The benefits of using an Executive Architect

Words by BSBG Media Team, Wednesday 15 July 2020

An Executive Architect plays an integral role in project delivery, and is often brought into a project to provide coordination of the design, to provide accurate, clash-free technical drawings and information, and to ensure a project workflow that seamlessly moves from design to construction, reducing exposure to risk and additional project cost for the client.

Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG) is a full-service, multi-disciplinary practice with a 45-year history of delivering diverse projects across the world. Within the practice, a concept design studio, interior design studio, executive and lead consultancy offices and a structural engineering division work collaboratively, a combination of skillsets and expertise which formulates the unique BSBG +executive proposition. At its most fundamental level, the +executive solution is a combination of Executive Architect and Lead Consultant, but this often also comprises full concept design, interior design, structural engineering and construction supervision.

BSBG is the Executive Architect for the Foster + Partners designed Dorchester Collection project in Dubai

“The benefits of using an Executive Architect would usually primarily relate to project clarity,” BSBG Partner Andrew Bereza explains. “When you bring in BSBG as an Executive Architect it’s invariably because you’ve acknowledged the need to engage someone to take ownership, drive and act as a custodian of the entire project.

"We are seen as a great choice as we understand how to design fantastic buildings, and we also possess a depth of knowledge of all the components that must come together when building them. Only a practice with world-class expertise in the two facets of design and delivery will bring to a project all the benefits we would expect of an Executive Architect."

The delivery of Bluewaters Residences is one of the most technically challenging projects undertaken by the group

Executive Architect benefits

Collaboration

Whereas an architectural designer will usually prefer to focus solely on the aesthetics, an Executive Architect will warrant that the concept works from the outset, ensuring collaboration and cooperation between designers, technical teams, structural and MEP engineers and other specialist consultants.

Understanding

The Executive Architect retains a broad project focus, which encompasses the entirety of the project, understanding how the building will get built, and how it will perform once completed.

Local Authority approvals

Knowledge of the building codes and authority regulations. An international design architect may not have sufficient knowledge of local regulations. An Executive Architect will take ownership of obtaining all authority approvals directly or through a sub-consultant, ensuring construction can commence without delays caused by regulatory issues.

Project clarity

The technical design will be delivered with speed and efficiency by an Executive Architect, leaving the designer, whether in-house (BSBG’s +studio, led by Michael Lewis) or an international design house (such as BSBG collaborators Foster + Partners or Zaha Hadid) to focus on their own area of expertise. In addition, the client will receive a detailed, coordinated design package which provides certainty on programme and quality, and clarity on costs.

ICD Brookfield Place, a project on which BSBG and Foster + Partners have collaborated on the executive architecture, is months from completion

The scope of an Executive Architect

The typical scope of an Executive Architect should include the following key solutions:

- Planning applications and authority approvals.
- Coordination of design with all building services and structural components incorporated.
- Development of a clash-free 3D building model.
- 100% BIM workflow from the outset of a project and BIM management.
- Submission of all technical drawings and specifications.
- Quality Control of the project design and supervision of workmanship and execution on site.

BSBG’s +executive solution incorporates the responsibilities of the Executive Architect with the role of the Lead Consultant. In addition to the traditional Executive Architect scope, the following responsibilities are also included:

- Management and coordination of all involved consultants.
- Management of the relationship between client and designers/consultants.
- Coordination of site surveys.
- Development of the project brief.
- Preparation of tender documentation and review of submissions.
- Preparation of schedules of inspections and tests.
- Procurement of samples and management of mock-ups for approval.
- Completion of reviews of all production information and all designs submitted by contractors.
- Implementation of procedures for inspections, commissioning, testing and client training.
- Administration of contracts.

Why choose BSBG as Executive Architect?

What distinguishes BSBG as a world-class Executive Architect and Executive Interior Designer? Andrew Bereza provides a number of reasons why BSBG retains long-term relationships with some of the world’s foremost developers, and has worked as the Executive Architect with internationally renowned design architects including Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid, and UN Studios.

“Our technical and production documentation is second to none,” Andrew begins. “The level of detailed information we produce is industry leading, and this is acknowledged by the premium design houses we work with.”

BSBG also insists upon implementing a 100% BIM workflow from concept across all international projects. Andrew explains: “We have placed huge resources for the last decade into ensuring we are the global leaders in our utilisation of BIM. We have developed a set of standards to extract the full potential of BIM and all associated software, we embrace the latest technology and applications, and we continuously train and test all staff to maintain our level of performance in this regard.”

Zaha Hadid's The Opus is another highly complex project completed by BSBG in the Executive Architect/Lead Consultant role

Project success is largely dictated by stakeholder collaboration and the development of a clear programme. “We fully programme and track the design at all stages,” Andrew says. “Our aim is to provide clients with a clear picture of how the project is progressing at all times. We understand that with multiple key stakeholders involved, success can only be ensured if a clear delivery programme is developed which considers the inputs of everyone from the client to the designers, contractors, authorities and the building management teams…”

Finally, it is BSBG’s experience and history of successfully delivering such a variety of prestigious projects that elevates the executive offering. “Our global team is highly experienced in all aspects of design and delivery for projects of the largest scale and highest complexity," Andrew tells us. "Our Executive Architect experience goes back more than 45 years, during which time we have developed systems and protocols targeted at delivering high-end, fast track projects to the highest standards. We are ready with our extensive resources to add value and clarity to projects across the globe.”

The final part of our Executive Architect series is coming soon, and looks at some case studies and examples of BSBG’s success in the role.