Technology in Architectural Practice

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Practice Management Member Conversations and Technology in Architectural Practice .
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This article originally appeared in COLUMNS magazine, a publication of AIA Pittsburgh. This is a Viewpoint article by our chapter president, Mark Dietrick, AIA...

Several weeks ago, the New York Times published an article that highlighted computer programs that can help owners bypass architects and questioned the wisdom of such an approach.  While our first reaction as architects to this concept and many of the ideas represented in the article is likely absolute abhorrence - architecture is a process that only trained architects may orchestrate - I have spent the last couple of weeks pondering what we can learn from this story and generally what it might mean to be an architect in the information age that is radically transforming our world.....

Read the rest of the article here.


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Erin Raff
AIA Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
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Erin,

This is a very interesting article and a great read. The article leads me to two important questions that I would like to propose answers for discussion: 1) Would it be relevant for a real architect to engage with clients who have come up with their own design a simply quality control, sturctural, code check on the plans submitted; similar to legal zoom? 2) Why are more and more people using their own technology as oppossed to engaging an Architect on smaller projects?

My thoughts on the first question is that as a business model this could be very viable for small scale project, up to $30k in construction budget for example. Fees could be simple flat fee for review and recommended changes that the customer/client would have to go back to fix and then resubmit for new approval. To shield the design firms brand and reputation this company should utilize a different title, dba, etc.

The reason why I think this could be a buisness model for an Architect to consider and is an answer to the second question. Society today is built around individual customization. For example think of the following: Starbucks, Roll-Your-Own, Burger King - Have It Your Way, online customization and tailoring of clothes & shoes, personalized cable & internet packages, your own iPhone playlists, and Pandora Radio Station. All of these things are just an example of how people can customize the world around them. If a person doesnt like what they hear on MSNBC they can go to CNN, FOX News, or online blogs. If they dont like the shade of purple on their walls they can go to Lowes/Home Depot and get the color exactly right to their taste and their specifications. In other words, people want to have direct and simple input into the conditions of their world, in my mind this extends to their home enviroment. Direct and Simple input means that clients want to give input and opinions without feeling dumb or stupid for asking such a silly style question. Also, many people cannot afford to fully enlist a design professional for smaller remodeling or addition projects. Therefore for a family who may only have $30,000 to remodel a master suite they are trading an Architect & Interior Designer's fees for better materials, finishes, and FF&E.  Lastly, people do not want to be told what to like and want their opinions validated. As a result it is my opinion that these customers are seeking to self design as a way of giving themselves a custom enviroment in a less expensive manner while feeling a sense of accomplishment for doing a project. As we know these impressions are completely and grossly incorrect of many Architects but nonethless is a perception that the profession must address.

I know my points may be off but ask for kind responses as I am not an Architect but work with and service many of them. Thanks again for the great article and I hope my comments help further the discussion.

-------------------------------------------
Caleb Morrow
Director of Sales & Marketing
ArchitTrek
Baton Rouge LA
-------------------------------------------

Hello Erin & Caleb,

Unfortunately for the wayward souls who actually try to do this, they will, at some point, discover that architecture is much more technical than just drawing "the plan," which is what most people think architecture is. 

During their renovations, they will discover that the weird smell coming from their basement is mold, caused by an initial cheap "dampproofing" job rather than using the quality waterproofing that the architect would have specified.  And the roof caving in on their heads is due to the wall they moved "to make more room" without consulting either an architect or a structural engineer.  And the heat-stopping shock they got when they reached out their new window to touch that mysterious pipe contained the overhead service entry power cables for their meterbase, which is now too close to the new window, because they didn't consult an architect, who would have realized THAT EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED. 

"Quick fix" things like such mass-market software generate overly simplistic attitudes, along with watching HGTV and DIY, that give people the irrational exuberance that implies that all they have to do is "use a computer program" to Become an architect!  Hardly.  There is a reason we go to universities for anywhere from 5 to 8 years, have decades of experience dealing with real-world issues (like the above) under the stern supervision of more experience professionals, have to pass grueling licensing exams, apply for and maintain professional licenses and take CEUs every year.  And this is getting even more connected and more detailed, every year, with new energy efficiency standards, fire regulations, clean air considerations and other issues.

