Exercise 1

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 537.

Text A

Architects` work description

The most basic definition of an architect is a professional trained and licensed to plan, design, and oversee the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the design and construction of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the building that has as its principal purpose human occupancy or use. Architects work in the construction industry and are involved with designing new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings, or advising on the restoration and conservation of old properties. They can work on individual buildings or on large redevelopment schemes, and can be responsible for the design of the surrounding landscape and spaces.

Architects work closely with their client and users to make sure that projected designs match their needs and are functional, safe and economical. They usually control a project from start to finish and work with a number of construction professionals, including surveyors and engineers, producing drawings and specifications that the construction team works to.

Architects are involved from the earliest stages of a building project, which can start with developing ideas with the client, establishing budgets, assessing the needs of the building and its users, and its impact within the local environment. They assist with site selection and work closely with contractors on site, ensuring that works are carried out to specific standards and that, above all, the building is sustainable, functional and aesthetically pleasing. Work activities vary but typically include the following:

· discussing the objectives, requirements and budget of a project;

· consulting with other professionals about the design of an environment;

· preparing and presenting feasibility reports and design proposals to the client;

· advising the client on the practicality of their project;

· using IT in design and project management, specifically using computer-aided design software;

· keeping within financial budgets and deadlines;

· producing detailed workings, drawings and specifications;

· specifying the nature and quality of materials required;

· preparing tender applications and presentations as well as tender documents for contracts;

· negotiating with contractors and other professionals;

· preparing applications for planning and building control departments;

· project managing and helping to coordinate the work of contractors;

· controlling a project from start to finish;

· regular site visits to check on progress, ensuring that the project is running on time and to budget;

· resolving problems and issues that arise during construction;

· ensuring that the environmental impact of the project is managed.

Salaries vary with experience and location. Starting salaries in the UK for first degree qualification range from £15,000 to £20,000*. Architects having a diploma earn from £20,000 - £26,000. Architects who have passed the final exam leading to registration as an architect or those with experience and qualifications usually earn from £26,000 to £35,000. Salaries may rise when chartered status* is achieved. At senior level/associate/partner level, the salaries are much higher, they reach up to £80,000. Salaries vary considerably according to the location, sector and size of the employing organization, with salaries normally higher in London.

Architects are predominantly office based, but their work does include out-of-office visits to both clients and sites. Appropriate safety equipment, such as protective boots and headgear, must be worn on site. Contracted working hours may be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but it is not uncommon for architects to work long hours, including evenings and weekends. Self-employment or freelance work is possible, especially for experienced architects. Chartered architect status* is available through membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)*, which allows use of the affix ‘RIBA' after an architect's name.

Notes:

*£15,000 to £20,000 - имеется в виду ежегодный доход

*Chartered status - имеется в виду статус архитектора, имеющего лицензию на проведение своей профессиональной деятельности

*Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) -

Королевский институт британских архитекторов.

Answer the questions:

1. What is the basic definition of an architect?

2. How should architects work so that projected designs match the needs of their client and are functional, safe and economical?

3. What is done by architects at the early stage of a building project?

4. What are the architects` major work activities?

5. Are starting salaries for young architects in the UK higher or lower than the corresponding salaries in Russia?

6. Where is architects` work intended to be done?

7. What does freelance work imply?

8. How is chartered architect status to be obtained?

9. What skills and professional interests are considered to be an advantage for students who study to become architects?

10. What else could turn out to be invaluable experience?

11. What is regarded to be key parts of career development?

12. Where is it easier to make a career, in private practices or with large firms?

13. What other opportunities for young architects to find employment are mentioned in the text?

14. Which field is a growing area of work for architects?

Find the Russian translations in section B for the English words and word groups in section A:

Alicense; oversee; extension; restoration; conservation; redevelopment; assess; drawing; specification; contractors; feasibility; deadlines; negotiate; resolve; prior to; sketches; freehand drawings; liaise; negotiation; skills.

Bдавать разрешение/право (на что-то), надзирать; пристройка (к дому); реставрация; консервация; перестройка; оценивать, определять (сумму); чертеж; подрядчики; выполнимость (осуществимость); крайний срок; вести переговоры; решать (проблемы); прежде чем; наброски; чертежи/рисунки «от руки»; поддерживать связь; переговоры; навыки.