When you think of bespoke designs, energy consumption and modern materials, what first comes to mind? Is it home staging? Is it the presence of a loft, and the actualization of a dwelling that is greater than the sum of its parts? Probably not. What lies at the intersection of architectural design and the promise of the future, is buildings that guarantee quality, consistency in structure, and comforts that use your dime sparingly. We join our authors on the cusp of architectural know-how, where expertise in interior structure meets the real estate law books that govern. Shedding light on how legal knowledge assists architects in developing their projects, the article is the genesis of an opportunity where law meets structure, where real estate law books become instrumental to the architect’s success.
Real estate law books are indispensable to an architect’s repertoire because:
- The Importance of Legal Knowledge in Architectural Design
An architect has been contracted to design a space that meets the requirements of the occupying tenants-this may be a residential apartment, or a commercial complex. This can only be done once the needs of the clients are assessed-determine who demands space and why. Once this is done, the architect takes the needs and evaluates what is the best design solution to accommodate the same, for the purposes of structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, sound proofing and waste management. Each design will depend on the above considerations, however, architects are also charged with adhering to the rules set out in zoning laws, building codes and other regulations, which take precedence over the functional objectives of the design. - How Real Estate Laws Affect the Planning Stage
An architect must always consider the zoning and density requirements of the proposed location for their design. Zoning laws dictate what may and what may not go into an area of the city, town, or village. A municipality may enact zoning bylaws to restrict lot coverage, building heights and depths, and the number of units on a property. For instance, if a building is planned for a multifamily development, the bylaw may restrict the number or size of units (duplex, triplex, or four-plex) to maintain a uniformity in structure and reduce congestion. These laws not only affect the architect, but also the client, equipped with the knowledge of the zoning and density requirements unique to every property. - Integrating Legal Insights with Energy Conservation Priorities
Forests of glass and steel towers reaching into the sky have long been a characteristic of the urban centre, now declining in frequency due to the rise in green housing, and a general concern for the environmental impact of our infrastructure. Arching wind turbines and solar panels scheduled to toe the line, are acceptable placements in savannahs of infrastructural development. The paradigm shift stems from a necessity to reconcile this impact; the architect does this through energy conservation design strategies, regulations and innovations. - Case Studies Where Legal Missteps Impacted Architectural Projects
It is not uncommon for architects to be sued on a project. It does not have to be entirely spectacular to be criticized, but rather sometimes, the devil is in the details, such as an oversight on the legalities of the consultations and contracts that will govern. - The Role of Real Estate Law in Residential and Commercial Project Success
From zoning regulations to contract stipulations, the roles of a lawyer are largely held by the real estate statutes such as the Architectural Act, the Engineers Act, and the Building Code Act, and most importantly, the Architects Act of 2017 (Ontario), providing clarity to architects of each point of potential conflict, and as well as the resolution to be had. - How Real Estate Law Books Can Serve as Tools for Avoiding Costly Legal Disputes
This article provides insight on how real estate law books will serve an invaluable resource for forecasting each stage of an architectural project, so as to anticipate, and remediate risks ahead of time. - Collaboration Between Architects and Legal Professionals
By reading real estate law books, architects lend themselves insight into by-laws, zoning regulations, density requirements, building codes, inspections, and the technical requirements that must be met, in both commercial and residential sectors. They collaborate with legal professionals not only to delegate contractual obligations, but also to build on the strengths of one another under the aegis of each client.
For more information on zoning laws and their implications, you can visit Wikipedia.