A client recently said to me that I “must be a developer at heart.” Many architects would cringe at that thought…but, I take it as a compliment.
Architects are many things – builders, artists, therapists – but, a developer? Yes, there is a trend for architects to develop and construct their own projects (the motivation for this is another blog topic). There seems to be a line in the sand between developers and architects. Here’s the stereotype: Developers view architects as a necessary evil in the project, another line item cost, someone who wants to “make a statement;” architects view developers as the necessary evil to gaining a commission, they have the money, someone unappreciative of our art.
Economics is what makes my job possible. If a project doesn’t provide a profit to the developer, it won’t happen. So what is the architect’s role? We are given a kit of parts to work from – steel, brick, concrete, wood – and we mold and transform and arrange the materials to create a functional, visually pleasing building. Architects take pride in utilizing materials in an innovative way. But, what of the financial aspects? Are we to merely design to meet budget?
Your client’s bottom line goal is to make money for the investor. Sure, everyone likes a good looking building, but projects aren’t built for the sake of building art (that’s called sculpture). They’re built to make someone money, directly or indirectly. As an architect, I believe that a major part of our role is to maximize the return on investment. Our expertise, our ability to visualize, our innovation, these can all be used to mold and transform and arrange the bottom line. Whether it be through the use of better materials, higher densities, or shorter schedules.
I believe more architects should think like a developer. They might find themselves with more work.
Frank Lloyd Wright - 1926
Yesterday, June 8th, was Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday. Well, it would have been if he was 143 years young. Of course, I wrote an article over at Examiner.com, but over here, its a little more personal.
I am a big fan of Wright. Yeah, sure is a great architect and all the world adores him. By the way, if you don’t like his work, tell me why…I’d like to hear from the dissenters. For me though, its not just the work or the style – which is undoubtedly beautiful – I love the passion… Wright had a passion for buildings and the art of building. Although, he did not have a reputation for being easy to work with.
I have a passion for my chosen profession as well. I love the business and the art of building…from concept to drawings to construction. The part I am most passionate about is craftsmanship. The skill required to properly detail and construct a building is often taken for granted. Any Joe can cut wood, right? Yes, but not every Joe can cut wood right…or lay a brick, or weld steel. I’ll admit, I’m no master carpenter or mason. My skills are decent and maybe with some practice, I could do better. But, I am the architect and I respect the craftsman.
The passion for the trades and the art of building is reflected in my approach to project and client management. The underlying foundation is the desire to have a successful project. Of course, “successful project” can mean different things to many people…is the client happy…is the architect happy…is the contractor happy? For me, successful means all of us are in pursuit of the best solution for the project while respecting time and budget. We all work together and if something can be done better – a detail, schedules, specified material – we all get together, talk about it, and make decisions.
Not everyone has this approach (like Wright), and it has lead to thousands of battles on job sites around the world. It also generates a lot of stereotypes and destroys relationships. Bottom line, no one wins. This is not the way to do business and be satisfied at the end of the day. Ours is a business built on relationships, not how many conflicts we’ve won.
So, on your next project…consider the guy on the other side of the table and appreciate their perspective. Everyone will be much better for it, including the project.
A client recently said to me that I “must be a developer at heart.” Many architects would cringe at that thought…but, I take it as a compliment.