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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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Planning in Architecture

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Planning in Architecture

Planning can be defined as activities associated with organizing, sketching, diagraming, for the purpose of achieving a goal. In architecture, a project may begin with an idea, however it takes planning to develop that idea and assess the viability.  

Let’s take a brief look at planning, and using it more effectively as a tool to explore how this may serve your project. To help you develop ideas, mitigate risk and create value. 

With or Without a Plan?

Planning any project requires an understanding of the issues or problems involved. This is true for any project, whether it is a small residential home or large commercial project. Planning can occur in many ways.  Such as understanding the program, schedule, budget, aesthetics, site, building codes and other such data all require analysis and a way to navigate through it in a meaningful way. 

Planning is a system.  One that that organizes and collects important information, notes, and sketching various ideas. It is a system that leads to a deeper understanding of what you are trying to accomplish. Engaging your project data also leads to a place where the design process can begin. It may even lead to substantial solutions that would otherwise not be revealed. All of this speaks to the overall goal of your planning.

As you engage the planning process, it leads to clarity and a thoughtful development of and identification of the issues of the project. This  process provides clarity for the steps you discover, and sets your objectives. It should come as no surprise, that through this planning effort, the project is placed on a firm foundation. Planning adds value to any project, mitigates risk, and helps establish a budget.  Of coarse planning is only as good as the effort that is applied, however this system can provide substantial value both in terms of the incite it generates, and clarity to the project goals.

Your Planning Determines the Outcome:

Anytime you build, you need a plan! Through planning, it provides the client with clarity. This also works as a way to develop your creative approach, because it all works together. In lieu of the many requirements a building project encompasses. The process of developing ideas over time will provide opportunity for assessment and refinement along the project path.   

Spending a little time up front with this planning stage can help you set important mile markers. Utilizing a design professional can also help bring some efficiencies and esthetic value to your project. It may not seem apparent at the start, but soon it becomes apparent how valuable this can be.   

Its not uncommon that initial ideas are not the end all. . .  We simply need a way to start and work through what you want to accomplish. But without writing it down and planning it can get lost overnight. Steven Spielberg said “all good ideas start out as bad ideas; thats why it takes so long.” The process can be a winding road, but it can produce a way to connect the dots. he should know! 

In our work at Arc Caste Studio, we begin by meeting with the client and ask questions, to seek out an understand the clients objectives and vision. As we build a project program, we are able to develop ideas in a meaningful and harmonious way.  The planning stage engages a thoughtful process of understanding form, function and aesthetic. And the vital way that they all can work together. This simply doesn’t happen without planning  

Unfortunately, many residential projects that surround small town USA, have entirely by-passed this planning process. It makes for an interesting case study that shows the many challenges associated without planning — it all becomes the same boring stuff.  It becomes a sea of medicare results. Unfortunately this lack of planning approach leads to a domino effect. Were the status quo becomes the norm.  Unraveling this lack of planning becomes a complex and costly maze to repair.

The Power of Planning:

By way of a simple example, If an architect can be engaged to review your residential plan, and they are able to  improve by finding ways to have greater functionality and save just 100sf, that represents a major cost savings. i.e., for a building cost of say $250/sf, that can be a $25,000 savings! (using a very conservative building cost for SF value.) This is a tiny example, however it provides a case for engaging a planning process. In addition, aligning all  the diverse functions, budget and aesthetic preference also provides solutions that are well thought out in advance. And minimizes risk. Our building infrastructure represents an important part of our lives. Winston Churchill said, “We shape our buildings and thereafter they shape us.”  Our building infrastructure has a way to inspire us and influence how we live. It can even affect the quality of our physical lives.   

Each Project Is its Own:

Having a planning process in place will help you see the need to clarify your objectives and develop meaningful goals. Planning provides a framework, and serves as a guid post of collected ideas and thoughts. The plan is a way to document ideas through sketching, thoughts, and notes.  It simply serves to help solidify a picture of the project. Remember good ideas tend to build upon themselves. Thats why planning becomes soo important.    

This process of planning, can be overlooked, however the process does work across all disciplines. The principles are similar. In short, with no planning process, or guide, chaos can rule. However, when clarity is developed early, it leads to bringing ideas and concepts to fruition more quickly and in a meaningful way. 

The planning process provides anyone a meaningful way to identify problems and then develop specific solutions. The act of building anything, requires careful thought and planning. The importance of planning in architecture is simply priceless. 

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