Architectural Association of Kenya

Established in 1967, the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) is Kenya’s leading Association for professionals in the built and natural environment in Kenya incorporating consultants in the professions of Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Town Planning, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design Consulting and Construction Project Management.

Objectives

The objects of the Association are:

To co-ordinate the activities of professions concerned with built and natural environment in Kenya and promote professional integrity and to direct the members of the Association in all matters of professional practice;
To advance the science and art of planning and building by developing the standards of professional education, training and practice, and facilitate matters of mutual interest of the member professions;
To create public awareness by marketing the services of member professions and provide professional opinions on the matters pertaining to violation of the statutes provided for good maintenance of the built and natural environment;
To establish and accredit Continuing Professional Development programmes for the members of the Association and encourage collaboration of professionals and societies engaged in the built and natural environment;
To offer community services by participation in the enhancement of built and natural environment, maintain building information services, and monitor quality controls on materials;
To liaise with the Government and regulatory agencies on the matters affecting registration and licensing of the professionals engaged in the built and natural environment;
To foster National, Regional and International co-operation in matters dealing with the built and natural environment;
To maintain and protect heritage of the built and natural environment;
To facilitate research and dissemination of information for the advancement of professional education, training, and practice;
To publish documents and publications for the benefit of the members of the Association and the general public in all matters of the built and natural environment;
To create revenue generating activities for the Association;
The Association shall have no political object. Notwithstanding this provision, by a resolution of the Governing Council, the Association in a non-partisan manner, reserves right and duty to participate, contribute or comment on issues of public interest.

Architects Chapter

Architecture is the science and art of building.

An architect is the only professional who is both an artist and a scientist. As a scientist, the architect is trained and is an expert on:

The design of building structures that provide comfortable, functional and hygienic internal living or working place;
The science of thermal, acoustic, ventilation, lighting and humidity control within the internal spaces of the built environment among other thing
The science of human comfort dealing with four out of the five human senses. These are hearing, touch, sight and smell, all of which must be controlled in a properly designed building;
The design of building structures to protect occupants against the hostile environmental conditions like rainfall, wind forces, earth movements like earthquakes, unwanted infra-red and ultra-violet radiations from the sun
The science of environmental forces which adversely affect human safety and comfort;
The science of building materials which he uses in his design as tools of controlling the internal atmosphere of the built environment;

Why we do it better?

An architect, in consultation with engineers ensures that the buildings are structurally sound, properly energized through proper electrification systems, fully serviced with clean water and properly drained of foul and waste water. He also works in consultation with the Quantity Surveyor to control the building construction costs, through the choice of appropriate materials and construction method.

In a normal building operation, the architect’s duties largely include but are not limited to the following:

To receive instructions from building developers and to prepare sketch proposals on the basis of which feasibility study can be carried out;
To prepare feasibility studies on building developments;
To carry out schematic designs and to submit the drawings to Local Authorities for approval on behalf of developers;
To advise developers on the need for design consultants like Quality Surveyors, Structural, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects etc;
To carry out detailed designs of buildings and prepare drawing on the basis of which Bills of Quantities can be prepared for tender action;
To supervise building construction works during the construction period;
To coordinate the activities of all other consultants in any given building project;
To act as an arbitrator between the developer and the building contractor in case of any disputes during or after the construction period;
To carry out project management on behalf of clients who are interested in having their project implementation completed within the programmed budget time.

Quantity Surveyors Chapter

Design of building is subject to functional, dimensional, technological and financial constraints. It requires a team, which brings together men of varied training and experience – Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers and builders.

The Quantity Surveyors is a key member of the construction team-the essential link between the client who commissions the building, Architects and Engineer who design it and the builders who builds it. He is the expert on construction costs and communication and his services are used from the inception of a project its completion.

The Quantity Surveyor’s major skill is in the analysis of design cost relationship. He also advice’s on, and controls, the budget as well as dealing with contract procedures and documentation and the financial administration of construction contracts.

