Our work, as architects, is important. We provide space for businesses to do their work, for people to live their lives, and for institutions to generate the next advancement. But I think that many of our clients believe we are a necessity and that we cause them to overspend on their project.
As building systems become more complex, more can go wrong during documentation. And clients scoff at our fees even though we are spending more time to incorporate more information into the documents. It isn't a stretch to say that the documents no longer show design intent - now they must show design specifics.
For this reason, I appreciate Architectural Record's October Editor's letter where she highlights the need to celebrate projects that got the complexity correct no matter the scale.
Each of us needs to keep advocating for the profession as client expectations continue to rise while they drive fees lower. Our work is complicated and it takes talented people to design and document buildings today.
Keeping Projects on Schedule
Part of an architect's responsibility is to keep the project on schedule, especially during the design phases. One strategy that I have found helpful is to develop a schedule of decisions needed by the client to put some of the responsibility back on them - and then reminding them weekly of approaching decision deadlines.
Archinect looks at how two firms keep their projects on schedule.
Delivering Projects on Time Is a Challenge. Here’s How Architects Do It
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Dockworker Strike Halted, But Maybe Not Permanently
Dockworkers got their desired pay increase but agreed to continue discussions on their other demands until January 15. Should continued discussions not evolve into a full agreement, the Dockworkers will return to the picket lines on January 15th.
The contractors you work with are likely on top of this issue, but it is worth discussing this with them and your clients. It might make sense to purchase materials early if they will come through east coast ports.
The port strike is over. Here’s what happens next
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What is the Current Architectural Movement
I don't think we have an architecture movement right now. There definitely isn't someone like Philip Johnson dictating what good architecture is today.
This article from Architizer advocates for no longer glorifying Modernism:
Today’s architects have a lot on their plates. It’s not just about whether form follows function or vice versa anymore. Issues like climate change, urban sprawl and social equity are at the forefront of design. Instead of relying solely on traditional design principles, students should be learning how to address these real-world challenges directly. How can buildings reduce their carbon footprint? How can urban spaces become more inclusive and livable? These are the kinds of questions that need to take center stage.
Architecture Schools Need To Stop Glorifying Modernism. Change My Mind.
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Small Office Making Remote Work
I'm very mixed when it comes to remote work and Return To Office (RTO). There is no better way for young employees to learn than to see and hear how problems are solved. You can't get that working alone in your apartment. I also think creativity is improved through in-person collaboration. At the same time, I appreciate the flexibility to adapt to modern life that remote work offers. I think architecture firms will return to mostly working in the office with the flexibility to work from home when needed.
This article about the firm Open Studio Collective has some interesting tidbits on working remotely and running a small firm with people all over the country.
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Are Your Employees Developing Software Solutions?
With NoCode tools available, non-programmers can make their own software. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT make programming easier. It is inevitable that future architects will become computer programmers at some level. Are you aware of any great stories? Reply to this email and let me know.
