Tag: drawings

Architecture & Building

What are MEP plans? And why you might need them  

What is am MEP in construction?  

MEP stands for mechanical, electrical and plumbing. MEP engineering is the science and are of planning, designing and managing the MEP systems of a building.  

  • M – the mechanical design elements of a property, such as the heating and cooling system are important because they make the inside comfortable. This makes it so you can live in buildings in all weather conditions, hot and cold.  
  • E – the electrical system keeps all the lights and power going, it also powers the other systems. Architectural lighting plans are key component of the electrical engineering process.  
  • P – finally, the plumbing system provides fresh water for cleaning, drinking etc. They also take storm and wastewater safely away.  

What’s in MEP drawings?  

These types of drawings are created by combining architectural, structural, and civil shop drawing for a project. These types of drawings smooth out the manufacturing, installation, assembly and maintenance of the MEP in a building. Contractors use these drawings to get precise specifications and identify faults before construction starts.  

The drawings provide construction cost saving approximately 30%, along with the improvement in the building delivery schedules to over 40%.  

Benefits of using a MEP engineering company –  

Working with an experienced MEP engineering company has several benefits:  

  • It can optimize material needs to lower installation costs while maintaining excellent performance and code compliance.  
  • Because of the high level of interaction between MEP systems, they are usually built jointly. This unified approach eliminates equipment collisions, prevalent during the separate building of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems separately. 
  • Joint designs enable the effective utilization of space. 

What is the importance of the drawings?  

Furthermore, they provide important systems of checks and balances during the construction phase of a project. The purpose is to ensure the end result keeps to the design shown in the construction documents, and meets the expectations of the owner.  

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The difference between an architect and an architectural technologist

Here at Pro Arkitects we have in-house design technologists that work on all of our amazing designs and projects. In this blog, it will explain the differences between an architect and an architectural technologist.  

Architect – 

What does the title architect mean?  

Firstly, an architect is a qualified professional obliged to conduct their services under the rules of a code of conduct. The title architect is protected by the architect’s registration board (ARB). 

How to become an architect?  

To call yourself an architect you must pass the standards set by the ARB, by completing parts 1,2, & 3 of the educational programs. Typically, depending on the curriculum and length of the program you choose to enroll in, the school can take anywhere from 5 to 7 years. During this time, the students will be following a combination of theoretical and practical training. Some architects also subscribe each year to be a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).  

In addition, architects can offer you full services. Including the detailed construction drawings and specifications. As well as, the construction phase with particular skills in administrating construction contracts.  

Architectural technologists – 

What does the title architectural technologist mean? 

The architectural technologist provides technical building design services. Technologists also have a professional title which is, Charted Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). CIAT has a similar code of conduct for its members as the ARB. Most technologists have studied a three-year degree approved by CIAT.  

Becoming architectural technologist –  

A technologist is trained less intensively compared to an architect. They will most likely have a degree at best. However, this doesn’t mean that the technologist can’t design buildings.

What do the technologists do?  

The architectural technologists do the following:  

  • Firstly, create drawings and models  
  • Make sure the designs meet building regulations 
  • Prepare contracts and documents 
  • Also prepare cost estimates and instructions for builders 
  • They also work in a similar role to civil engineers.  

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What are Structural drawings? All you need to know

What are structural drawings?  

Structural drawings are plans for how a building or structure will be built. The drawings are created by engineers. They are also based on information provided by architectural drawings.  

In addition, the plans show the size and materials to be used. They also don’t address architectural details like partition walls, surface finishes, or mechanical systems.  

What is the purpose?  

Furthermore, They are used to progress the architect’s concept by specifying the shape and position of all parts of the structure.  

What do the drawings entail?  

  • An actual drawing of the building project 
  • Structural details & instructions  
  • A licenced professional engineer’s signature & stamp 

When will you need a building permit? 

This drawing is a great way to communicate important building information to your local building department. Although, the information is straightforward your building permit may be a quicker process.  

Structural drawings set –  

  • Firstly, general notes are part of structural drawings and they cover the codes used in the design and by the laws of the building. Structural notes provide information regarding material properties or construction requirements. 
  • The structural drawings show the foundation, floor, and roof plan of the building. These inform you of the size and location of the structural elements in the plans.  
  • As well as, the elevations show the exterior walls of a building structure. In elevation drawings, you can find the height of floor & roof elevations.
  • Finally, the details drawings provide information on how to construct or connect the structural elements.  

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Elevations show the exterior walls of a building structure. In elevation drawings, you can find the height of floor & roof elevations. 

The detailed provide information on how to construct or connect the structural elements.  

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Interior Design Vs An Interior Architect: Understanding The Differences

interior architecture is often confused with architecture, interior design, and interior decoration. For a considerable amount of time, the debate as to the difference between the terms ‘Interior Designer’ and ‘Architect’ has continued to gather momentum. So, find out what the differences between an interior designer and an interior architect are.

What is the difference between an interior architect and an interior designer?

An interior designer focuses on the actual furnishings and decoration of the interior. Whereas, an interior architect designs building interiors and space planning.

What does an interior architect do?

The role of an interior architect is that they “blend art and science together”. They must take into account the functionality, safety, and appearance of the building. This takes a lot of skill and careful consideration throughout the design process.