Experts cost advice is essential. It is no use designing a building which meets the functional, dimensional and technological requirements of the brief, and is aesthetically satisfying, but which the client cannot afford

Training

Registered Quantity Surveyors qualify by taking the examinations of the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS). All candidates must have a level of academic attainment equivalent to that required for university entrance.

Training normally takes place over a period of about five years, and consists of full time education and practical experience leading to the professional qualification.

However, today, greater emphasis is placed on full-time education often through a university degree, and this takes place over a period of a minimum three years followed by a period of practical experience, obtaining substantial exemption from the Institution’s examinations.

What does a Quantity Surveyor do?

Historically, the quantity survey originated from the old measure of building work; hence surveyor of quantities of building work, or Quantity Surveyor. Today, however, the role of the modern Quantity Surveyor is much more comprehensive and varied, and with a different emphasis.

The Chartered Quantity Surveyor is a specific professional whose training and experience are directed towards the planning and control of expenditure on construction of all kinds, including effective means of accounting for it.

His knowledge of construction economic enables him to:-

Advise on what project would cost;
Advise on the size and standard structure that can be erected for any given expenditure;
Advise on the economics of a project and the preparation of a budget;
Co-operate with the designers to ensure that a building can be erected within an approved expenditure;
Advise on tendering procedures and contractual arrangement;
Prepare documents for obtaining tenders and arranging a contract;
Exercise financial control during the construction so that the budget is not exceeded without authority;
Act with the Architect and Engineer to ensure that the financial provisions of the contract are properly interpreted and applied so that the client’s financial interest is safeguarded and that the constructor is paid a proper price for the work.

A service to Clients

The service which a Chartered Quantity Surveyor would normally provide to a client are:-

Preliminary cost advice and cost planning
Advice on type of contract
Advice on obtaining tenders
Preparation of tendering document
Negotiation with contractors
Cost control and preparation of financial statements
Valuation of work process
Settlement of their final cost with the contractor and sub-contractors

Cost Advice

Preliminary cost advice is given by the Quantity Surveyor at the very outset of a scheme, even before the Architect’s drawings are prepared. The Quantity Surveyor indicates the probable region of cost of a proposed project or he may assess the type and size of structure that ca be erected for any given expenditure. Armed with this information and with estimates of maintenance and running costs, the Quantity Surveyor assists his clients in the preparations of the budget for the project.

Once the preliminary drawing have been prepared, he prepares a more detailed approximate estimate and this cost advice enables design decisions to be made with full knowledge of their financial implication to the client.

Cost Planning

Every client wants value for money. Value for money not only in respect of the capital cost, but also in respect of future running and maintenance costs. The Quantity Surveyor has evolved a technique known as cost planning which enables his cost advice to be used objectively during the design process on every aspect of the structure.

Cost planning involves a systematic analysis of the structure which enables the price for each constituent to be valued against its performance requirements and aesthetic considerations. After the initial feasibility studies and preliminary estimates have been prepared, the Quantity Surveyor prepares the cost plan from the Architect’s preliminary drawings. The cost plan divides a building into its various functional elements and allocates cost to these elements. In this way it is possible to ensure a proper appointment of expenditure over the various elements. Proposals for alternative materials and designers are costed as the design progresses and the cost implications are presented to the client and other consultations are made with the knowledge of the overall cost involved.

Tendering Documents

The most usual forms of contract in construction works are based on the use of Bills of Quantities as contract documents. Bills of Quantities are the transaction of the designers drawing and specification into words and quantities. They enable each contractor tendering to estimate his price on exactly the same basis as his competitors. Bills are prepared in accordance with methods of measurement in use throughout the building and Civil Engineering industries in Kenya.

The Bills are later used during the construction of a project to provide a basis for the financial management of the contract. Where other forms of tendering procedures are used bills of quantities may be a modified form, or may be replaced by schedule of prices. The Quantity Surveyor ensures that such documents are drafted in the form most suited to the circumstances.

Obtaining Tenders

Tenders for constructional work may, be obtained either in competition or by negotiation. Choice of the most suitable procedure is one of the most important decisions to be taken at any early stage and one of the matters on which the Quantity Surveyor’s advice is most valuable.

