A successful project is dependent on sound technical knowledge, good communication and trust between the architect, client and contractor. Below are 8 points that we at iAS believe have helped us in much of our work.

David is a design engineer that has been with iAS for the past year and has integrated his own personal skills as a site engineer with the iAS core values.

1. Great design and construction

For a start, the design and construction should adopt the latest developments in the building industry which will prolong the building's use and provide the client with the greatest value for money.

2. Great communication skills

Creating great communication between the client, the constructor and the architect is imperative for a successful project. At iAS we try to be proactive  and keep clients updated on a daily basis by transmitting all information relevant to the construction process. This ensures that the final building is to the client’s satisfaction with respect to its architecture, including internal and external planning.

3. Mutual trust

Work on building mutual trust. Trust is important to achieve a good working relationship between all parties. Frequent and informative communication will help in achieving mutual trust. When the trust is there, the client more willingly believes that all decisions are being made with the success of the project in mind.

4. Make it your baby

Once you achieve a good level of trust it is essential that the architect makes the project "his or her baby". The project must be cared for and all its daily needs fulfilled, starting from its inception as a scribble on paper leading to its architectural planning, structural design, detailing and site implementation and finally its construction. This level of commitment will further strengthen the trust between all parties and have a reinforcing effect on all communication.

5. Get your skill-set right

A complete set of skills are required by the whole team. Drafting, project management, site management, cost management, deep knowledge of the latest research and a thorough understanding of the geotechnical and structural field. These are all essential skills for creating an exceptional final product.

6. Speak the contractors language

On-site contractors often come from diverse cultural backgrounds. This is where good communication skills play an extremely important role.  The builder on site is translating the complicated construction plans from paper to a concoction of various construction materials. Being able to articulate and explain plans will make all the difference.

7. Get to know your workers

On site it is important to establish a friendly relationship with the workers. At the end of the day, these are actually the people who will realize your project. Remember that the builders have tough days - starting early and working in all kind of weather conditions. Patience is a virtue.

8. Be a good listener

An architect must be tolerant, flexible in his ideas, and a good listener. In many cases the builder has considerable experience gained from various projects. Use that experience to your advantage. A builder can come up with relevant ideas with same end results as the architects detailing/instructions but with a simpler method of construction which will save time and money.