A Design Architect is a professional who plays a crucial role in the field of architecture. They are responsible for creating innovative and functional designs for buildings, structures, and spaces. Design Architects possess a unique blend of technical expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Design Architects.

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Main Responsibilities of a Design Architect

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Design Architect:

Adapt

Adapt quickly to changes and evolving project requirements.

Align

Align solution with technical architecture required from Sales and Product teams.

Apply

Apply the principles and practices of quality assurance.

Assist

Assist the team to determine the requirements of survey and reference drawing requests.

Build

Build and maintain positive relationships with clients throughout the design process.

Check

Check, sign and seal documentation where appropriate, and where required.

Coach

Coach and mentor experienced staff.

Collaborate with

Collaborate closely with clients, engineers, and other stakeholders to understand project requirements and constraints.

Communicate

Communicate design concepts effectively to clients through presentations.

Conceptualize

Conceptualize creative design concepts for architectural projects.

Conduct

• Conduct competitive analysis of performance for state-of-the-art Graphics and Compute workloads.

• Conduct design and development reviews.

• Conduct on-site observations and document site reviews.

• Conduct regular construction site field reviews and submit reports as required by permit and codes.

• Conduct site specific research from as-built and survey documentation, and local building codes.

• Conduct thorough research on site conditions, building codes, and regulations.

Contribute to

• Contribute design advice and oversight throughout subsequent project phases.

• Contribute to office activities, initiatives and learning programs.

Coordinate

• Coordinate design work with other disciplines and stakeholders as required.

• Coordinate with engineers to seamlessly integrate HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Create

• Create and manage key architecture assets for the designated portfolio and business scope.

• Create an end-to-end operational model according to defined requirements and strategy.

• Create digital models and visualizations to present design concepts.

• Create graphic presentations to convey design thinking.

• Create, maintain and update documentation repository (SharePoint, PPM, etc.).

Deliver

Deliver compelling presentations to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.

Design

Design structures prioritizing the safety and well-being of occupants.

Determine

Determine optimal layout and functionality of interior spaces through space planning.

Develop

• Develop and coordinate all details, drawings and specifications.

• Develop and manage the production of the contract documents.

• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers.

• Develop and prepare work plans including coordinating input and staff assignments.

• Develop and recommend productivity aids to accelerate delivery.

• Develop detailed architectural plans and drawings based on initial concepts.

• Develop intricate design details for architectural elements and finishes.

• Develop presentation and progress reporting.

• Develop technical, preliminary and pre-design reports, including schematic designs.

Draft

Draft exceptional construction drawing packages reflecting regulatory requirements and design intent.

Drive

Drive and own the IP roadmap and specifications for memory sub-system.

Ensure

• Ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations.

• Ensure integrity of information within the tools and other sources of information.

• Ensure projects conform to contract.

• Ensure requirements are consistent, complete, correct, traceable, and operationally defined.

• Ensure that designs are built in compliance to construction documents and Ontario Building Code.

• Ensure that systems are functionally appropriate, technically sound, and well-integrated.

Establish

• Establish and maintain high speed IO technological leadership position.

• Establish and maintain ongoing, productive client relationships.

Evaluate

• Evaluate and verify code compliance for new and existing facilities.

• Evaluate site conditions, including topography, accessibility, and environmental factors.

• Evaluate tender documents.

Formulate

Formulate and recommend alternative plans for the mitigation of project issues / risks.

Generate

Generate consensus, steer technical decisions, and maintain an even keel.

Handle

Handle administrative and non-technical functions while working on small scale projects.

Identify

• Identify and resolve design challenges and conflicts.

• Identify opportunities for design improvements and value engineering.

Implement

Implement changes in response to shifting trends.

Initiate

Initiate and create architectural designs from concept through to construction.

Integrate

• Integrate and coordinate with all disciplines as required to complete project tasks.

• Integrate interior design elements and create cohesive aesthetics.

• Integrate sustainable design principles to minimize environmental impact.

Lead

Lead and facilitate the design of technology projects and applications.

Maintain

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of architectural project procedures and standards.

• Maintain the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship through quality control.