He can advise on the selection of suitable firms to be invited to tender, according to the type and size of a job and the general standard of workmanship and skill that may be required. When tenders have been obtained, the Quantity Surveyor checks them to see that no substantial errors have been made, ensuring that no contract is entered into on the basis of a seriously incorrect quotation. He then submits a detailed report on the tenders to the client.

The advice the Quantity Surveyor gives in the selection of contractors an obtaining tenders is also applied to the choice of nominated subcontractors and supplies, and obtaining quotations from them.

Cost Control

When full cost has been prepared in the design stages, the Quantity Surveyor will use it as a basis for cost control during the construction process. During construction, variations in the work are often necessary; sometimes to take account of the client’s changing needs, sometimes to overcome site conditions which could not be foreseen, such as the presence of underground obstructions. The Quantity Surveyor estimates the cost of proposed variations and reports their impact on the probable final cost, so that corrective steps may be taken elsewhere in the work, if the client requires, to keep the cost within the budget.

As part of this systematic control of the cost during the progress of the work, the Quantity Surveyor will prepare at regular intervals financial statements which keep client and designers fully informed of the up-to-date financial position and the anticipated final cost of the work.

Valuation of Work in progress

Under most forms of building or civil Engineering contract, the contractor is paid each month for the work he has done during the preceding month. It is the Quantity Surveyor’s duty to measure and value work carried out during the period in question, together with the value of any variations which may have been authorized, and to submit to the Architect or Engineer a recommendation regarding a payment on account. If the Architect or Engineer is satisfied that the work involved has been carried out in accordance with the terms of the contract, he will certify the amount due to the contractor in accordance with the Quantity Surveyor’s valuation.

The Final Account

The Quantity Surveyor’s duties end with the calculation for the final cost. This is achieved by preparing a final account for the work in which the contract sum is adjusted in accordance with the terms of the contract to take account of any variations or adjustments in the accounts of nominated subcontractors and suppliers and of any other matter for which the contract allows.

The final accounts are agreed with the contractor and provide a fair and equitable settlement in accordance with the contractor conditions. The Quantity Surveyor will also prepare any analysis of the final account which the client may require.

The Future

Today the construction industry has become a more complicated business and prospective owners of new buildings are seeking ways of getting the job done in the most speedy, economical and efficient way.

Quantity surveying firms have made full use of computers and sophisticated mechanized techniques in the preparation of bills of quantities and in cost analysis. The use of computers is now also being used extended to earliest design of projects where alternative solutions are evaluated at great speed and with accuracy in terms of design, quality and function as well as both capital cost and anticipated running costs after completion.

The prospective owner needs expert and impartial advice. He needs it particularly on matters of cost and building methods and it is in this field that the role of the Quantity Surveyor has become more important as a professional consultant. As well as the more traditional roles mentioned above, Quantity Surveyors are offering financial advice on Engineering services in buildings, and there is a growing tendency for clients to appoint independent Quantity Surveyors on large Engineering contracts.

New and wider opportunities are also being opened to Quantity Surveyors and many are already making contributions in fields such as: project co-ordination; environmental economics and social accounting; cost Engineering; and production and resources control. Project Co-ordination includes responsibilities for the economic and financial control of construction, coupled with the concern for tendering, contract procedures and the effective overall control of the building team.

Environmental economics and social accounting are concerned with the implications of planning decisions on society in the widest sense. The Quantity Surveyor’s skills and specialized knowledge can be applied to financial decision techniques such as cost benefit analysis which have evolved over recent years.

Cost Engineering comprises the measurement, analysis and control of cost in respect of special plants and other Engineering installations.

Production and resources control: The quantity surveying profession is presently moving into a period of change in that advice sought before design is commenced. Clients require Quantity Surveyors to provide firm estimates at this stage and to bear the responsibility for advice on which financial commitments and other decisions are made. The pre-design commitment can express cost in terms of performance and space-use, and may be on a cost-in-use basis taking into account capital costs, cost of repairs, maintenance and replacements ad running costs. Such duties require knowledge of the market and the distinction between cost and price and these become more important with the likely introduction of contactors into the design process at an earlier stage than at present. Further, Quantity Surveyors advise about the relative merits of alternative forms of package deals or of systems of construction.

