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Choosing the Right Architect For Your Project

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How To Choose Your Architect:

In this blog, I will focus on (4) four simple yet profound areas, that represent a door or passageway, in which helps one to evaluate this question. This approach represents a way to align, and enhance your ability to make a wise selection and go beyond the obvious questions.

I also should note the obvious, that the following areas are not meant to necessarily be the final arbiter in your selection. however regardless of your selection process, I am proposing these should not be ignored. Additionally, I have discovered that many of these areas of review serve as vital keys in developing good working relationships. Lets start to review each of these areas as follows:  

Personality:

This first area concerns personality, and seeks to go well beyond perceived “star” status, or number of likes on Facebook. The personality or professional approach of your architect is important for several reasons. The first is, what alignment is taking place and is it developing the potentials for a good working relationship?  i.e., are they in alignment with your chosen pattern and ideals? Notice I didn’t say style. Developing a good working relationship first requires a level of trust and accountability from each.

This first delineator provides an immense opportunity to go beyond what you initially think can be achieved.  This is more than surface applied ornamentation. And for some only surface applied design is only what they require. For the architect this would likely be a deal breaker. The architect needs to thoroughly understand your specific needs in order to develop an accurate program brief. This often requires a detailed list of question. So, the point here, is the degree to which you connect and are in alignment with each other at this basic level is vital in order to move to the next step — There is an amazing synergy hat develops when the architect and client are on the same page from the start. This often leads to profound discoveries and amazing solutions that cannot be created by an Ai robot. But a dynamic creative energy between client and architect.

This first step requires the client (and architect) to ponder this potential working relationship. The personality trait of your architect and client represents a relationship that needs to begin with a collaborative spirit. If it doesn’t, no amount of star status or talent will change anything. This step is so vital and explores how the architect and client connect with each other. The time to discern this first step is well in advance of the formal start of a project. So this first step is simple, but requires thoughtful consideration up front.

Problem Solving Approach:

Coupled with Personality considerations, the second area concerns a mindset or problem solving approach that will be utilized by the design professional. How do they problem solve? Do they have a formal process in place? Can the architect provide you with examples of how they derived solutions to previous projects? It’s helpful when the architect provides examples of his work. When this occurs it leads to a better understanding. It is also helpful when the architect opens up the back story of a project through sketches and diagrams. The manor in which the design professional delineates their process, the various stories provides incite and clarity. Most importantly, a way to connect with their client.

Creating a project of most any size or type requires the architect to identify a problem(s) that need to be resolved ahead of any design solution. (That’s why developing a project brief is so vital – story for another blog.) Each architect will have their own unique approach. To the degree that it resonates with you, provides a way to align yourself and ask more detailed questions. Often I have seen problems arise because of assumptions and expectations that have not clearly been delineated. The discussion of problems solving approach begins the process of going further on this path of understanding and achieving an alignment with each other.

The practice of architecture is a multifaceted art that requires an understanding of both the projects – the manor in which materials come together, but also the needs of human beings. And the degree to which the architect can help you understand how they will problem solve, in the degree to which a project and relationships can flourish.

At the end of the day, your both producing a work that will have implications of creating results that last long into the future.   

Design Philosophy:

This third item should be an obvious point, but it can get misunderstood mired in discussions of ‘style’. A well thought out design philosophy or approach is not about style, but rather one of function, form and aesthetics working together. Each architect may have a personal preference, while others may be more flexible when it comes to aesthetics and their approach. But here is were an alignment can be established or not. Architecture contains a wide variety of approaches and rightly so, as there are many cultures and customs. (viva la difference.) Knowing your custom may be a vital link in regards to the alignment with your architect.

It is vital that the client understand the deeper fundamentals of how their architect makes the design decisions they do. Although, each project is different, much can be discerned ahead of time based on your architects design approach. Does it ‘mesh’ well with your personality, culture, and personal needs?

The degree to which you are comfortable with the process the architect takes, will likely determine your involvement or degree of comfort and alignment. Much like a personal preference for fine art, some like Rembrandt, while others Degas, or perhaps an entirely different art. However, the point is we are human beings, we are not machines. We all have individual personalities. A good architect will know their design approach and be able to delineate that to you. They will also be honest about their design approach and understand were it should not be used and why. Discern and discuss this aspect of design and see how it may enhance the quality of your life.     

