Development:
In-house team collaborates, refining the designs through multiple iterations with the
client’s feedback.
4. Execution:
The same team oversees construction, ensuring quality and design integrity, with
feedback from the studio leadership.

Benefits:
Creative Collaboration: Since all phases are handled within one team, it allows for
seamless communication and collaboration.
Specialization: Teams are often specialized in certain types of projects (e.g., residential,
commercial) for deeper expertise.
Flexibility: Easier to adjust to the client’s needs or changes during the design process.

B. DEPARTMENT-BASED STRUCTURE:
More common in larger firms, this structure divides the firm into specialized departments, such
as design, documentation, project management, and technical services. Each department
focuses on a specific phase or aspect of the project. This setup allows firms to handle large-
scale, complex projects more efficiently.
Key Elements:
General Manager (GM): Oversees the entire firm, ensuring alignment between
departments and overall strategy.
 Department Heads: Lead specialized departments, such as design, project
management, or technical services. Each department focuses on its respective part of
the project.
Design Team: Typically handles the conceptual and technical design stages.
Documentation Team: Prepares detailed drawings, specifications, and contract
documents.
Project Management Team: Coordinates project timelines, budget, and client relations.
Technical Services Team: Handles structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering
elements.

Workflow:
1. Client Contact: Managed by Business Development Managers (BDMs) or General
Manager (GM), who meet potential clients and assess project requirements.

2. Bid Process: Project Managers coordinate with Design Heads and Technical Teams
to prepare comprehensive bid proposals, including cost estimates, design mockups, and
timelines.

3. Design Development: After bid approval, the Design Team leads the design, working
closely with Technical Services for integration of engineering elements.

4. Documentation & Construction: The Documentation Team prepares detailed

blueprints, while the Project Management Team monitors project timelines and
coordinates with contractors.

5. Execution: Ongoing supervision by Project Managers to ensure the project stays

within scope, budget, and schedule.
Benefits:
Efficiency & Scalability: Works well for larger firms managing multiple projects at once,
with clear delegation of tasks.
Specialization: Departments are specialized, which can increase efficiency and focus in
each phase.
Clear Structure: Defined roles ensure smooth operations but may lack flexibility in
creative collaboration.

C. HYBRID STRUCTURE
The hybrid structure combines elements of both the studio-based and department-based
structures, offering flexibility and specialization. In this model, firms can assign projects to
either specialized departments or multidisciplinary studios, depending on the project’s scope
and requirements. This creates a balance between efficiency and creativity.
Key Elements:
General Manager (GM): Maintains overall strategic direction, oversees both studios and
departments.
Department Heads: Responsible for managing specific technical and administrative
aspects.
Design Team: Works collaboratively with Project Managers and Construction Managers
for creative problem-solving.
Project Managers: Coordinate tasks across different teams (e.g., design, construction,
technical), ensuring the project runs smoothly.
Support Staff: Provides administrative, HR, and financial support, enabling teams to
focus on their core responsibilities.
 Workflow:
1.Client Contact: Managed by both GM and BDM to maintain flexibility for different
types of clients and projects.

2.Bid Process: Both Studio Teams and Department Heads collaborate in preparing the
bid. Studio Leaders might create a design proposal while Project Managers focus on
costs and logistics.

3.Design Development: The Design Team works closely with Technical and Project
Management departments to develop design solutions, with feedback loops between
departments.

4.Execution: As the project progresses, Design Teams collaborate with Construction

Managers to ensure designs are built as intended while staying within scope and
timeline.

5. Project Handover: The Project Manager handles the client handover, ensuring all
deliverables are met and obtaining client feedback.
Benefits:
Flexibility: Offers adaptability in handling a diverse range of projects with varying scopes
and complexities.
Balanced Workflow: The hybrid structure allows for both creative freedom and
operational efficiency.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Promotes collaboration between design and technical
departments, ensuring better integration of ideas and solutions.
Key Takeaways:
Studio-Based Structure is best for creative, tight-knit teams in smaller firms, while
Department-Based Structures work better for larger, more segmented firms.

Hybrid Structures offer the flexibility to adjust depending on project needs and
scale, making them adaptable for a variety of clients and project types.

03 Mention the architectural services that can be given with in the office.

Architectural Design
Sustainability Consulting
Conceptual and Schematic Design
Design Development
Sustainable Design Solutions
Interior Architecture
Energy Modeling and Environmental Analysis
3D Visualization and Rendering
Landscape Architecture
Planning and Zoning
Landscape Design and Site Integration
Site Analysis and Feasibility Studies
Stormwater Management
Master Planning and Urban Design
Zoning and Land Use Consultation
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Technical Documentation 3D Modeling and BIM Coordination
Construction Drawings and Detailing
Building Specifications Historic Preservation

Restoration and Renovation

Project Management Adaptive Reuse
Project Scheduling and Budgeting
Construction Administration
04 List down and describe other disciplines that needed to be submitted during
approval of design together with architectural documents.

During the approval of architectural designs, several other disciplines must submit documents
alongside architectural documents to ensure comprehensive compliance and functionality. These
include:
1. CIVIL ENGINEERING:
• Focuses on site development, grading, drainage, and infrastructure such as roads and utilities. Civil
engineers ensure that the site is suitable for construction and that it complies with local regulations.

2. STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING:
• Responsible for the integrity and safety of the building structure. Structural engineers provide
calculations and drawings that detail load-bearing elements, materials, and construction methods.

3. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING:
• Covers heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and fire protection systems.
Mechanical engineers design systems that ensure comfort and safety within the building.

4. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING:
• Involves the design of electrical systems, including lighting, power distribution, and communication
systems. Electrical engineers create schematics that detail wiring and equipment placement.

5. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE:
• Addresses external spaces surrounding the building, including gardens, pathways, and ecological
considerations. Landscape architects ensure that outdoor areas are aesthetically pleasing and
functional.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING:
• Evaluates the environmental impact of the project. This may include assessments of sustainability
practices, energy efficiency, and compliance with environmental regulations.

NEW CONSTRUCTION PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

1. Application Forms: Complete permit forms and checklist.
2.Environmental Impact Letter: From Environmental Protection Office, Gurd Shola.
3. Insurance Letter: From a recognized insurance company.
4. Leased Site Documents: Lease contract and development agreement (if in a
redevelopment area).
5. Bank Loan: Bank letter permitting construction.
6. Design Submissions:
Architectural, Sanitary, Electrical, & Mechanical Designs
Structural Design & Soil Analysis (for buildings over 2 stories)
7. Supporting Documents:
Professional license, TIN, previous permits.
Environmental Safety Certificate (for large facilities).
Debt statement (less than 1 month old).
8.Submission: Three copies of all documents, IDs, plan agreement, and map.