What does an architect do?

Here is a great diagram showing the entire design process.  Take a look.  The items in blue are fairly well understood, but maybe not the rest!

For example, have you considered having your architect accompany you to view potential building sites or existing homes?  If not, maybe you should consider it.  Who better than an architect to help you evaluate a piece of property before you buy it!  Most architects will do it for free, in the interest of getting their clients the best possible building site, and in the interest of getting the design work!

Post-Construction Evaluation! - Now, that's one of the most important ones, and we haven't been hearing about it much.  Knowing whether you've got a functional building and that the owner is satisfied are terribly important points.  Don't you think!?