Architect Duties: What They Really Do on Site and in the Office

When you think of an architect, a professional who designs buildings and oversees their construction to meet safety, function, and aesthetic goals. Also known as building designer, it isn’t just about sketching pretty facades. An architect is the bridge between your vision and the final structure—handling everything from permits to punch lists. Their duties start long before the first brick is laid and don’t end until the keys are handed over.

Architect duties include more than just design. They work closely with structural engineers, specialists who calculate loads, stresses, and materials needed to keep buildings standing safely, and contractors, the teams that physically build the project. They review blueprints for compliance with local building codes, legal rules that dictate minimum safety, accessibility, and energy standards for construction, and often visit sites to make sure work matches the plans. If a wall is out of alignment or the drainage isn’t installed right, it’s the architect’s job to catch it before it becomes a costly fix.

They also handle the paperwork—permits, inspections, change orders, and contracts. Many homeowners assume architects just create the look, but they’re also project managers. They coordinate timelines, track budgets, and resolve conflicts between trades. In commercial projects, they answer to clients, investors, and city officials. In residential jobs, they translate your lifestyle needs into functional spaces—like how wide a hallway should be or where outlets go to avoid extension cords.

What you won’t see is an architect sitting in a studio all day. Most spend half their time on-site, in meetings, or on the phone. They’re the ones who know why a foundation crack matters, why you can’t mix wood and steel without fire separation, and when it’s better to delay a bathroom remodel for seasonal reasons. Their job isn’t glamorous—but it’s critical.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve worked with architects, struggled with their decisions, or learned the hard way what happens when duties aren’t done right. Whether you’re hiring one, dealing with a project gone off-track, or just curious how buildings actually get built, these posts break it down without the jargon.