Values:

This fourth point cannot be emphasized enough. The values of the architect and the client, provides a powerful way to align and develop meaningful and lasting solutions. Values are not skin deep or superficial style considerations. Values represent a profound depth and personal drivers. Often these are what compel us as human beings to develop meaningful solutions and to living a healthy way of life. Our values drive how we interact with others. In a way, this brings it all back to the first point on the list. In fact all of these steps; personality, problem solving, design philosophy and values are never subjective. This is about designing with a logic and rational mindset. This represents a process that is based on the realties of life and needs of human beings.  (BTW something an Ai robot cannot never achieve)   

Each of the the above noted criteria serve together to establish a meaningful process in determining how to select your architect. This process is also important in designing and creating your project in a powerful way. To enhance and improve the quality of your life.

Introductory Exploration Starter Pack:

In conclusion, Arc Castle Studio offers a starter pack for select clients. Providing clients an introductory process with fixed fee and schedule to perform applicable due diligence and preliminary design solution ideas. For additional information, reach out on our Contact page.

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Sketch Book

The Sketchbook: A Tool For Exploration and Discovery:

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The Sketch Book:

The sketchbook provides a tool and remains relevant even in an age of Ai (Artificial Intelligence). This is a  tool, that makes strong connections between design and the end user.  With this in mind, let’s examine the sketch book as a vital part of the design process.

An Extraordinary Tool in an Age of Fast Computers:

Regardless of the project type or subject to be explored, the sketchbook represents an interesting engagement process that simply does not take place with a computer. It also makes it an effective tool to analyze and seek understanding.       

I use the sketch book as a tool through hand sketching and recording conceptual ideas, or making notes of unique features. Sketching is not necessarily just design, but the process of seeking understanding before the design takes place. It’s a way to become ‘aware’ and seek understanding. This provides an opportunity to document your progress. But what gets overlooked is the way sketching engages and develops the creative mind.  

The Sketch Book In History:

There is an extraordinary and unique aspect of developing the hand sketch. It develops a personal human centric connection that a computer cannot do.  In fact history reveals an extensive cadre of sketchbooks. and provide excellent examples of the value that can be created.  

Long before the so called ‘information age’, artist’s worldwide would used a sketch book to record their initial thoughts. History records this fact and it reveals an astonishing effort and the power the sketchbook has played in the creative realm.  

The sketch book is however only as good as you use it. The value is derived as it is applied. The sketch book is a tool that has been used as long as mankind has lived on this earth. Over time as the sketchbook has become an irreplaceable tool. Even in our modern area, there is nothing that has replaced the concept and need for the sketchbook. 

Ideas and Application:

The sketchbook also engages our thinking and ability to work through a rational process. Sketching encourages exploration and provides a fluid process. The ease in which sweeping changes are made and analyzed are inviting a process of adding idea onto idea. Perhaps most intriguing, the sketch book creates opportunity to share and collaborate with others.

The Sketch book as a Tool For Exploration and Discovery 

Using your sketchbook, should always be about seeking to understand. This provides a way to explore and discover many ways to improve upon and finding ways to problem solve. The sketch book serves a vital role in starting this extraordinary process of discovery.   

Its astonishing how this simple tool of hand sketching can be sidelined for various reasons. Perhaps the lure of other tools becomes too great. It should also be said, various digital tools are not necessarily bad, or cant be used, rather it becomes an issue of how do we best engage our minds in a physical way, so as properly guide our technology.       

The sketch book provides a simple but thoughtful process to begin any project. It is a powerful tool that captures what you observe, and it engages the mind to create meaningful solutions. Hopefully we can all appreciate the value of this tool and next time you seek to start a project, know you can begin it with a sketch.

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Strategic Design, A Case Study:

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Strategic Design

In this blog, I will show why strategic design is extremely valuable and how it can be utilized in architecture. I will use the discovery of an ancient ‘city gate’ of Megiddo and present valuable incites for contemporary solutions. In addition, through this non-fiction account, of this archeological dig that occurred in Israel in 1925. I will show how this uncovered ruin actually served as a prototype of its day and created multifaceted solutions; which can also be applied today in ways that only strategic design can achieve. 