And wait until the laypersons using such software try to create elevations or building sections of their "plan." all of a sudden, what they thought was so easy becomes just about impossible, because they do not have the training to visualize in 3D.

The AIA needs to launch a campaign to educate the public about what we do, especially as licensed residential architects.  That would be the best possible information to help people realize that architects are available to help them, no matter what their project size and budget.  We are a creative and technical resource to improve their lives and homes.  Come and get it!

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-07-2012 11:29
From: Caleb Morrow
Subject: Bypassing Architects? Confronting Change in the Information Age

Erin,

This is a very interesting article and a great read. The article leads me to two important questions that I would like to propose answers for discussion: 1) Would it be relevant for a real architect to engage with clients who have come up with their own design a simply quality control, sturctural, code check on the plans submitted; similar to legal zoom? 2) Why are more and more people using their own technology as oppossed to engaging an Architect on smaller projects?

My thoughts on the first question is that as a business model this could be very viable for small scale project, up to $30k in construction budget for example. Fees could be simple flat fee for review and recommended changes that the customer/client would have to go back to fix and then resubmit for new approval. To shield the design firms brand and reputation this company should utilize a different title, dba, etc.

The reason why I think this could be a buisness model for an Architect to consider and is an answer to the second question. Society today is built around individual customization. For example think of the following: Starbucks, Roll-Your-Own, Burger King - Have It Your Way, online customization and tailoring of clothes & shoes, personalized cable & internet packages, your own iPhone playlists, and Pandora Radio Station. All of these things are just an example of how people can customize the world around them. If a person doesnt like what they hear on MSNBC they can go to CNN, FOX News, or online blogs. If they dont like the shade of purple on their walls they can go to Lowes/Home Depot and get the color exactly right to their taste and their specifications. In other words, people want to have direct and simple input into the conditions of their world, in my mind this extends to their home enviroment. Direct and Simple input means that clients want to give input and opinions without feeling dumb or stupid for asking such a silly style question. Also, many people cannot afford to fully enlist a design professional for smaller remodeling or addition projects. Therefore for a family who may only have $30,000 to remodel a master suite they are trading an Architect & Interior Designer's fees for better materials, finishes, and FF&E.  Lastly, people do not want to be told what to like and want their opinions validated. As a result it is my opinion that these customers are seeking to self design as a way of giving themselves a custom enviroment in a less expensive manner while feeling a sense of accomplishment for doing a project. As we know these impressions are completely and grossly incorrect of many Architects but nonethless is a perception that the profession must address.

I know my points may be off but ask for kind responses as I am not an Architect but work with and service many of them. Thanks again for the great article and I hope my comments help further the discussion.

-------------------------------------------
Caleb Morrow
Director of Sales & Marketing
ArchitTrek
Baton Rouge LA
-------------------------------------------

I recently had an interesting experience with just this type of "by-pass." It involves a church project, and all of us who have worked on such debacles, know that in church projects there are as many clients as there are members of the church!

The Father didn't like a stair location in a new narthex I was  putting in one of my projects, even though it literally was the only place stairs could go without destroying all other space in the new structure! As fortune would have it, a member of the parish and her husband had just finished building their new home, using plans she prepared with software she purchased, I believe, at the local pharmacy! She admitted that three contractors would not talk to her about her plans, and the fourth contractor revised them significantly into a constructable edifice. She didn't like his construction work, which didn't surprise me, because he was not busy enough to leave her plans alone!

Not having learned anything from the residential experience, she told the Father she would design the stair location for the new narthex, and I told the Father to let her have a shot at it. The Father wold rather listen to his parish members than an architect. (The client education on this project has so far been inordinately extensive!) 

The Father called me when she had given him her design, and told me he wanted her stairs built. He sent me a scan of her plans. I couldn't wait to get to the selected contractor with the plans, and interior perspectives she had prepared. Together, we went immediately to the Father, who always tried listening to his members to override my and the contractors information to the contrary previously on other issues.

