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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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Strategic Design, A Case Study:

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Strategic Design

Long ago, in a land far away, there existed an ancient ‘city gate’. This is a non-fiction story that came to light, as part of an archeological dig that occurred in Israel. The account provides interesting parallels to how strategic design was used throughout history. It’s an astonishing account of a real-life city gate that reveals timeless applications.    

The Story of the Megiddo Gates:

The ancient city gate I am referring to, is the discovery of the Gates of ‘Megiddo’. It was through the archeological dig, a discovery revealed an ancient design of a long lost city gate. The design of the gate system entailed an enclosed passageway that was composed of internal chambers. It appears the chambers served to provide added protection, if any unwanted invaders managed to enter the gate system.  

The design of the ‘Megiddo Gate’ (sketch depicted above) reveals the floor plan that was discovered. As the details emerged, it became clear that this was an unusual gate system that included  much more than a single point of protection. But contained a series of redundant protections. In addition, it was later understood from historical records that the gate contained a civic function. 

The archeological dig also revealed that the structure was built with a substantial foundation and durable materials that could still be observed. In addition, the wall structure was built to include an internal passage way that could access the noted chambers. In turn the city gate became a fortified structure that housed diverse functions while also protecting the city. The design fundamentally changed the typical operation of the city entrance gate and operation. It was as though the city gate itself had become a symbol of governance for this city. 

This ancient city gate revealed a design mindset, that incorporated an understanding of the various challenges of its day. The Megiddo gates provided an innovative design approach, that made it extraordinarily difficult for an apposing army to enter through this gate. In addition, the design provided a limited amount of space which seems to have easily supported  supplied the city but made it difficult to have “uninvited guests” enter. 

The Essence of Strategic Design:

The noted case study of the ‘Megiddo city gate’, provides a case study into advanced functions and operations that dramatically improved how this city operated and was protected. The design solution represented advancements over the status quo. Interestingly, the gate advancements did not require new material, or technology, but rather demonstrated an emphasis on  innovation through its design. The design demonstrates an emphasis on utilizing wisdom and understanding in its design process to solve some of the problems of its day.  

Challenges Can inspire Good Design:

From a modern perspective, the design of the Megiddo city gate, depicts a fascinating account strategic design. Solving major challenge’s of its day with strategy and design. This astonishing case study delineates a way of advancing solutions that in addition to resolving one problem can add great value, and benefit for the human beings who lived in this city. It became much more than a fancy facade or skin deep solution, it was a unique and thoughtful solution. 

Modern Day Applications:

A work of architecture requires vision, analysis, conceptualizing and planning. In an endeavor such as this can benefit from utilizing the principles of strategic design, both  to realize solutions and transcend the problem. Much can be accomplished with this methodology and way of thinking. The city gates of Megiddo depicts an example of an ancient city gate that used strategic design to make substantial improvements. In the process it created a seat of governance and a high level of protection against disorder and chaos.      

Summary:

  • Megiddo’s city gate provides a real-life example of how strategic design is used.
  • Improving function, creating order, enhancing operations — creates value.
  • A holistic approach — harmonizes the project
  • A powerful design tool that created a prototype solution that could be applied to other cities.
  • Solving an identified problem creatively.
  • Advancing solutions that have multi benefits.
  • Strategic Design represents both the art and the science.
  • Multi-faceted methodology to enhance and improve anything.
  • Secure and safe environments add to the quality of life.
  • Provides an excellent feasibility analysis tool — prior to construction.
  • A tool to evaluate and minimize risk.

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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. 

Why 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 building. The project should not proceed without a Plan.  Even a preliminary plan that establishes the program, considers schedule and explores budget is a good place to start. However, the real challenge of ‘planning’ comes in the form plotting out your course for success, and mitigating risk. 

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. 

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 is priceless. 

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Design Thinking

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Design Thinking In Architecture:

Creating new or modifying infrastructure, represents an investment of time, material and cost. I want to address a design process in this blog as a way to mitigate risk and enhance the overall opportunity for the greatest project success in lieu of the investment . 

In addition, I want to discuss how design thinking is utilized as a design tool for most any project, to create value and solve problems. This process specifically combines both the art with the science of putting a project together. And it creates to build upon. I want to start with some early history on how design thinking was used. 

The Renaissance and Design Thinking

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 is interesting to consider how design was utilized in history and how it advanced during the Renaissance. It can be said that a design mindset was seen as common denominator for most work of this period, Further, utilizing this tool can be seen as a way to add value, and solve problems. Perhaps most importantly, it integrates a rational thinking and order to the design process. However, this doesn’t come cheep. One must apply its 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 Approach:

Design thinking is not a formula, or a mathematical equation that can be applied to solve for an unknown. This represents a unique mindset that incorporates art and science. And it is driven by the needs of human beings. 

Our process at Arc Castle Studio utilizes a design thinking approach. We also incorporate critical thinking into our tool kit. Utilizing simple tools that were utilized soo long ago like hand sketching, and creating study models. We explore all facets, to learn, discover, and seek many ways by which to improve our built environment.

Summary:

Design thinking has broad applications, and can serve to solve problems and produce lasting value. Although this  is not an easy process, it is a valuable way to approach any 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 how the aesthetics work in harmony. This represents 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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