The Story of the Megiddo Gates:

The discovery of this ancient city gate of ‘Megiddo’ tells an interesting story about how strategic design was used to create one of the more unique and successful city gates in all the world., The discovery revealed a design of a long lost city gate system that was ingenuous in its solution of providing an enclosed passageway and internal chambers. It appears the chambers served to provide protection against any invaders who may have entered the city gate. .     

The’Megiddo Gate’ (as depicted above) shows the floor plan and the manor of passage that was taken into the city. The discovery of this gate,  led to a deeper analysis of this unusual design for this gate.  In, fact, it was discovered, that the design included much more than a single point of protection. It contained a series of redundancies for added protection. In addition, it was later understood, that the gate also served as a civic function. Much like a judicial court, This was a civic function, where various civil madders could be addressed through the dual functionality of its design. This design turned out to be so successful in achieving its objectives, that there were other versions built and  implemented throughout this region. It became obvious through other archeological digs that other versions of this design were applied from the Megiddo prototype,

The archeological dig also revealed that the structure was built as a double wall system, and it was ingeniously designed to include an internal passage way that could secretly operate to prevent unlawful access and potential destruction of its city.. As such, it becomes clear, the city gate of Megiddo housed a diverse level of functionality beyond protection. The design fundamentally transformed the operation of the city entrance gate of its day. Megiddo itself had become a symbol of strength and served as a model of governance.

With all of this in mind, The Megiddo gate system reveals a design thinking mindset that incorporated a series of solutions and deep understanding of the challenges of its day. However, through strategic design. The Megiddo city gate system also provided an innovative design approach, that made it extraordinary example of how strategic design can be utilized to solve complex problems, while also advancing cultural advancements that supported the city.  

The Essence of Strategic Design:

This story of the Megiddo city gate provides incite into the nature of strategic design. Specifically through improved functionality, added civiic functional benefits and operational  control. The design solution also represents advancements over the status quo.of its day. Interestingly, the gate advancements did not require new material, or technology, but demonstrated a quality in craftsmanship, engineering and emphasis on  innovation through design— specifically ‘strategic design’. However, perhaps most important, was the level of thinking and wisdom that was incorporated very early in the design process. Long before construction began, its clear the s=design was set with a clear set of objectives and outcomes.  

Challenges inspire Good Design:

From a modern perspective, the design of the Megiddo city gate, depicts a fascinating account of how strategic design can be utilized in a powerful way. i.,e., solving major challenge’s of its day, even madders of life and death consequences..This astonishing example proves that strategic design does in fact make all the difference between order and chaos. Advancing solutions that resolve problems can add great value to any project. Even more, it will benefit human beings. Its clear the above noted example serves as a prototype.  Megiddo also became much more than a fancy facade, it became a unique and thoughtful way of using challenges as a spring board to uncovering innovative solutions. 

Modern Day Applications:

To achieve any good  work, ultimately requires a vision,  analysis, and proper planning. In a building endeavor such as this city gate example. Its clear that strategic design is vital and will benefit the project in multifaceted ways.. Much can be accomplished with this design approach and way of thinking. Simply put, strategic design will make substantial contributions in establishing order over chaos.      

Summary and Application:

  • Megiddo’s city gate provides a real-life example of the importance of strategic design.
  • Improving function, creating order, enhancing operations — creating substantial value.
  • A holistic approach — harmonizes the entire project.
  • Design thinking mindset that is used to create a prototype.
  • Solving problems through strategic design, enhances functionality and value.
  • Advancing multifaceted solutions and benefits that go beyond problem resolution.
  • Strategic Design represents an art and a science that may not be easy, but is extremely valuable.
  • Multi-faceted methodology that treats each project individually.
  • Advances secure and safe environments — a quality of life issue.
  • Provides an excellent feasibility analysis tool — long before construction begins.
  • An design process that minimizes risk, and established long-term value.
  • The quality of our life and what is produced; depends on a higher level of thinking, not a factory line.