We sat down and took out her plans and perspectives. We pointed out that the location of the stairs was dead center of the small narthex and loft above, which of course is also the route of egress. we then pointed out that one of the double doors from the sanctuary into narthex the couldn't open in the direction of egress without hitting the underside of the stairs. Also, the stairs went up and terminated in mid-air. That was because the floor to floor height in the narthex to the loft was 12'  - not 9' as is the usual residential floor to floor! Her stairs wouldn't go any further or higher. And you might guess from the door issue that going any higher and further as stairs do, she would have penetrated the narthex wall with the stairs which would have ended up hanging out in the sanctuary - again in mid-air! We also mentioned that her riser/tread dimensions were unacceptable in an assembly occupancy.

I told the Father that any such interruptions to HIS desired schedule in the future would mean a change order to my contract, and he was getting one for the time wasted on stairs.

Maybe this is how I am buying my ticket to heaven!                 

-------------------------------------------
George Jennings AIA
G Booker 3
Tappahannock VA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-08-2012 07:43
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: Bypassing Architects? Confronting Change in the Information Age

Hello Erin & Caleb,

Unfortunately for the wayward souls who actually try to do this, they will, at some point, discover that architecture is much more technical than just drawing "the plan," which is what most people think architecture is. 

During their renovations, they will discover that the weird smell coming from their basement is mold, caused by an initial cheap "dampproofing" job rather than using the quality waterproofing that the architect would have specified.  And the roof caving in on their heads is due to the wall they moved "to make more room" without consulting either an architect or a structural engineer.  And the heat-stopping shock they got when they reached out their new window to touch that mysterious pipe contained the overhead service entry power cables for their meterbase, which is now too close to the new window, because they didn't consult an architect, who would have realized THAT EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED. 

"Quick fix" things like such mass-market software generate overly simplistic attitudes, along with watching HGTV and DIY, that give people the irrational exuberance that implies that all they have to do is "use a computer program" to Become an architect!  Hardly.  There is a reason we go to universities for anywhere from 5 to 8 years, have decades of experience dealing with real-world issues (like the above) under the stern supervision of more experience professionals, have to pass grueling licensing exams, apply for and maintain professional licenses and take CEUs every year.  And this is getting even more connected and more detailed, every year, with new energy efficiency standards, fire regulations, clean air considerations and other issues.

And wait until the laypersons using such software try to create elevations or building sections of their "plan." all of a sudden, what they thought was so easy becomes just about impossible, because they do not have the training to visualize in 3D.

The AIA needs to launch a campaign to educate the public about what we do, especially as licensed residential architects.  That would be the best possible information to help people realize that architects are available to help them, no matter what their project size and budget.  We are a creative and technical resource to improve their lives and homes.  Come and get it!

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------

I realize in an industry that needs work this is going to sound bad but who wants to do the little projects.  If the Owner has a budget of $10,000 can you actually do "design" for a reasonable fee and cover costs?  

We constantly have people call and ask if we would please help them out.  They have to upgrade their restroom to meet ADA and the city says they need sealed drawings.  Some architect needs to suck it up and do it - we helped write the requirement but we lose money on each one by the time you do enough drawings to comfortably seal them.

Who about the franchises that have a pre-designed store that has been carefully detailed out as part of their mark.  They need a set of sealed drawings for a permit and that is not part of thier franchise agreement and of course the design does not quite fit the existing space so you have to redesign it to fit then fight with the owner who thinks you are padding the hours to rip them off and the franchise designer who is protecting their mark.  Who signs and seals those drawings - an engineer?  Based on these conversations that is the only answer becuase a "professional" would not.

The standard large student apartment building in Iowa City are designed by a structural engineer and city staff loves them because they do the pretties that the city wants.  People want to know why there are white PVC pipes on the street face of the building - its the engineering solution for downspouts.  Most of the architects just want to high design and the builder just want a building to stuff students into.  Is this right?

Where does BIM fit into the all this?  Will BIM make the restroom drawings better or take less time?  The industry - architects and engineers need to take a long look at who we are?  If we don't want to do the little projects then who will and who decides where the line it?

-------------------------------------------
Robert Carlson AIA
Principal
Carlson Design Team PC
Iowa City IA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-08-2012 07:43
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: Bypassing Architects? Confronting Change in the Information Age

Hello Erin & Caleb,

Unfortunately for the wayward souls who actually try to do this, they will, at some point, discover that architecture is much more technical than just drawing "the plan," which is what most people think architecture is. 