Manage

Manage multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to deadlines and budgets.

Operate

Operate within the budgetary framework to verify the financial impact of design decisions.

Oversee

Oversee the construction process and address design-related issues.

Participate in

• Participate in client meetings and design presentations.

• Participate in project analysis and conceptual design activity in pursuit of new projects.

• Participate in project team coordination with focus on items affecting design outcome.

• Participate of all meeting and reviews of the subcontractors for all technical aspects.

• Participate of all project reviews and to the meeting with the customers for all technical aspects.

• Participate to the MAIT reviews as needed (MPCB, M / KIP, .).

Pay

Pay meticulous attention to every aspect of the design process to ensure accuracy and precision.

Perform

Perform problem diagnosis.

Plan

Plan and organize activities / projects to meet section and organizational goals.

Prepare

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for construction materials and labor.

• Prepare architectural drawings and specifications using Microsoft Office and Microstation systems.

• Prepare comprehensive architectural documentation, including drawings and specifications.

• Prepare construction drawings and specifications for contractors.

• Prepare deficiency reports.

• Prepare Design Scope Clarifications by communicating with the work order originator and stakeholders.

• Prepare document submission for applications of various permits.

• Prepare project designs and plans utilizing Revit software.

• Prepare scale drawings and contract documents for building contractors.

• Prepare specifications and contribute to the tendering and construction documentation as needed.

Produce

Produce graphic presentations, 3D renderings, and construction drawings.

Provide

• Provide architectural design support to the Operations Group departments as required.

• Provide architectural expertise and domain knowledge to advise and guide senior leaders.

• Provide consultative direction with senior management.

• Provide full, professional architectural design services on work associated with TTC facilities.

• Provide input into the preparation of business case.

• Provide strategic input into business decisions as a trusted advisor.

Represent

Represent IO team to the outside technical community, partners and vendors.

Research

Research and evaluate new technology for possible deployment in MasterCard's internet infrastructure.

Review

• Review and contribute to proposals and contracts with the Design Manager.

• Review designs for accuracy, completeness, maintainability and constructability.

• Review shop drawings and materials submissions.

Select

• Select and research building materials and generate material specifications.

• Select appropriate materials and finishes for construction and aesthetics.

Set out

Set out / agree design standards and parameters with senior team members.

Stay updated with

Stay updated with the latest architectural trends, technologies, and materials.

Supervise

Supervise and review the work of junior staff and provide input and mentoring as required.

Utilize

• Utilize BIM software to create and manage digital representations of the building process.

• Utilize hand and 3D software renderings to communicate design concept.

• Utilize hand rendering techniques and 3D software proficiency to communicate design concepts.

Work

• Work across functions to build validation plans and continuously evaluate and improve.

• Work at depth across system validation, firmware, power, performance through to launch.

• Work in close collaboration with Project Principal on all aspects of design and its development.

• Work with business and development teams to recommend processes or system design enhancements.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Design Architect:

1. AutoCAD

2. Revit

3. SketchUp

4. Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

5. 3D Modeling and Rendering

6. Building Information Modeling (BIM)

7. Building Codes and Regulations

8. Construction Documentation

9. Sustainable Design Principles

10. Construction Materials and Methods

11. Structural Analysis and Design

12. HVAC Systems Design

13. Electrical Systems Design

14. Plumbing Systems Design

15. Project Management Software (e.g., Primavera, Microsoft Project)

16. Estimation and Costing

17. Digital Fabrication Techniques

18. Architectural History and Theory

19. Building Science and Technology

20. Visual Programming (e.g., Grasshopper, Dynamo)

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Design Architect:

1. Creativity

2. Critical Thinking

3. Communication

4. Collaboration

5. Problem Solving

6. Adaptability

7. Attention to Detail

8. Leadership

9. Time Management

10. Client Relationship Management

Conclusion

In summary, a Design Architect's role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from conceptualization to construction administration. They require a combination of technical expertise, creative thinking, and effective communication skills. By mastering both the hard skills, such as architectural software and building codes, and the soft skills, like collaboration and problem-solving, Design Architects can excel in their field and create impactful and innovative designs.