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Planning in Architecture

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The Nature of Planning:

The nature of planning, cannot be emphasized enough both in terms of the importance to transform the mundane but also creating order through organizing, sketching, and diagraming. Although not limited to these activities, they form the back bone and purpose to envision and achieving project success both in and outside the boundaries of architecture, 

I want to emphasize in this blog, the nature of planning is a vital tool and that it should be utilized to develop a project from the earliest stage.. Although planning can be a ubiquitous term. I will explore the nature of planning from the perspective of how it serves a vital link to the necessary process of exploring and discovering solutions.  . 

What Is The Nature of Planning?

Planning a project requires an understanding. The more understanding the better, As an architect, I have discovered that my training lends itself to utilizing tools like planning as a process of problem resolution and envisioning solutions. As an architect I know the development of a preliminary plan does not proceed out of thin air, it takes a level of thinking and effort to establish the parameters, eg, developing a program, understanding site, and exploring the budget to name a few. However, the challenge of ‘planning’ is to consider the big picture. .Evaluating completing circumstances and data. This is where the nature of planning shines.  

Planning provides a way to seek understanding and to organize; serving as a way to build upon. This becomes a way to document important information, writing, and sketching of preliminary ideas. The planning leads to a deeper understanding of objectives, However, this engagement of ideas also leads up to the place where design can begin. Often, substantial solutions can be realized, that would not otherwise have been revealed. All of this speaks to the overall importance of planning early.

The planning process serves to identify the parameters by which a project can succeed. This process of seeking to understand, establishes clarity of what success looks like. Through planning, the project is built on a strong foundation of analysis and critical thinking. The nature of planning considers a broad spectrum of data and trys to mitigate risk as well as find inspiring solutions. 

Planning Determines Outcome:

The nature of planning also seeks to develop order, and help establish the project approach, it essentially is building a story, It can also be said, most any project will  often be more complicated than meets the eye. Planning harmonizes the project and seeks to implement the data in a meaningful way. The process of developing ideas over time also will create opportunity for refinement from initial ideas that may not be very good .     

Spending time with the planning process helps to create order and establish a meaningful direction. Planning also helps to set important mile markers long before a project is born and goes into construction. In addition, through planning, greater efficiencies and esthetic value can be brought into focus.   

With the start of any project, it’s important to have. process that helps to work through ideas, sometimes bad ideas. However, without planning, important ideas that need to ‘bake’, may get lost. An interesting observation by Steven Spielberg encapsulates this idea well, he said: “all good ideas start out as bad ideas; thats why it takes so long.” Indeed, the planning process may be a winding road, but it will produce a better work than not planning at all. 

The planning stage also engages a thoughtful process of understanding form, function and aesthetic. And the vital way that they all can work together. Unfortunately, many residential communities for example, have entirely by-passed this planning process.. Unfortunately this lack of planning approach leads to a domino effect and effects society as a whole..

The Individual Nature of Planning:

Having a planning process in place will help clarify objectives and develop meaningful goals. Planning provides a framework, and serves as a guid post and serves to collect ideas in a meaningful way. The plan documents ideas. It simply serves to help solidify the project. Good ideas tend to build upon themselves. Thats why planning becomes soo important.    

This process of planning works across all disciplines. The principles are similar. In short, with no planning process, or guide, chaos can rule the day. However, the nature of planning brings ideas and concepts to fruition in a meaningful way. 

Summary

The planning process is not an arbitrary name with fancy lines on a page. Planning provides a meaningful way to identify problems in order to develop solutions. The art of building, doesn’t just happen by accident, or even because of good craftsmen, or using good materials. It requires critical thought that comes through planning. 

The importance of planning in architecture or any endeavor serves to create order. 

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Design Thinking

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Design Thinking:

Creating new or modifying existing infrastructure can represent a sizable investment of time, material and cost. I will address a design process here that goes beyond the traditional one size fits all approach, and describe how design thinking can help in and outside the strict boundaries of architecture. In fact, design thinking provides a way to mitigate risk and enhance the overall opportunity.  