Architectural Drawing 2 Result | Interior architecture design, Interior  design sketches, Interior design renderings
interior design drawing

What does an interior designer do?

Generally, interior designers will work with you to design your space to suit your style, budget, and brief. Sometimes the designer will also purchase and install the furniture for you.

What are the differences between the two? There are many similarities between the roles of interior architect and interior designer. However, there are also some differences between the two jobs:

  • You need a license to become an architect. – One of the or differences is that all architects must have a license to call themselves architects and to practice architecture.
  • Interior design is more about aesthetic. – This profession focuses on space planning, creating cohesive and aesthetically pleasing designs for home interior and businesses.
  • Interior architects and structural renovations. – The interior architects will design the structure and get involved on a more technical level. They also work with builders, contractors, and technicians.

Work environment –

Interior architects usually divide their time between working in offices and working on construction sites. When in the office, they meet with clients to discuss projects, use computers to make plans, and develop budgets and timelines for projects.

They may also meet with other architects, engineers, interior designers, and construction managers to create more complex projects.

Interior designers also divide their time between working in offices and traveling for work. Then they are in the office, they usually meet with clients, research materials and décor options, and use software to create designs.

When they travel, they may meet with vendors to look for or retrieve materials, or they might go to client sites, where they carry out their design plans.

Interior Design Basics: 5 Interior Design Tips for Beginners - 2021 -  MasterClass

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Architectural Service Prices UK: How Much Do They Charge?

Architects’ prices can vary, not only in their level but also in the methods of their calculations. There are different methods for calculating the prices. This includes the percentage of construction, a fixed fee, and hourly rates.  

When you decide that you would like to use architectural services, the first question you have in mind is how much does it cost to hire an architect? 

Prices back in the day  

Up until the 1980s, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) published a mandatory and recommended fee scale on the prices they could expect architects to charge. However, due to the increase in competition the fee scales were abolished.  

How much do architects charge? 

This isn’t a simple question because there are so many different ways, they can charge you. And it also depends on your project and the features you want to include. Although here is an overview of the different methods:  

  • A percentage of the project – this can range from 1.5% to 20%. Usually, the bigger the project, the lower the percentage.  
  • Fixed fees – the architects can quote you a lump sum depending on how much work they will have to put into your project.  
  • Hourly rates – will get charged by the hour.   

Architect’s fees for residential projects will normally vary between 10%-14% of construction cost.  

How much does it cost for the drawings?  

Architects make design decisions that will add value to the site, they will then draw the floor plans, elevations, and visualisations. You will need these for planning applications, building control approval, and for the builders to use for construction.  

Prices typically range from £1400 – £6000 with an average of £3700. Although the prices will differ depending on the size and complexity of the project.  

Your architect will play an important role in:  

  • Discussing your project in detail with you  
  • Providing advice, guidance, and assistance  
  • Preparing and submitting your planning/ building regs application  
  • Hel you manage design and building mistakes (if any) 

A good architect will save you money in the long run, through careful planning that avoids costly changes and a U-turn on site. They would be looking out for your money at every stage.  

What to expect from an architect’s price proposal –  

Although each project is different, the proposal should include the same key information: 

  • A description of the project and brief 
  • A schedule or description of services to be provided 
  • The fee chargeable, broken down against work stages of the project 
  • Additional chargeable expenses  
  • An outline of project timescale  

If your proposal doesn’t include any of the information above, ask your architect for further clarification.  

What's the Average Building Cost Per Sq M in 2021? | Checkatrade

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Things You Need To Know About Planning And Building Regs Drawings

Not many people know the difference between architectural/ planning drawings and building regulation drawings. In fact, it’s a frequently asked question. So this blog will give you all the answers.  

Planning drawings –  

Firstly, planning drawings are architectural designs. They are for planning purposes only and require manipulation when it comes to the building stage.  

They have no reference to the construction methods used. So, they contain no detail on how the building will be constructed.  

Building regulations drawings –  

These are a set of detailed plans and construction details. They are submitted to the local building control department. The designs go into much more detail than the planning application ones.  

They incorporate structural information from the engineer, insulation calculations. And proof of compliance with all the relevant parts of the building regulations.  

Here is an example of planning drawings – 

Planning Application Drawings
  • Different hatches distinguish exiting and new works 
  • Overall room dimensions only 
  • Simplified graphics 
  • No detailed information  
  • Walls illustrated as a solid hatch (no build-up information) 

As well as examples of building regs drawings –  

Extension plans, Kitchen extension, Bromsgrove
  • Fully dimensioned plans  
  • Detailed specification notes 
  • Complete construction information  
  • Full building reg compliance information  
  • Wall build-ups confirmed and illustrated 
  • Product specific details incorporated  
  • References made to other drawings   

firstly, building regulation approval is not the same as planning permission. Even though, planning permission and building regs approval (building control) are two separate pieces of legislation. Sometimes you may need both; sometimes you may need only one; or none at all.  

Most structural work, whether it’s for a new house or flats, alterations, extensions, or change of use, requires building regulations approval.  

In addition, building control is used to guarantee that any new building work complies with the building regulations. This happens by looking over plans and submitting an application. And then inspecting the construction works as it progresses on site.  

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