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Put the Architect-Builder Conflict to Rest
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| Submitted by: | Roger D. Wade, RA (rwadeco@wowway.com) 6/10/2009 9:50:01 PM PT |
| Location: | Royal Oak, MI |
| Occupation: | Architect |
A very good article on a subject that has needed attention for quite some time. I agree with the sentiments of the author and the response comments.
I would also add the following: Over the years I have worked for two different Design/Build Companies and have experienced first hand the ease to which design and construction can flow smoothly to the benefit of both disciplines when they are working cooperatively. This ultimately benefits the client in a product that is well detailed/executed and delivered on time and within budget. Some of my fondest memories of project involvement as an architect are working in the field with construction trades to finesse a project based on field conditions rather than laboring over detailed drawings in the office that may or may not get built as drawn due to nuances of field conditions or means and method options.
To be sure, some architects could benefit from gaining more field experience just as some construction tradespeople could benefit from more education on reading/interpreting construction docs. But it turns my stomach when I see books written on how contractors can profit from exploiting construction documents that are less than 100% complete and charging more change orders to the client. Let's work together for the common good of our clients and elevate the reputation of both disciplines.
| Submitted by: | Randy Hatchard (RandyH@DTArchitects.com) 4/24/2009 1:17:57 PM PT |
| Location: | Dominick Tringali Architects, Bloomfield Hills MI |
| Occupation: | Architect |
I couldn''''t agree more. The relationship between builder and architect is so critical to the success of the project when both are working toward the best interest of the client. There are many ways to achieve the same result and working together with the builder in a cooperative relationship is what is best for your client, because in the end it''''s about getting your client what they want at the best price and without headache to them. This also allows you to learn new things on a regular basis. It also works as a benefit to you as an architect. The better you work with a builder the more he is going to want to work with you and will be more willing to reefer you to his new clients in turn. At Dominick Tringali Architects our best relationships are with our builders, also trades and suppliers, but the number one relationship is the client.
| Submitted by: | Paul Kraucunas 4/21/2009 11:46:14 AM PT |
| Location: | Fairfax, Virginia |
| Occupation: | Civil Engineer |
A similar situation existed in Fairfax County, Virginia between private sector engineers submitting land development plans and the public sector engineers responsible for reviewing them. The result was the formation of ESI.
The Engineers and Surveyors Institute (ESI) is a nonprofit Virginia corporation formed in December of 1987 to promote a public/private partnership devoted to improving the quality of engineering plans and the process by which they are approved. The Institute provides programs designed to improve the design and approval process, to maintain current practice education for private and public professionals, and to improve communication throughout the land development industry. Our membership consists of engineering and surveying firms practicing land development in Virginia, local jurisdictions, the Virginia Department of Transportation, public utility agencies, and organizations producing products for the industry. ESI is the proud recipient of the prestigious U. S. Senate Productivity Award for Virginia.
Just two years later projects which took 18 months or more to gain approval were approved in 6 months!
| Submitted by: | Valerie J. Amor (vamor@bellsouth.net) 4/21/2009 10:15:21 AM PT |
| Location: | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| Occupation: | Architect/developer |
My thoughts exactly. When I was first trained as an architect to perform construction administration out in the field, I was lectured over and over again that the contractor was not my friend. I needed to be very careful what I said or what I did for fear of being sued. However, years of experience has proven that an advesarial relationship is not the way to create a successful project so I have become a developer architect. I do not dismiss the historic idea of the architect as a master builder which I think should be updated to today''s time however, rather than being a divisive tool it should engage the architect to assume greater social responsibility and regain a position where the level of education and training that is required to be a truly effective architect is realized to the betterment of communities and not just the firm''s profile. Also, as the technology for creating sustainable buildings continues to move at a rapid pace, it is necessary to rethink the traditional roles of architect-builder-client to avoid the unnecessary lawsuits that are beginning to mount because of green projects carried out with business as usual techniques.
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