Why should you hire an architect? EP 6 Ft. Ar. Varun Tandon| BuildMate Podcast with Rishabh Aggarwal

Summary

In this episode of the Buildmate Podcast, host Varun Tandon, an experienced architect, discusses his journey in the field, focusing on residential architecture and building flows. He emphasizes the importance of architects in foreseeing future needs and collaborating with structural engineers. Tandon outlines the comprehensive services architects provide, from consultancy to interior design, and the types of drawings essential for a project. He also addresses how to choose the right architect, the benefits of having a team of vendors, and the challenges of balancing client desires with practical design. The conversation touches on cost-effective construction, green building concepts, and the role of architects in creating sustainable and efficient living spaces.

Takeaways

• 😀 The guest, Varun Tandon, is an architect with a focus on residential architecture and building flows, having worked for about five years.
• 🏢 Varun works with a firm called Fair Build, which is also known for its informative Instagram page.
• 🔍 Architects foresee and solve design issues, such as structural and utility planning, which can be complex for those without experience.
• 🏗️ The services of an architect include consultancy, structural consultancy, preparing drawings, and obtaining licenses for construction projects.
• 📚 Types of drawings provided by architects range from structural and electrical to plumbing, and even include elevation and interior design details.
• 🤝 Choosing the right architect often relies on referrals and personal visits to their projects to assess their design style and suitability.
• 🏡 The role of an architect extends beyond design to becoming a part of the client's family, guiding them through the building process.
• 🌿 Green architecture is gaining importance, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability from the construction phase itself.
• 💰 Reducing the cost of housing involves innovative materials and methods, such as IPC flooring, and considering vernacular construction techniques.
• 📋 The Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is crucial for budgeting and includes detailed specifications of materials, brands, and grades to avoid cost overruns.
• 💼 Hiring an architect may seem costly, but the value they bring to a project in terms of design, problem-solving, and cost management outweighs the expense.

Q & A

What is Varun Tandon's educational background in the field of architecture?

Varun Tandon has a bachelor's degree from the School of Planning and Architecture, and a master's degree in interior designing from Ansel University.

How long has Varun Tandon been working in the field of architecture?

Varun Tandon has been working for roughly five years in the field of architecture.

What is the name of the firm Varun Tandon works with, and what is its focus?

Varun Tandon works with a firm called Fair Build, which focuses on residential architecture and building flows.

What are the core services provided by an architect according to Varun Tandon?

The core services provided by an architect include architectural consultancy, structure consultancy, preparing drawings, and working on electrical and plumbing plans, among others.

What types of drawings does an architect typically provide for a house plan?

An architect typically provides working drawings such as slab, electrical, plumbing, floor plans, window and door details, and elevation details.

How does one choose the right architect for their building needs according to Varun Tandon?

Choosing the right architect is often based on referrals and personal visits to their projects to see if the design and feel align with the client's preferences.

What is the role of a structural engineer in relation to an architect's work?

A structural engineer works closely with the architect, providing expertise on structural matters and helping to prepare structural drawings.

How does Varun Tandon approach the integration of Vastu principles in his architectural designs?

Varun Tandon keeps Vastu principles in mind and tries to integrate them into his designs, but also balances them with the client's requirements and preferences.

What are some ways to bring down the cost of housing construction as discussed by Varun Tandon?

Some ways to reduce construction costs include using vernacular construction methods, innovating with materials like IPC flooring, and utilizing factory-manufactured components for construction.

What is the process of creating a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for a construction project?

Creating a BOQ involves specifying all materials, including brand and grade, and considering factors like freight charges. It should be detailed and comprehensive to provide a clear cost estimate.

What is the myth about hiring an architect being costly, and how does Varun Tandon respond to this?

The myth is that hiring an architect is costly, but Varun Tandon suggests that the cost of not hiring an architect can be higher due to potential mistakes and inefficiencies in the construction process.

What is Varun Tandon's outlook on the real estate market for 2023?

Varun Tandon's outlook for the real estate market in 2023 is stable, suggesting that it will neither be overly bullish nor bearish.