Changing role of Architects in the construction industry

Integration is a trend observed in the supply chain of both products and commodities. The integration can be forward or backward depending on the needs and requirements to mitigate the maximum number of risks disrupting the supply of products or the provision of services to the final buyer. Another reason for integration could be the improvement of quality or reduction of cost for the product or service offered. Among the many risks faced by the construction industry one of the most pertinent problems is the lack of communication between the designers and contractors and the lack of communication. In an effort to do away with this issue that is faced by the construction industry a lot of buyers are moving towards integrated project delivery method where either the architect can provide more than the design services or where the construction firm can provide services from the design stage. The change in the role of architects can be observed with specialists being preferred over architects for the role of a project manager, contract administrator and cost estimation. A change in the delivery method is already visible amongst the western firms and the role of architects is expected to see a shift within the next fifteen years. This trend is expected to spread even to the developing or emerging markets quite soon as the buyers prefer to work with one service provider across the globe. Understanding this requirement of the client more and more architect firms are increasing their service portfolio as well as their geographical scope. Another option to beat this growing threat of being displaced is to become a niche player and provide services of very good quality and act as the one stop place for all design services reducing the cost for the client.