During their renovations, they will discover that the weird smell coming from their basement is mold, caused by an initial cheap "dampproofing" job rather than using the quality waterproofing that the architect would have specified.  And the roof caving in on their heads is due to the wall they moved "to make more room" without consulting either an architect or a structural engineer.  And the heat-stopping shock they got when they reached out their new window to touch that mysterious pipe contained the overhead service entry power cables for their meterbase, which is now too close to the new window, because they didn't consult an architect, who would have realized THAT EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED. 

"Quick fix" things like such mass-market software generate overly simplistic attitudes, along with watching HGTV and DIY, that give people the irrational exuberance that implies that all they have to do is "use a computer program" to Become an architect!  Hardly.  There is a reason we go to universities for anywhere from 5 to 8 years, have decades of experience dealing with real-world issues (like the above) under the stern supervision of more experience professionals, have to pass grueling licensing exams, apply for and maintain professional licenses and take CEUs every year.  And this is getting even more connected and more detailed, every year, with new energy efficiency standards, fire regulations, clean air considerations and other issues.

And wait until the laypersons using such software try to create elevations or building sections of their "plan." all of a sudden, what they thought was so easy becomes just about impossible, because they do not have the training to visualize in 3D.

The AIA needs to launch a campaign to educate the public about what we do, especially as licensed residential architects.  That would be the best possible information to help people realize that architects are available to help them, no matter what their project size and budget.  We are a creative and technical resource to improve their lives and homes.  Come and get it!

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------

I mostly do residential design now, as I make better money, but I've managed to create relationships with a few builders and working like a team is very beneficial. We do both large and small projects. We'll add a screen porch to a house or we'll build a new 5,000sf house and I model everything using BIM. The smaller the project, the more I tend to make. Simple projects still require the same drawings at the permit office, so the client pays a minimum set up charge and I'm doing less work. I think the adversarial relationships we've managed to create with others in the industry in the traditional way we find work can corner us, increase potential lawsuits, and create unnecessary animosity and distress for the client.

My builders bring me unique speculative projects and we work together like a Design-Build team, though we are technically separate entities. Even when they bring me a project for an end user, I work directly with the homeowner on the design and my contracts are with the owner, but my relationship with builder is still like a teammate. Because we know how each other works and we understand what it takes to come in on budget, I work with the builder to make sure my design goals are going to work with their resources and abilities. We problem solve together before alerting the client. We make each other look good in the eyes of the client when they don't have to see the ugliness of the construction process. Making buildings is like making sausage. As long as you don't pay too much attention to what it looks like while being made, the end result seems much better. We help our clients avoid seeing the hog anus going into the work by killing the problems before they become problems. A good builder doesn't want to deliberately cause a problem that they will have to come back and fix and they appreciate you not tattling on them to the owner when you can help them fix it before it's too late. Our first reaction isn't the blame game, it's all about the team.

All too often we have an adversarial relationship with the contractors and we're not working together toward a common goal. In the traditional scenario, we don't know who the builder will be when designing the building, so we don't understand their strengths and weaknesses. We don't understand which products and processes are going to be more successful and keep costs in line. Most lawsuits result from angry clients that aren't pleased with an end result and everyone starts pointing fingers. When you have a happy builder bringing the work to you because they like the way you help them build a better product for a lower price, everyone's attitude changes. At the end of the day a good builder will want you to make them look good and visa versa. Because of this type of Design-Build mentality without the Design-Build business arrangement, we can take advantage of collaboration without the extra liability. I prefer my work to come to me through builders I already know. I spend less time chasing the work and get more work built since I know what it takes for that builder to implement my ideas for a price the owner can afford. 

Clearly, there is a very unhealthy atmosphere in the industry that isn't benefitting us or our clients. If we don't learn to evolve, we will be naturally selected. In my area of the business, this scenario has been working much better for me. I'm sure other Architects have begun to find other ways of getting their buildings on the ground with less stress too.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2012 10:21
From: Robert Carlson
Subject: Bypassing Architects? Confronting Change in the Information Age

I realize in an industry that needs work this is going to sound bad but who wants to do the little projects.  If the Owner has a budget of $10,000 can you actually do "design" for a reasonable fee and cover costs?  

