UNIT – I

INTRODUCTION TO THE ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION

1. IMPORTANCE OF ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION

The word architecture is derived from the Greek word arkhitekton which means master builder is both
the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works in the material form
of buildings are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations
are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements.

In relation to buildings, architecture has to do with the planning, designing and constructing form, space
and ambience that reflect functional, technical, social, environmental and aesthetic considerations. It
requires the creative manipulation and coordination of material, technology, light and shadow.
Architecture also encompasses the pragmatic aspects of realizing buildings and structures including
scheduling cost estimating and construction administration. As documentation produced by architects,
typically drawings, plans and technical specifications, architecture defines the structure and/or behavior
of a building or any other kind of system that is to be or has been constructed.

The earliest surviving written work on the subject of architecture is De architecture, by the Roman
architect Vitruvius in the early 1st Century. According to Vitruvius, as good building should satisfy the three
principles of firmitas, utilitas, venustas, which translates roughly as –

Durability – it should stand up robustly and remain in good condition

• Utility – it should be useful and function well for the people using it
• Beauty – it should delight people and raise their spirits.

According to Vitruvius, the architect should strive to fulfill each of these three attributes as much as
possible.

2. ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION IN THE MID 19TH CENTURY

The architecture of India is rooted in its history, culture and religion. Indian architecture progressed with
time and assimilated the many influences that come as a result of India’s global discourse with other
regions of the world throughout its millennia-old past. The architectural methods practiced in India are a
result of examination and implementation of its established building traditions and outside cultural
interactions.

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 Neo-Gothic architecture flourished in different parts of India under the British, inspired by the Houses of
parliament in London. In Varanasi, one of the true Gothic monuments is Queens college, built in a
perpendicular style by Major Kitoe from 1847 to 1852. In Allahabad, the British built a series of edifices
including the University, All saints cathedral, the High court and the Mayo college. In Calcutta, a High court
was constructed following the Gothic style. The Howrah Bridge (1943), with its red brick façade
surrounded by eight square towers represents a combination of the Oriental and Roman styles. Fort
William, the stronghold of the British in mid 19th century that took 13 years to construct at a cost of more
than $3.5 million and the Victoria Memorial in Calcutta (1921), designed by Sir William Emerson, are
probably the most imposing of all British structures in India.

The British started assimilating and adopting the native Indian styles in the architecture. This led to the
development of Indo-Saracenic architecture towards the end of the 19th century. F.S.Growse, Sir Swinton
Jacob, R.F.Chisholm and H.Irwin was the pioneers of this style of architecture. The Chepauk palace in
Chennai designed by Paul Benfield is said to be the first Indo-Saracenic building in India. Other outstanding
examples of this style of architecture include the Law courts, Victoria Memorial Hall, Presidency College
and senate House of Chennai, Muir College at Allahabad, Napier Museum at Thiruvanthapuram, the post
Office, prince of Wales Museum and the Gateway of Indian in Mumbai, the Maharaja’s palace at Mysore
and Lakshmi villas palace Baroda.

3. ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION IN THE POST INDEPENDENCE PERIOD

After the British left India in 1947, Indian architecture dropped into an abyss. Indian architects, who were
relegated to the role of being assistants to the British architects under the British Raj, took their own time
to express their ingenuity. Perhaps, there was an identity crisis, a dilemma whether to bask in the glory of
the past or move forward with times using new ideas, images and techniques. While in other fields like
art, music and culture, the distinct Indian imprint was more enhanced in the post-Independence period;
no such thing was discernible in the case of architecture. It is no doubt that the Indian architects were
unable to achieve a transformative architecture despite the existence of great potential at the time of
Indian Independence.

The post – Independence period saw the emergence of two schools of thought in architecture – the
Revivalist and the Modernist. The Revivalists, who advocated “Continuity with the past”, could not break
the shackles of the colonial legacy and left no significant impact on the neo-Indian architecture. The
modernists too depended heavily on the European and American models and tried to adopt them in India
without taking into consideration the regional aspirations, diversities and requirements. The
contemporary Indian architecture was also beset with problems like population explosion, lack of vision
among the planners, lack of support from the government and a less than satisfactory standard of
architecture education. The result was that during the initial years after the Independence, foreign
architects continued to play a leading role in Indian architecture.

