The architect plays a pivotal role not only in the design aspect of residential and commercial architecture, but in the safety of the building and its impact on public health.

From ensuring proper fire safety and escape routes to designing a building that will not affect the environments, architects wear many safety hats.

The General Role of the Architect in Commercial and Residential Construction

The architect is the individual that designs, conceptualizes, and plans residential and commercial construction.

The architect’s designs affect public safety, which is why they are required to go through numerous classes, years of training, and carry professional licenses.

Most importantly, an architect does more than creating four walls and a roof. They are trained problem solvers. They take a lot and a concept, then construct an environment that is functional and safe.

The Architect’s Role in the Safety of Commercial and Residential Projects

Architects must adhere to the guidelines created by the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011. They must also follow all public health and safety ordinances in place for the state, county, and city where they design.

Architects must be proactive in ensuring that their design meets all standards, which is why they traditionally work with public health and safety experts during the design phase. Architects must work creatively to ensure workers and occupants alike are kept safe.

Equally, an architect must work with an engineer to ensure that their design meets all structural, geotechnical, and zoning requirements.
To deploy the best health and safety practices, the architect must take various steps in the design and construction phases.

• Safety in Design: While hired by a client for residential or commercial construction, the architect must also adhere to the public safety and health requirements while accommodating their customers’ requests. During the design phase, the designer will consult with engineers, surveyors, and other specialists to ensure that the soil can hold the weight of the structure, and they will assess the environmental impact of placing the structure on the site, among other things. Also, the design must adhere to all building codes as well as local planning and zoning laws. This might include creating windows of certain heights, having the right number of fire exits, and using proper setbacks.
• Safety During Construction: The architect also must ensure that their design is constructed in accordance with their design and specifications. Often the architect plays an extensive role in development, collaborating with the general contractor, and being present during safety inspections. The architect also provides site instructions, inspects periodically during construction, and reviews contractor submissions to ensure compliance.

The architect must also consider fire safety and rescue. From assessing how quickly fire crews could reach victims inside to ensuring there are adequate fire escape routes, the designer must consider all “what if” situations when designing a safe building.