Registered Architects - All states require the examination and registration of architects. Most states further require the construction drawings, specifications, details and supervision of construction of public buildings, be the work of a registered architect who must certify that plans meet all public health and safety regulations of the state, county and city.
 

Planning Space - The principal reason a qualified architect should be employed is to obtain his planning skills to provide an attractive and functional building. The architect is trained to plan space, to handle people effectively and to accommodate the project program. The architect has broad knowledge of building materials and construction methods. The architect can show the relationship of one phase to future buildings and site usage. The architect brings artistic skills that will provide a building of beauty, utility, and value.
 

Working with the Client - The architect is the agent of the owner. He will attempt to understand the unique needs of the client and design the space that can best service these needs. He will protect the client's interest by seeing that the contractor follows specifications. In the long run, the cost of an architect's services will be worth the investment.
 

A Client's Responsibility - While the architect's role is central in the design of the building, he cannot single-handedly determine all the client's program requirements. A client has the responsibility to study their needs before the architect is employed. The client should then interpret these requirements to the architect. The architect will also need to know the financial parameters before he can do satisfactory work.