Indian architecture witnessed a revolution when the Punjab government engaged Le Corbusier to design
the new city of Chandigarh. Built in three stages, Corbusier divided the city into three sections. The “head”

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 consisted of political, bureaucratic and judicial buildings, the administrative parts of the city. The ‘body’
housed the university and residential complexes in the heart of the city. The ‘feet’ consisted of industrial
sectors and the railway station. Apart from the initial layout of the city, Corbusier also designed several
buildings in Chandigarh. The High court buildings have a sloping roof, supported by concrete walls which
allow air to pass through them. The Assembly is a square structure topped with a huge industrial chimney
while the secretariat is made up of hundreds of rooms with an airy exterior.

Taking inspiration from Le Corbusier creativity, a young Indian architect B.V.Joshi designed the Institute
of Technology in Ahmadabad. Charles Mark Correa, Doshi’s contemporary, designed the Hindustan Lever
pavilion for the India International trade fair in 1961. The pavilion was an exposed concrete structure
resembling a crumpled packing case made of concrete with a zigzag ramp to walk along. Correa also
designed the Gandhi Sanghralaya in Ahmadabad as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

The Asiad village in New Delhi, designed by Raj Rewal and built as a colossal complex with more than 800
residential units, landscaped courts, streets, restaurants and shops, all catering to sports persons who had
assembled for the 1982 Asian Games, is one of the architectural landmarks of modern India. The lotus-
shaped Baha’i temple in New Delhi, designed by Fariburz Sabah in 1980 and completed in December 1986,
is an awe-inspiring example of the ingenuity of the Indian architects.

4. ROLE OF ARCHITECTS IN SOCIETY

People need places to live, work, play, learn, worship, meet, govern, shop and eat. These places may be
private or public; indoors or out; rooms, buildings, or complexes, and architects design them. Architects
are licensed professionals trained in the art and science of building design who develop the concepts for
structures and turn those concepts into images and plans.

Architects create the overall aesthetic and look of buildings and other structures, but the design of a
building involves far more than its appearance. Buildings also must be functional, safe, and economical
and must suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects consider all these factors when they
design buildings and other structures.

Architects may be involved in all phases of a construction project, from the initial discussion with the client
through the entire construction process. Their duties require specific skills-designing, engineering,
managing, supervising and communicating with clients and builders. Architects spend a great deal of time
explaining their ideas to clients, construction contractors, and others. Successful architects must be able
to communicate their unique vision persuasively.

The architect and client discuss the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project. In some cases,
architects provide various pre-design services: conducting feasibility and environmental impact studies,
selecting a site, preparing cost analysis and land-use studies, or specifying the requirements the design
must meet. For example, they may determine space requirements by researching the numbers and types

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of potential users of a building. The architect then prepares drawings and a report presenting ideas for
the client to review.

After discussing and agreeing on the initial proposal, architects develop final construction plans that show
the buildings appearance and details for its construction. Accompanying these plans are drawings of the
structural system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical systems; communication
systems; plumbing; and possibly, site and landscape plans. The plans also specify the building materials
and, in some cases, the interior furnishings. In developing designs, architects follow building codes, zoning
laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances, such as those requiring easy access by people who are
disabled. Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and Building information Modeling (BIM)
technology replaced traditional paper and pencil as the most common method for creating design and
construction drawings. Continual revision of plans on the basis of client needs and budget constraints is
often necessary.

Architects may also assist clients in obtaining construction bids, selecting contractors, and negotiating
construction contracts. As construction proceeds, they may visit building sites to make sure that
contractors follow the design, adhere to the schedule, use the specified materials, and meet work quality
standards. The job is not complete until all construction is finished, required tests are conducted, and
construction costs are paid. Sometimes, architects also provide post construction services, such as
facilities management. They advise on energy efficiency measures, evaluate how well the building design
adapts to the needs of occupants, and make necessary improvements.

