Architects are at the forefront of designing the built environment that will surround us in the 21st Century. As professional experts in the field of building design and construction, architects use their unique creative skills to advise individuals, property owners and developers, community groups, local authorities and commercial organisations on the design and construction of new buildings, the reuse of existing buildings and the spaces which surround them in our towns and cities.
 
The work of architects influences every aspect of our built environment, from the design of energy efficient buildings to the integration of new buildings in sensitive contexts. Because of their ability to design and their extensive knowledge of construction, architects' skills are in demand in all areas of property, construction and design. Architects' expertise is invaluable when we need to conserve old buildings, redevelop parts of our of towns and cities, understand the impact of a development on a local community, manage a construction programme or need advice on the use and maintenance of an existing building.

Architects work closely with other members of the construction industry including engineers, builders, surveyors, local authority planners and building control officers. They will also spend time researching old records and drawings, and testing new ideas and construction techniques.
 
Society looks to architects to define new ways of living and working, to develop innovative ways of using existing buildings and creating new ones. We need architects. Understanding of the complex process of design and construction to build socially and ecologically sustainable cities and communities. Architects can be extremely influential as well as being admired for their imagination and creative skills. This article appears courtesy of architecture.com

Interior designers design and furnish the interior of private homes, public buildings, and commercial buildings such as offices or hotels. They may design the inside of boats, planes, or other enclosed spaces. They also plan additions or remodels to homes or other buildings. Some interior designers specialize in furnishing private homes. Some specialize in particular rooms of homes, such as kitchens or baths.

Interior designers first meet with clients to learn what they want. They consider the client¿s tastes, budget, and safety needs. They also consider how the space will be used, such as for entertaining, cooking, or relaxing. When designing for a business, they consider the purpose of the space, such as selling merchandise or meeting clients. Designers also consider the physical details of the space and whether it should be remodeled. They measure the space so they know the exact dimensions. In addition, they consider local building codes and standards for access to public buildings.

Interior designers draw sketches for the client. These include plans for interior remodeling, furnishings, lights, and finishing touches such as color. They meet again with the client to advise and get feedback. Interior designers ofen use Computer Aided Design (CAD). When the client accepts the design, interior designers create a detailed plan. Included in the plan is an estimate for costs and materials that will be needed. The plan may also include designs for furnishings.

Interior designers submit the plan to government agencies if major remodeling is involved. When the plan gets final approval, designers may oversee the subcontractors who do the work. They may hire people who install carpet or light fixtures, or paint and hang wallpaper. Designers may also select and purchase furnishings, such as furniture or artwork. This article appears courtesy of iseek

Landscape architecture is the art, planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land and the design of large-scale man-made constructs.

The scope of the profession includes architectural design, site planning, estate development, environmental restoration, town or urban planning, park and recreation planning, regional planning, and historic preservation.

Landscape architects are considered professionals on par with doctors and lawyers, because they are often required to obtain specialized education and professional licensure, similar to the requirements for those other professional occupations.

Activities of a Landscape architect can range from the creation of public parks and parkways to the site planning for corporate office buildings, from the design of residential estates to the design of civil infastructure and the management of large wilderness areas or reclamation of degraded landscapes such as mines or landfills.

The goal of city and regional planning is to further the welfare of people and their communities by creating convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive environments for present and future generations. Planning is city building.

Planners plan within a highly collaborative process. Through this collaborative process they help to define the community's vision for itself. Working with local residents, politicians, and special groups, planners help establish the vision. Planners work with many types of communities ? small villages, large cities, suburban towns, even counties, states, and federal agencies. This vision is created not only from what the community members want, but based on an understanding of the problems and resources at hand. The planner provides this analysis and helps the community look at the options it has for development and change.

Through the analytical planning process, planners consider the physical, social and economic aspects of communities and examine the connections between them. Professionally trained planners also analyze the existing conditions and future trends in the area. They analyze issues such as transportation, land use, housing, recreation and open space, natural and cultural resources, community services, population, and economic development. In addition to generating their own data, planners draw upon the work of others to create a comprehensive overview of the community. Once planners have conducted their analysis, they develop strategic alternatives for solving problems in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. These alternatives will guide future development based on the established goals and the systematic analysis.

The Plan consists of these alternatives presented in a formal document. Plans can take several shapes, from comprehensive plans to historic preservation plans. Plans are presented to community officials, who review, revise and adopt them for action. Plans are required at different levels of government. Once the plan is adopted, the planners job becomes the implementation of the plan, coordinating work among many groups. The tools of planning implementation include such things as land use controls and economic develop strategies.

Former APA President, Stuart Meck, FAICP summed it up: "Planning is the application of foresight to action."

The planning process typically involves the performance of a number of roles. Some planners function primarily as technical analysts or researchers, others as designers or program developers, others as agents of social change, and still others as managers or educators. Some planners will make a career in only one of these roles; most, however, will perform several of them at different stages of their lives. This article appears courtesy of The American Planning Association

Landscape architects work on all types of external space - large or small, urban or rural, and with hard/'soft' materials, hydrology and ecological issues. They work on:

• The form, scale and siting of new developments
• Private estates and public infrastructure
• The site design for schools, universities, hospitals and hotels
• Public parks, golf courses, theme parks and sports facilities
• Housing areas, industrial parks and commercial developments
• Highways transportation structures, bridges and corridors
• Town and city squares and pedestrian schemes
• Large or small urban regeneration schemes
• Forest, tourist or historic landscapes and Landscape appraisal or conservation studies
• Reservoirs, dams, power stations, extractive industry applications or major industrial projects
• Environmental assessment, planning advice and land management proposals.
• Coastal and offshore developments

The most valuable contribution is often made at the earliest stage of a project in generating ideas and bringing flair and creativity to the use of space. The Landscape architect can contribute to the overall concept and prepare an initial master plan, from which detailed designs can subsequently be prepared. He or she can also let and supervise contracts for construction work, prepare design impact assessments, conduct environmental assessments or audits and act as an expert witness at enquiries on land use. He or she can also support or prepare applications for capital or revenue funding grants.

Landscape designers are involved in garden, Landscape design and creation of all types of outdoor green spaces. Many work in public offices in central and local government. Others work in Private practice and act as consultants to public authorities, industry and commerce, and to Private individuals.

Landscape managers use their knowledge of plants and the natural environment to advise on the long-term care and development of the landscape.

They work in horticulture, estate management, forestry, nature conservation and agriculture.

Landscape scientists have specialist skills such as soil science, hydrology, geomorphology or botany that they relate to the practical problems of Landscape work. Their projects can range from site surveys to the ecological assessment of broad areas for planning or management purposes. They may also report on the impact of development or the importance of particular species in a given area.

Landscape planners are concerned with the location, scenic, ecological and recreational aspects of urban, rural and coastal land use.

Their work is embodied in written statements of policy and strategy, and their remit includes masterplanning for new developments, Landscape evaluations and assessments, and preparing countryside management or policy plans.

Some may also apply an additional specialism such as Landscape archaeology or law to the process of Landscape planning

This article appears courtesy of brainsip.com