Checking the Credibility of Architects, Here's How!
- On 19/07/2023
As a consumer, you certainly want to use the services of reliable or credible architects. Although architects must have a basic understanding of construction, that is not the only way to assess their credibility. An architect can also offer credibility in other aspects, such as ethics and sustainability concepts, as well as having capabilities related to your needs, such as project management or construction management capabilities. To ensure the credibility of the architect you are going to hire, let's take a look at the complete review below!
1. Check the architect's certification.
To check the credibility of an architect, first, you should check their certification. Not much different from various other professions, the architecture profession also has laws that regulate, provide protection, and legal certainty. An architect is required to hold a Surat Tanda Registrasi Arsitek (STRA) as evidence of professional competence. This requirement is regulated in Law Number 6 of 2017 concerning Architects
In the law, it is stated that having an STRA is a requirement to become an architect. For architects, the STRA is written proof that the holder is capable of practicing architecture. There are moral and material responsibilities for the holder of the STRA regarding the reliability and safety aspects of the buildings they design. This responsibility, enforceable by law, ensures that the public is protected regarding architectural works in Indonesia.
If the architect you choose already holds a certificate/STRA, it means that they practice professionally and have the ability to enhance the value and usability of their architectural work. That's why architects are one of the professions that help the government facilitate orderly development through their designs. Now, you can check the credibility of an architect's STRA with the following steps:
- Visit website Indonesian Architect Council (DAI) with click here.
- Then, enter your search data by filling in the name of the architect you want to examine and the province/domicile of membership of the Indonesian Architects Association (IAI).
- Fill 'Captcha’, then click the 'Search' button
- If they already have certification/STRA, the name of the architect you're searching for will appear on the list.
- If they don't have certification/STRA yet, the column will be empty and it will say "Tidak ada data yang ditampilkan" (No data available
- You can check the certification/STRA of another architect by clicking "Pencarian Baru" (New Search).
2. Check the architect's portfolio
Next, you can also assess the architect's credibility by checking their portfolio. A credible architect will surely have a portfolio to showcase their work
The architect's portfolio generally reflects their professional experience and abilities, the depth of their conceptual design approach, including proficiency in project presentation. Based on the portfolio, you can gauge the skills of the architect you are considering. Typically, an architect's portfolio contains renderings, sketches, or other skills that can be taken into consideration by clients and companies, or other service users.
3Conduct a cross-checkcross-check with previous clients
Even if you have checked portofolio and are impressed with the architect's skills, you still need to conduct a cross-check with previous clients. A cross-check is a re-examination conducted to ensure that all the data and information you received from the architect are accurate. Conducting a cross-check with previous clients also helps you gain additional information that might be necessary before deciding whether to hire the architect's services or not
You might encounter some complaints from previous clients about the architect's services you are considering. If you have a list of several architects you want to choose from, conducting a cross-check will be very helpful in determining which architect's services best meet your needs. If you find a previous client who used the architect's services for a project similar to yours, you will get an idea of how well the architect's services can help handle your project.
4. Take advantage of online information sources.
The internet allows countries around the world to connect globally with just one click Today, there are billions of computers and electronic devices connected to the internet worldwide. The internet is a system of computer networks that access and share information, and can even communicate directly. You can also take advantage of online information sources to check an architect's credibility.
The architectural firm you are considering will likely have a websitewebsite. You can start there. Typically, the website will provide information about when the firm was established, its vision and mission, the projects it has completed, and other important details. You can gather this information to help determine whether the architect's services meet your needs.
To add to the data from the cross-check you conducted earlier, try searching for reviews given by users of the architect's services online. Besides their website, you can also check various social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and so on. Here, you can gather more information about client reviews as well as activities carried out by the architect's firm you are considering.
Additionally, if possible, you can also see, observe, or inspect real-life buildings that have been designed by the architect you are considering.
Alright, that was the information about how to check the credibility of an architect. By ensuring that the architect you choose is certified, has a good portfolio, positive cross-check results, and offers various supporting information on the internet, you can entrust your significant project to a reliable architect. Hope it's helpful!
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