Often working with engineers, urban planners, interior designers, landscape architects, and other
professionals, architects in fact spend a great deal of their time coordinating information from, and the
work of, other professionals engaged in the same project.

They design a wide variety of buildings, such as office and apartment buildings, schools, churches,
factories, hospitals, houses, and airport terminals. They also design complexes such as urban centers,
college campuses, industrial parks, and entire communities.

Architects sometimes specialize in one phase of work. Some specialize in the design of one type of building
for example, hospitals, schools or housing. Others focus on planning and pre-design services or
construction management and do minimal design work.

4.1 Masks of Architect

Most Qualitative to Most Quantitative
Visionary Philosopher
Theoretician
Socio-Ecologist

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 Teacher
Designer
Production Architect
Project Manager
Construction Supervisor
Businessman
Technocrat

4.2. Role of Architects in Projects

Pre-design Services
Feasibility study
Environmental Impact studies
Project objectives
Site selection
Facilities planning
Land-use studies
Budget and cost analysis
Design Services
Conceptual designs
Final Design drawings
Construction drawings
As-built drawings
Systems Co-ordination
Structural
Air-conditioning
Heating and Ventilation
Electrical
Communication
Plumbing
Systems Integration
Other Services

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 Site planning
Landscape
Interior Furnishing
Interior Designing
Pre-Construction services
Specification
Bill of Quantities
Tendering
Selecting contractors
Contract awarding
Construction Stage Services
Adherence to design
Adherence to schedule
Quality of material
Work quality standards
Bill certification
Approving shop drawings
Co-coordinating all specialized sub-contractors
Post-Construction stage Services
Facilities Management
Advice on Energy Management
Evaluate building adaptability to the user
Advice on repairs and maintenance

5. REGISTRATIONOF ARCHITECTS

WHY IS IT NECESSARY THAT AN ARCHITECT BE REGISTERED WITH THE COA?

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It is very important that every qualified Architect, desirous of carrying on the profession of ‘Architect’, be
registered with the Council of Architecture because any reference in law to an Architect shall be deemed
to be a reference to an Architect registered under the Act.

WHAT DOES THE REGISTRATION WITH COA ENTITLE?

The registration with the Council of Architecture entitles:

1. A person to practice the profession of Architecture, provided he holds a certificate of Registration

with up-to-date renewals:
2. A person to use the title and style of Architect. The title and style of Architect can also be used by a
firm of Architects, of which all partners are registered with COA.
3. Limited companies, Private/public companies, societies and other juridical persons are not entitled to
use the title and style of Architect nor are they entitled to practice the profession of Architecture.

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURE?

A person can have his name entered in the Register, on payment of the prescribed fee, if he resides or
carries out the profession of Architecture in India and has the necessary qualifications, after having
undergone education in accordance with the Council of Architecture – Minimum standards of
Architectural Education Regulations, 1983.

WHAT IS THE RELEVANCE OF THE REGISTRATION NUMBER?

On entry in the Register, the Registrar issues of registration, in which the Council of Architecture’s
Registration Number is mentioned. This registration Number has to be quoted by the Architect, when
signing on an Agreement or on any documents related to the project for which the Architect has been
signed.

IN WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES IS AN ARCHITECT NOT REGISTERED?

An Architect may not be registered in rare cases, if he has not applied for registration or if he has not paid
the registration fee or renewed the registration. However in most cases, an Architect is not registered
because he does not hold a recognized qualification, or because he has not successfully completed the
Architecture course, or because his name has been removed from the register for some act of professional
misconduct or for some other reasons such as.

1. If a request has been received to that effect.

2. If the Architect has died since the last publication of the Register.
3. If the Architect’s name had been entered by error or on account of misrepresentation or suppression
of material fact.
4. If the Architect has been convicted of any offence which involves moral turpitude.

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5. If the Architect is an un discharged solvent.
6. If the Architect has been adjudged by a competent court to be of unsound mind.

