Architect

Roles & Responsibilities of an Architect (Floor Planning Focus)

1. Concept Development

• Develop initial design concepts based on client requirements.
  
• Understand site conditions, project feasibility, and local regulations.
  

2. Floor Plan Design

• Prepare detailed floor plans including room layouts, circulation paths, dimensions, and functional zoning.
  
• Ensure optimal space utilization and alignment with project objectives.
  
• Create multiple layout options and refine them based on feedback.
  

3. Compliance & Codes

• Ensure floor plans adhere to building codes, local bylaws, NBC (National Building Code), fire safety norms, and accessibility standards.
  
• Coordinate with authorities for plan approvals.
  

4. Coordination with Stakeholders

• Collaborate with structural engineers, MEP consultants (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), and interior teams.
  
• Communicate design intent clearly to clients, contractors, and site supervisors.
  

5. Technical Drawings

• Produce detailed architectural drawings (plans, sections, elevations).
  
• Finalize working drawings required for execution at site.
  

6. Design Optimization

• Review structural grids, column positions, wall placements for practicality.
  
• Optimize natural light, ventilation, and spatial flow.
  

7. Material & Specification Planning

• Suggest materials, finishes, and specifications aligned with design and cost.
  

8. Presentation & Visualization

• Prepare 2D plans, 3D models, walkthroughs for client presentations.
  

9. Site Coordination & Review

• Conduct periodic site visits to ensure execution matches approved plans.
  
• Resolve design issues and propose modifications when required.
  

10. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain version control of drawings.
  
• Document design changes, client approvals, and revisions.
  

Common Architectural Abbreviations for Floor Plans

General

• FLP

  Floor Plan

• FFL

  – Finished Floor Level

• SSL

  – Structural Slab Level

• GL

  – Ground Level

• CL

  – Ceiling Level

• NTS

  – Not to Scale

• DIM

  – Dimensions

Rooms & Spaces

• LR

  – Living Room

• BR

  – Bedroom

• MBR

  – Master Bedroom

• DR

  – Dining Room

• KT

  – Kitchen

• UTL

  – Utility

• TOI/WC

  – Toilet / Water Closet

• ST

  – Store

• BAL

  – Balcony

• LST

  – Lobby / Staircase

Doors & Windows

• D

  – Door

• W

  – Window

• SD

  – Sliding Door

• SW

  – Sliding Window

• FD

  – Fire Door

Services (MEP Related)

• HVAC

  – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning

• AHU

  – Air Handling Unit

• EE

  – Electrical Equipment

• DB

  – Distribution Board

• PLB

  – Plumbing

• RWH

  – Rainwater Harvesting

Others

• RCP

  – Reflected Ceiling Plan

• POD

  – Plan of Development

• GFA

  – Gross Floor Area

• FAR/FSI

  – Floor Area Ratio / Floor Space Index

• CAD

  – Computer-Aided Design

• BIM

  – Building Information Modeling