These skills include design, managerial, supervisory, engineering, and communication. Architects give their clients information about building costs and materials and prepare drawings and specifications. They develop final construction documents that show the how the building looks and how it should be built. They also draw structural systems, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and plumbing. They specify what building materials should be used and, sometimes, which interior furnishings to install.
Architects follow building codes, zoning laws, and fire and access regulations.
Throughout the planning stage, they must make necessary changes. Traditionally, architects have done their drawings by hand. They visit building sites to check that plans are followed. They may help clients select building sites. Some supervise construction projects.