In case of a person whose name has been removed from the Register or who has died, his legal
representative should surrender his certificate of Registration to the Registrar and the name so removed
will be published in the official Gazette.

If any person whose name has been removed from the Register fails to surrender his certificate of
registration, he shall be punishable with fine of one hundred rupees, and in case of continued failure, with
an additional fine of ten rupees for each day thereafter.

WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR FALSELY CLAIMING TO BE REGISTERED?

Anybody times ‘pseudo architects’ operate as if they are real Architects and dupe the general public. The
only way you can prevent such malpractices, is by insisting that the Architect gives you his ‘Registration
Number’. If any person whose name is not entered in the Register but falsely represents that it is entered,
or uses in connection with his name or title, any words to suggest that he is registered, such acts
tantamount to committing a criminal offence; and is punishable under section 36 or 37 (2) of the Architects
Act, 1972, with a fine of one thousand rupees.

WHO CAN COMPLAIN ABOUT A PSEUDO ARCHOTECT’?

Anybody who confirms that a person pretending to be an “Architect” is not registered with the Council of
Architecture can lodge a police complaint against the ‘pseudo Architect’ and complain to the Council as
well. Before this, the complainant must verify with the Council if the said Architect is registered or not.

Any person desirous of practicing as an Architect in India is required to be a registered in the Register with
the council of Architecture (coa).

WHAT IS THE REGISTER OF Architect?

The central Government provides a register of Architects in India. The council of Architecture prepares
and maintains the Register in accordance with the provisions of the ARCHITECTS Act. The register includes
the following particulars.

1. The full name with the date of birth, nationality and residential address of the Architect.
2. The Architects qualification for registration (B.Arch. or M.Arch) and the date on which he obtained
that qualification and the authority which conferred it.
3. The date of the Architects first admission to the Register.
4. The Architects professional address.
5. Further particulars prescribed by rules.

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WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR GETTING REGISTERED WITH THE COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURE?

An application for registration is addressed to the registrar of the Council. The application along with the
prescribed fee and the necessary documents should be submitted personally of the office of the council
or sent by post to “The Registrar, council of Architecture, India habitat centre, core 6-Afirst floor, Lodhi
Road, New Delhi 110003”. The documents to be submitted for Registration include.

1. Application form in the prescribed format, duly filled in and signed by the applicant along with two
recent passport size photographs duly signed, with name mentioned at the back.
2. A copy of the date of birth certificate attested by either a Gazetted officer or Notary public/Oath
Commissioner.
3. The recognized architectural qualification certificate on the basis of which registration is sought. i.e.
5 year B.Arch. Degree or 5- year Diploma in Architecture or 5 – year Government Diploma in
Architecture or Membership of I.I.A certificate (as the case may be), in original, for verification and
return by registered post, along with a copy of the same duly attested by either a Gazette officer or
Rotary public/Oath commissioner. The recognized architectural qualifications (India and Foreign) are
listed in the COA SCHEDULE.
4. The copies of mark sheets for all the semesters/years of the recognized architectural qualification
duly attested by a Gazette Officer or Notary public/ Oath commissioner.
5. A copy of the Marriage certificate duly attested by either a Gazette officer or Notary public/Oath
commissioner towards change of name consequent upon marriage. However in case of change of
name due to reasons other than marriage, only a copy of the Gazette notification duly attested by
either a gazette officer or Notary public/Oath commissioner, will be accepted.
6. A duly attested copy mark sheet of 10+2 or equivalent examination with 50% marks in aggregate.
7. A demand draft for Rs.500/- (Non-refundable) drawn in favour of council of Architecture payable at
Delhi/ New Delhi towards registration fee. There is also an option of availing one-time payment at the
time of registration by paying Rs.5500/- vide demand draft. (i.e. registration fee of Rs.500/- and
onetime payment of Rs.5500/-) which is subject to submission of the final Degree/Diploma, in original
along with an attested copy of the same.
8. A self-addressed envelope of size 14” X 10” for sending the certificate of registration by registered
post.
9. If the Registrar is of the opinion that the applicant is entitled to be registered, then he shall enter the
name of the applicant in the register and issue a Certificate of registration, any person whose
application for registration is rejected the registrar, can within three months of the date of rejection,
appeal to the council.