In the meantime, Quantity Surveying skills have come into full play in construction project management.

Traditionally, Quantity Surveyors have played a leading role in Arbitration and all forms of dispute resolution.

Engineers Chapter

There are four branches of the Engineering disciple that deal in the provision of the built environment:

Civil Engineers – deals with infrastructure, the provision of roads, water supply, sewerage and surface drainage.
Structural Engineers – deals with the provision of the building structure, foundation, walling and roofing.
Electrical Engineers – deals with the provision of electrical power supply to building light, automation and communication systems.
Mechanical Engineers– deals with the provision of plumbing and drainage systems, firefighting, ventilation and air conditioning.

Why we do it better?

The services provided in these branches of engineering include design work, preparation of drawings, specification and tender documents, supervision of installation, testing and commissioning. The use of professional Engineers in the design and construction of building reduces the risks involved for example the collapse of buildings, fire, safety and statutory requirements. Professional fees are calculated at a preposition of the overall cost of the building and the services provided.

The Engineer’s Chapter of the Architect Association of Kenya is one of the seven Chapters of AAK. The membership of the Engineer’s Chapter has grown tremendously in the recent time. Although ours is one of the smaller chapters of the AAK, our members have been active in most activities undertaken by the Association. We have been well represented in the council and on various committees including the restructuring process of the Association.

With new impetus in AAK, the Engineer’s Chapter will endeavor to move forward with the other chapters to build a stronger and dynamic association of the Built and Natural Environment professionals.

Town Planners Chapter

The Town Planning Chapter is one of the founder chapters of the Architectural Association of Kenya. The chapter brings together over one hundred professionals, dealing with issues pertaining to Town Planning, Urban Management, Regional Planning among others

Scope of Profession

In a nutshell, the planning profession deals with socio-economic activities, within a spatial framework and in relation to human life. The spatial framework can be in form of settlements, villages, Urban centers, Towns or Regions in a global perspective, the professions may address itself to inter-and intra-regional or town relationship in form of socio-economic, cultural or political linkages.

Objective

The general objective of Town Planning is to provide harmony and efficiency among the diverse activities within the town or region. Since most of these activities have a direct bearing on “Land” as a resource, the profession aims at attaining the optimum and highest/best use of any piece of land, at any given time. This is channeled through preparation of Zoning Plans, Strategic Plans, Master Plans, etc for towns or regions.

Legal Framework of Training

The legal framework of the Town Planning as a profession is as provided for in the Physical Planning Bill and Physical Planners Registration Bill of 1996. For one to qualify as a Planner, one needs to have an undergraduate training in Town/Urban Planning and a two year working experience, as a Graduate Member of the Town Planners Chapter of Architectural Association of Kenya.

Landscape Architects Chapter

Landscape Architects offer diverse landscape architectural services which primarily serves residential, commercial and government agencies. Landscape architects have considerable expertise in the area of park an resort recreation design, commercial beautification, irrigation design, community resource planning, urban and regional design, environmental planning and management.

The areas mentioned above offer an overview of the range of activity and services offered by landscape architects which are inclusive of:-

Analysis Services
Feasibility Services
Site Selection and Utilization Analysis
Design and Planning Services
Contract Documentation and Administration

Clients

Landscape Architects are employed by clients who may be private individuals firms, business, corporations or by public agencies. Landscape architectural firms sometimes form collaborative associations to offer full service work on projects. This would involve temporary partnership between two or more firms for a specific project. They may sell their services to other firms as consultants.

Why Use a Landscape Architect

To save on the risk of spending money without sacrificing the quality of work
Enhance the value of your property with relatively low inputs
Rationalization of your outdoor space through sound design and planning principles
Conservation and improvement of the natural environment

Professional Fees

Professional fees are not necessarily high and are usually calculation on a time basis or as a percentage of the projects cost depending on the nature of the project. The division of services and fees is clearly stated in advance of project commencement.