In addition, I will discuss how design thinking is utilized at (ACS) Arc Castle Studio to create value and solve problems. This process combines the art with the science of putting a project together, and serves as the basis for developing a project understanding. I will  start with some early history on how design thinking was used, and ask the question if we lost something along the way?  

Design Thinking In History

Design is used throughout history. During the Renaissance period, architects, artist’s and sculptor’s alike, typically approached their work with simple tools like hand drawings, sketches, diagrams and even prototype models. But these simple tools produced profound results. Their approach also served as a basis for building their understanding, and being able to convey it to the client. Often, extensive research and practical knowledge was sought long before any design work occurred.  Accordingly, this approach provided a way to establish important parameters by which the project could be designed upon.  

Design thinking blossoms during the Renaissance and It influences all disciplines, both art and science. In architecture there is an emphasis on human-centric approaches to design. The work took on scientific approaches to built upon known information and sought solutions that put human beings front and center. In fact, the human body was seen a perfect model of proportion, form and exemplified an ideal relationship between its form and associated functions. This period, gave rise to a quality of design and work that changed the known world. Their new found approach created a culture of advancement, leaving the dark ages with a renewed vision.. 

Why Design Thinking?:

It’s interesting to consider how design was utilized in history, and how it advanced during the Renaissance period. It can be said that a design mindset was seen as a common denominator for most any work of this period, Further, utilizing this way of thinking can be seen as a way to create substantial value, and solve problems. Perhaps most importantly, it integrates a rational thinking and order to any project. However, this doesn’t come cheep. One must apply the principles to achieve the benefits. 

In fact, much of our built environment today does not incorporate the rigor of design thinking that can be found in the history of the Renaissance period. Perhaps this is why soo many of our cities, towns and homes today do not function well and are unhealthy and uninspiring places to live or work. However, we do see an emphasizes on quick gain with little thought for the effects upon us as humans.   

Design thinking can be likened a muscle that grows stronger when it is used over time. However, like any tool, it has to be used wisely to shape, and form in a meaningful way. This process is never arbitrary. Rather this is about producing a work that is authentic and true to its nature and provides healthy solutions. For any project, all the parts need to interact and work together. Although each project is different, we utilize lessons learned from each project to serve the next. In addition, a design thinking mindset produces a synergy that can be applied in many ways. This approach simply serves to connect as many dots as possible, and enhances a journey to discovery. 

How Design Thinking Can Be Utilized:

  • Architect directed projects can apply design thinking to serve as a collaboration platform and advance solutions
  • Align form with functional and build upon program requirements that work with the aesthetics
  • Establish a 'solutions' focused process (divergent and convergent thinking)
  • Principle-centered approach in applying due diligence for any project
  • Seeks a human-centric solution, not assembly line, or status quo objectives
  • Evaluate form, function, program, site and aesthetics in a holistic way. (critical thinking)
  • Architect led process serves as guide and advisor to balancing project goals and objectives
  • A Process that evaluates the big picture and seeks to minimize risk.
  • Recognize this is a design mindset that advances both the art and the science. (Often contrary to each other)

A Design Mindset:

Design thinking is not a formula, or a mathematical equation that can be applied to solve for an unknown. This represents a process that incorporates the art with the science. It’s a process that engages the needs of human beings with purpose.   

Our process at Arc Castle Studio utilizes design thinking as a platform for problem solving.. We incorporate critical thinking into our tool kit . In fact, extraordinarily simple tools that were used long ago;  like hand sketching, diagrams, mind maps, and study models. We explore all facets, to learn, discover, and seek diverse  ways to improve our built environment.

Summary:

Design thinking has broad applications, and can serve to solve complex problems (in and out of architecture) and produce lasting value. Although this is not an easy process, it is a valuable way to approach a project. When done right, it’s never arbitrary. A good work can be discerned by observing how well its form is suited to its function, and utility — in fact, how the aesthetics is developed out of the intelligence harmony of all these factors. This represents the beginning of a design thinking process. 

If you want to maximize your efforts to improve your project — utilize a design thinking mindset. Seeking to understand,  learn how to change, and apply lessons learned through analysis. Never settle for the mediocrity of the status quo.

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