CAN AN ARCHITECT HAVE AN ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION ENTERED IN THE REGISTER OF ARCHITECT?

An Architect can have any additional recognized qualification entered in the register, on payment of
additional qualification fee of rs.100/- (per qualification) provided such a qualification is obtained

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subsequent to registration as an architect. Only Architectural qualifications included in the schedule of
qualifications appended to the Architects Act 1972, can be entered on the certificate of registration.

HOW AND WHEN IS THE REGISTRATION WITH THE COA RENEWED?

A renewal fee of Rs.500/- for the current year, should be paid annually to the council before the first day
of April of the year to which it relates. An application for renewal along with the prescribed fee and the
necessary documents should be submitted personally at the office of the council or sent by post to
“The Registrar, council of Architecture, India habitat centre, core 6-Afirst floor, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
110003”. The documents to be submitted for Registration include.

1. A cash/ demand draft in favour of council of Architecture payable at New Delhi towards renewal. A
onetime payment of rs.5000/- is also accepted which is subject to submission of the final
Degree/Diploma in original for verification.
2. The certificate of registration in original.
3. The recognized architectural qualification certificate in original for verification and return by
registered post, along with a copy of the same duly attested by either a Gazette officer or notary
public/ Oath commissioner. The recognized architectural qualifications (Indian and foreign) are listed
in the COA SCHEDULE.
4. Any additional recognized architectural qualification certificates in original, for verification and return
by registered post, along with a copy of the same duly attested by either a Gazette officer or notary
public/ Oath commissioner.
5. The certificate of registration in original.
6. Any change in address should be notified to the council and the necessary attested copy of the proof
of address.
7. In case there is a change in the surname consequent to marriage, a copy of the Marriage certificate
duly attested by either a Gazette officer or notary public/ Oath commissioner. However in case of
change of name due to reasons other than marriage, only a copy of the Gazette notification duly
attested by either a Gazette officer or notary public/ Oath commissioner, will be accepted.
8. A self-addressed envelope of size 14” X 10” for sending the certificate of registration by registered
post.

On payment of the renewal fee, the registrar shall, in such manner as may be prescribed by rules, endorse
the certificate of registration accordingly and return it along with the original architectural qualification
certificate. In case the renewal fee is not paid before the due date, the registrar removes the name of the
defaulter from the register.

WHY IS AN ARCHITECTS NAME REMOVED FROM THE REGISTER OF THE COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURE?

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The council can remove from the register the name of any Architect, where it is satisfied, after giving him
reasonable opportunity of being heard and after such further inquiry gas been made, for the following
reasons.

1. If a request has been received to that effect.

2. If the Architect has died since the last publication of the register.
3. If the Architects name had been entered by error or on account of misrepresentation or suppression
of the material fact.
4. If the Architect has been convicted of any offence which involves moral turpitude.
5. If the Architect is a un discharged solvent.
6. If the Architect has been adjudged by a competent court to be of unsound mind.

A person whose name has been removed from the Register or where such person is dead, his legal
representative should surrender his certificate of Registration to the Registrar and the name so removed
will be published in the official Gazette.

If any person whose name has been removed from the Register fails to surrender his certificate of
registration, he shall be punishable with fine of one hundred rupees, and in case of continued failure, with
an additional fine of ten rupees for each day thereafter.

HOW IS AN ARCHITECTS NAME RESTORED TO THE REGISRER OF THE COA?

The council may, for reasons appearing to it to be sufficient and subject to the approval of the Central
Government, order that the name of the person removed from the register can be restored upon payment
of a prescribed fee. Restoration fee of rs.1000/- shall be payable w.e.f. 1st April of the year.

HOW CAN AN ARCHITECT GET A DUPLICATE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION IN CASE THE ORIGINAL IS LOST
OR DESTTROYED?

if the Registrar is satisfied that a certificate of Registration has been lost or destroyed, the registrar will
issue a duplicate certificate of registration, upon payment of a prescribed fee.