The Landscape Architects’ Chapter was formed in 1989 after almost 10 years of deliberation by the AAK. From its earliest days the chapter was fortunate to have the support of Mr. Reuben Mutiso who worked tirelessly to smooth the way of formation and create recognition for the profession.

Since its formation the growth of the chapter has been slow due to the fact that not many universities offer Landscape Architecture degree in Africa. The small group of practicing landscape architects in Kenya does, however undertake a wide range of different types of work from landscape planning, environment impact statements and education to urban design, commercial and residential landscape design.

In recent years, the Chapter of Landscape Architects and the profession has experienced a changed in its role and development. Development has mainly bee at the Association level where our members have actively taken part in the very real process of restructuring the AAK. This was a concerted effort by all the AAK members Chapters.

Although Landscape Architects practice their profession in this country without legal constraint, it is important for the profession to begin laying foundations for a regulated system of conduct. This is in anticipation of a time when there will be many of us practicing and so the need for order in a structured environment. The regulatory aspects of the profession must be address now for the future so that laws governing the practice are put in place to ensure the profession remains scrupulous in its practice and conduct.

The landscape architecture is a little known profession, but this definition by Garret Ecko serves to illustrate how it fits with some of the other building profession under the umbrella of AAK.

Environmental Design Consultants Chapter

Environmental consultant works with organizations on a range of environmental issues, offering expert advisory and assessment services to ensure that possible damaging effects are managed or eliminated. They are responsible for ensuring that your client or your employer complies with environmental regulations.

They work on commercial or government contracts, addressing a variety of environmental issues. They cover a range of disciplines such as:

Air, land and water contamination;
Environmental impact assessment and flood risk;
Waste management and recycling;
Renewable energy opportunities;
Environmental management systems.

Most environmental consultants are employed by consultancy firms, which are hired by the public sector and by commercial organizations. They work with companies in the manufacturing and production sector, where environmental management is a fundamental concern.

Responsibilities

As an environmental consultant, you may work across a range of specialist areas or just focus on one aspect. Typical activities include:
Looking at the suitability of new developments, like housing, power stations, wind farms or other large sites that may impact the environment;
Conducting field surveys and collecting data about levels of pollution or contamination on a site or area of consideration;
Interpreting data, which can include using software-modelling packages, and report writing;
Managing legislative issues for clients and maintaining an awareness of how legislation impacts projects;
Developing conceptual models, which involves identification and consideration of potential contamination;
Communicating with clients, regulators and sub-contractors, e.g. analytical laboratories;
Researching previous investigations of a site to provide information to clients considering a purchase;
Undertaking fieldwork to identify previous activities on the site and any contamination.

Construction Project Managers Chapter

Construction Project Managers have now been added to the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK,) the country’s leading professional society for Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Town Planners, Engineers, Landscape Architects and Built Environment Experts.

As part of its launch programme, the new Construction Project Managers (CPM) Chapter hosted a Learning Breakfast Forum at the Strathmore Business School, themed “Construction Project Management in the 21st Century.”

In addition to officially welcoming the new members to the association, the aim of the forum was to create awareness amongst stakeholders on the role of the chapter, showcase some successful case studies that have embraced acceptable CPM industry standards such as the Thika Road super-highway.

In the building and construction industry, the role of a Construction Project Manager entails the overall planning, coordination and control of a project from inception to completion. The CPM is the bridge between the Architect and the Client and ensures that the client’s requirements are being met in order to produce a functionally and financially viable project that will be complete in every aspect especially – on time.

Strathmore Business School hosted the event as a part of its support for the new chapter; the Business School recently launched its ‘100% money-back guarantee’ programme whose curriculum is geared to incorporate the entrepreneurial process into construction management activities to achieve profitable success.

As the region’s economy moves forward, the demand for more and better infrastructure and facilities is expected to increase thereby escalating the demand for the service provided by Construction Project Managers.

References

External links

((Official websites|http://www.aak.or.ke/}}

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