Construction in the UK is booming. With the pace of industry growth at its fastest in 24 years, the sector is continuing to meet historic demand for new commercial and residential builds. There are many important roles in the completion of a given project, two of which are often unsung heroes: the executive architect and the contractor. But what roles do they play, and what are the differences between them?
What is an Executive Architect?
An executive architect is a type of architect whose role is to oversee the delivery of a construction project or major renovation. The typical understanding of an architect’s responsibilities comes down to the design, engineering and planning of a project, from structural design to blueprinting. However, there are different kinds of architects that serve different needs – and an executive architect is one such kind.
Executive architects often work with a pre-existing design or plan, and assist in its delivery. They do this by overseeing construction, and making executive decisions on changes to design or material in response to any issues arising during the build process. Executive architects are less venerated than their design architect counterparts, but no less important to the process of building.
What is a Contractor?
A contractor is an independent or freelance professional with a specialism within construction, who brings an architectural design to life from the ground up. Contractors are not intrinsically linked to a design in progress, but rather brought in to make it a reality, using their specific expertise to navigate the safe and effective construction of the project in tandem with other contractors and the project leader.
The Key Differences
While both roles require an in-depth understanding of construction and building processes, they are fundamentally different in a variety of ways. Executive architects are responsible for overseeing the delivery of a given design or creative vision; they ensure construction follows blueprint, and make shrewd concessions where necessary while preserving the wishes of the client.
Contractors are the hands that deliver that vision. Executive architects liaise with contractors to ensure the safe and correct construction of a given project, instructing them on key parts of the build and discussing potential areas of risk and change. Contractors may have some say in the delivery of certain elements, depending on their specific role and seniority, but are largely hired to simply carry out construction tasks.
The Key Risks of Each
As the roles of executive architect and contractor differ, so too do the risks inherent to each. While both are present on construction sites, and both are party to the risks presented by them, contractors are far more-hands-on – putting them in direct risk of injury from heavy machinery, tools and the lifting of materials. Contractors are also risking their equipment in the line of work – something that contractors’ insurance is utilised to mitigate in the event that tools are lost or damaged during a project.
Executive architects inherit wider risks relating to the feasibility of the project in question; their decisions are crucial to bringing in a construction safely, within the time frame and within budget. As such, their work carries significant financial risk – as well as safety risks for future occupants of the finished product.