WHEN IS THE REGISTER PRINTED?

After the first day of April every year, the registrar prints copies of the register, which are then available
to persons applying for a copy, on payment of the prescribed fee.

This post was about the procedure for registration for an Architect in India. An Architect is required to
maintain a high professional standard and conduct himself in a manner which is not derogatory to his
profession. otherwise his name is likely to be removed from the coa Register.

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6. ARCHITECT’S OFFICE AND ITS MANAGEMENT

• Location and size of office.

• Architects office and storage space.
• Appointment and discussions with clients.
• Prompt correspondence and filing
• Collection a catalogue and samples.
• A good library.
• Interaction with staff.
• Staff must be technically qualified.
• Non technical staff-
o Minimum wage – stipulated by government
o Working days- 40 hours/week
o 5 5 ½ working days a week
o casual and annual leave facilities

7. ARCHITECTS CAREER OPTIONS

(i) Proprietor
(ii) Partner or associate
(iii) Employee in a private firm
(iv) A faculty, researcher in public service
(v) Architect/ developer, architect/builder
(vi) Architect employed with interior furniture makers- modular systems- offices and homes
(vii) Architects employed in computer software – designs firms

8. TYPES OF PRACTISE

1. Proprietary or individual practice

2. Partnership firm
3. Limited liability or private limited company

Practice Spectrum
Far-out visionary and sometimes unbuildable
Civic Cultural & Corporate Monuments
Market Responsive Design Leaders
Commercial Design Leaders
Market Diversified Leaders

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 Program-based Leaders
Process Engineering Based Leaders
Vertically Integrated Leaders

Civic Cultural & Corporate Monuments

Landmarks
Museums
Performing Arts
Other Cultural
Signature Headquarters
Market Responsive Design Leaders
Academic
Entertainment
Hotel
Urban Mixed Use
Commercial Design Leaders
Residential
Offices
Retail
Market Diversified Leaders
Info Tech
Prison
Arenas/ Stadia
Convention Centers
Leisure Centers
Program-based Leaders
Aviation
Healthcare
Laboratories
Process Engineering Based Leaders
Infrastructure

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 Industrial
Transportation
Vertically Integrated Leaders
Large-scale Government Programs
Advanced Technology
Ports
Town and City Planning

9. ARCHITECT’S DUTIES – IN THE CONTEXT OF A PROJECT

a. Collection and analysis of clients instructions

b. Discussions with client an appointment of consultants, contract procedure, fixing of target cost and
time period of the project.
c. Schematic drawing
d. Approval drawings – to be approved by local authorities
e. Preparation of working drawings
f. Tenders and contractors
g. Site supervision, discussions etc.
h. Final completion stage
i. TASK AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ARCHITECT
• ADVISORY – giving competent and apt advice to the client
• SERVICE – providing required data for construction
• LEGAL – advising about laws and rules governing buildings
• STAFF – creating the right ambience to work
• CO-ORDINATION
• SUPERVISON – ensure that the work is of desired quality.

10. OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE

1. Format of letters to clients, contractors, public official, suppliers.

2. Recording of correspondence.
3. storage of back up of soft copy – drawings and documents
4. Outward register – when and to whom – letter is sent, fax / email, acknowledgement – filed
5. Inward register – record of all letters and correspondence

RECORD OF DRAWINGS
• Preliminary sketches
• Drawings for statutory approval
• Working drawings

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 • Detailed drawings

STANDARD FORMAT FOR DRAWINGS

• Title of drawing
• Scale
• North point
• Office name
• Client name\Site address
• Specification
• Schedule of joinery
• Area statement
• Owner’s signature
• Architect’s signature

11. STRUCTURE OF AN ARCHITECT’S OFFICE

• Principal – self – partner

• Assistant architects
• Architectural assistants
• Quantity surveyors
• Engineers
• Office manager
• Accounts clerk
• Steno typist
• Typist cum receptionist
• Attenders
• Security staff
• Big firms – secretaries are employed.

12. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND ARCHITECTS

Management as defined by HAROLD.D.HOOTZ as the art of the getting things done through and with
people in formally organized groups. An architect has to be a master manager who has to achieve his
objectives by coordinating the activities of complex groups of individuals rather than performing all
operations by himself. An architect has to plan ahead of time to control and co-ordinate the activities.

APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT

• Set up an ultimate goal
• Analyze and identify the problem
• Plan out the work
• Organize for implementation.

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 • Direct the execution.
• Check the performance of works as well as staff during execution
• Final completion research and audit including financial outcome
• Fees received per man hour put in
• Staff salary as percentage of gross receipt.
• Overheads as percentage of staff salary or percentage of gross receipt.

REGISTRATION OF ENTROLLMENT
• Income tax
• Service tax
• Professional tax
• Council of Architecture
• Enrollment with local bodies
• Registrars and firms
• Enroll as member in professional bodies (IIA, IIID, Institute of valuers, and Institute of town planners)

13. ELEMENTARY ACCOUNTS

An architect has to know about the basic features of accounting in order to manage his finances. He has
to pay income tax, service tax and file his returns in time on the basis of book of accounts. He has to follow
the rules prescribed by the Central Board of direct Taxes (CBDT).

• DAILY CASH BOOK

1. Day to day expense is tallied once a week every expense, cash memo, vouchers and stamped
receipt are filed and accounted.
2. For every payment received whether by way of professional fees, reimbursement of travelling
and incidental expense, charges for supplying extra copies of plans or documents a proper record
of receipts issued is essential.
3. Must maintain a separate account of the amount received as deposit from his clients, contractors
or other agencies.
4. At the end of every financial year (1st April to March 31st) the income and expenditure account
profit and loss account and balance sheet is prepared and written down in cash book and ledger.
5. GENERAL ACCOUNTING
• ACCOUNTS – it is a summarized record of transactions affecting a person, a land of property or
a class of gains or losses.
• PERSONAL ACCOUNTS- accounts recording transactions which do not affect particular persons
but affects the business in general. This may be classified as follows.
a. REAL ACCOUNTS- they are accounts of property or possession. Eg. cash, bank account etc.
b. FICTIOUS ACCOUNTS OR NOMINAL ACCOUNTS – they are accounts of expenses, gain or
losses eg- salary, rent etc.

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 • BALANCE SHEET – sheets of balance shows a true and fair view of the state of affairs of a
business. It has two columns, assets and liabilities.
• ASSETS – anything that gives an enduring value. They are properties o every description
belonging to a person and include all sums of money owing to him.
a. Fixed assets – Land, building, medicines, furniture, fittings, vehicles etc
b. Intangible assets – goodwill, patents and trademark
• LIABILITIES – they are the debts owed by a person, obligation of an enterprise to various parties
– owners who financed may be recurring or non- recurring
• CAPITAL – it is the excess of assets over liabilities.
• BOOK- KEEPING – it is the art of recording business dealing in a set of books.

OBJECTIVES OF BOOK KEEPING

Ascertain accurately and with little trouble possible the amount he has gained or lost during a business
period and the amount of his assets, liabilities and capital in his business on a particular date.

• PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT - shows result of operations at the end of the financial year
• PETTY CAHS BOOK - CREDIT -what comes in
DEBIT- what goes out
Debit the receiver, credit the giver Debit all expenses and losses and credit all incomes and gains.
Record all transaction of small value.
• CASH BOOK – It records all transaction of income as well as expenses. Major expenses (total account
record)
• LEDGER – It contains a summary of all items of cash book and other books if any (head wise accounts)
• DEBITOR -A person who owes something is called debtor.
• CREDITOR – A person to whom something is owed.
• SOLVENT – a person is said to be solvent when assets exceeds or equals liabilities.
• INSOLVENT – A person is insolvent when his liabilities exceed his assets.

MONITORING OFFICE FINANCES

1. Periodical monitoring of firms finances and individual project is essential

2. Budget on realistic projections of fees and essential expenses must be drawn before the beginning of
the financial year and is compared once in six months.
3. Bills have to be sent at appropriate stage.
4. Follow up on unpaid bills.

TAX PLANNING FOR FUTURE NEEDS

• Long term insurance policy
• 15% on PPF
• Investments such as real estate, shares, FDS, mutual funds

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14. ARCHITECTS PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

Professionals are required to discharge their obligations diligently and to comply with the standards
professionals conduct and etiquette. In order to project the consumers against breach of duty, ‘deficient
services’ have been defined by the statute and legal actions can be initiated on the erring professionals.
The services rendered by Architects have also been covered by the relevant laws of the country. The
council of Architecture being a statutory body regulating the Architectural profession and education in
India, has prescribed on ‘Architects professional Liability”.

WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY OF ARCHITECTS?

The question of “Professional Liability of Architects during the post completion period of a project” has
vexed the council for many years. Because in many cases, legal action has been taken against Architects
(whenever a building or any other built-form of which there are Architect collapses), before even an
enquiry is made into the circumstances leading to the collapse. And most times, the accused Architects
were unconnected with the reason behind the collapse of the building, because in reality, the longevity
and stability of the building are dependent on the observance of safety and maintenance norms especially
after the completion of the building.

The resulting disrepute, embarrassment and mental agony caused to the innocent Architects has
prompted the COA, in it’s 40th meeting, to redefine the professional liability of an architect. These
guidelines have been formulated to make the Architects and owners/Occupants of the buildings aware of
the circumstances under which an Architect should be held responsible for a negligent act or deficient
services, and they also highlight the owners/occupants duties and responsibilities in preserving the
longevity of a building.

WHEN IS AN ARCHITECT NOT LIABLE, IN CASE OF A BUILDING COLLAPSE/DAMEGE?

The Architect is not liable for any liability, in case of a building damage or collapse, if the damage has been
caused in the following circumstances

• The building is used for purposes other than for which it has been designed.
• Illegal or unauthorized changes/alterations / renovations / modifications have been carried out by the
Owners/ Occupants without the consent or approval of the Architect.
• Changes/ alterations / renovations / modifications to the building have been carried out by consulting
another Architect without the knowledge and consent of the erstwhile Architect, or without obtaining
No Objection Certificate from him.
• The safety norms have been compromised by the Owner/Occupant.
• There is distress due to leaking from the terrace, toilets and water logging within the vicinity of the
building which can affect the strength and stability of the building.
• There is a lack of periodical or inadequate maintenance by the Owner/ Occupant.

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 • The damage is caused due to any reasons arising out of the deficient services rendered by the
‘specialized consultants’ with record to the design and supervision of the work entrusted to them.
Who were appointed in consultation with the client?
• The damages caused to the building are for reasons beyond the control of the Architect.

…………

QUESTIONS (Unit-I)

Two Marks

1. State the responsibilities of a client in a building project.

2. What are the different sections of an Architect’s office? Which would you consider the most important
of them?
3. Outline some of the steps you would take before presenting your design proposals to your clients.
4. Explain the importance of “time management” with respect to the architect’s office?
5. Explain the role of architect to the profession and to the society?
6. Explain the organization chart of an architect’s office?
7. What are tender documents?
8. What are the advantages of a partnership practice?
9. Explain the importance of location of an architect’s office?
10. What is the most important duty of an architect towards his client?
11. What are the pre-requisites for starting professional practice?
12. What is the organizational structure of an architect’s office?
13. What is the responsibility of an architect towards his employees?
14. Mention the different types of architectural organization?

Eight & Sixteen Marks:

15. Describe the role of an architect in the society.

16. What are the obligations of an architect towards society?
17. An architect as part of his professional activity has to play many roles. What are they?
18. How should an architect update himself with current trends and latest technologies?
19. Draw the layout of an architect’s office and explain in detail the function of each of the areas in an
office.
20. If you are to establish professional practice, what are the various steps you would take to accomplish
the same?
21. What will be the layout of your office? Give a description about various sections in your office.
22. Explain the importance of time management for architects.
23. In what way, globalization has influenced architectural practice, how would you equip yourself to
become a global architect?

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