We constantly have people call and ask if we would please help them out.  They have to upgrade their restroom to meet ADA and the city says they need sealed drawings.  Some architect needs to suck it up and do it - we helped write the requirement but we lose money on each one by the time you do enough drawings to comfortably seal them.

Who about the franchises that have a pre-designed store that has been carefully detailed out as part of their mark.  They need a set of sealed drawings for a permit and that is not part of thier franchise agreement and of course the design does not quite fit the existing space so you have to redesign it to fit then fight with the owner who thinks you are padding the hours to rip them off and the franchise designer who is protecting their mark.  Who signs and seals those drawings - an engineer?  Based on these conversations that is the only answer becuase a "professional" would not.

The standard large student apartment building in Iowa City are designed by a structural engineer and city staff loves them because they do the pretties that the city wants.  People want to know why there are white PVC pipes on the street face of the building - its the engineering solution for downspouts.  Most of the architects just want to high design and the builder just want a building to stuff students into.  Is this right?

Where does BIM fit into the all this?  Will BIM make the restroom drawings better or take less time?  The industry - architects and engineers need to take a long look at who we are?  If we don't want to do the little projects then who will and who decides where the line it?

-------------------------------------------
Robert Carlson AIA
Principal
Carlson Design Team PC
Iowa City IA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-08-2012 07:43
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: Bypassing Architects? Confronting Change in the Information Age

Hello Erin & Caleb,

Unfortunately for the wayward souls who actually try to do this, they will, at some point, discover that architecture is much more technical than just drawing "the plan," which is what most people think architecture is. 

During their renovations, they will discover that the weird smell coming from their basement is mold, caused by an initial cheap "dampproofing" job rather than using the quality waterproofing that the architect would have specified.  And the roof caving in on their heads is due to the wall they moved "to make more room" without consulting either an architect or a structural engineer.  And the heat-stopping shock they got when they reached out their new window to touch that mysterious pipe contained the overhead service entry power cables for their meterbase, which is now too close to the new window, because they didn't consult an architect, who would have realized THAT EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED. 

"Quick fix" things like such mass-market software generate overly simplistic attitudes, along with watching HGTV and DIY, that give people the irrational exuberance that implies that all they have to do is "use a computer program" to Become an architect!  Hardly.  There is a reason we go to universities for anywhere from 5 to 8 years, have decades of experience dealing with real-world issues (like the above) under the stern supervision of more experience professionals, have to pass grueling licensing exams, apply for and maintain professional licenses and take CEUs every year.  And this is getting even more connected and more detailed, every year, with new energy efficiency standards, fire regulations, clean air considerations and other issues.

And wait until the laypersons using such software try to create elevations or building sections of their "plan." all of a sudden, what they thought was so easy becomes just about impossible, because they do not have the training to visualize in 3D.

The AIA needs to launch a campaign to educate the public about what we do, especially as licensed residential architects.  That would be the best possible information to help people realize that architects are available to help them, no matter what their project size and budget.  We are a creative and technical resource to improve their lives and homes.  Come and get it!

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------

I built my business model around servicing this type of homeowner or the spec builder. We need to look at how we can insert ourselves into the lives of regular Americans rather than wonder why they won't hire us for the same services we provide for commercial buildings or high end residences. 

I started my company as a moonlight business back in 2000 and I helped homeowners and spec renovators "fix" these old houses in the inner city areas of Atlanta. I figured out how to reduce my drawings to the bare essentials of what was needed for a permit and construction. My fees are a little higher than the residential designers, but my solutions were based on better knowledge of design and structure. The designers had a hard time coming up with holistic solutions that "fixed" the overall problems of how the houses were laid out or how the roof and stair worked as 3D elements. They think in plan and don't understand framing. Regular people need us and many don't realize it because they don't fit into our business models. I have found that I can make better money on a home renovation per hour than I can on a commercial project because I don't have to draw nearly as much stuff. You'd be surprised at how fast someone will agree to a design solution when their own clock is ticking. I find wealthy people to be the ones who dilly dally on design solutions because they can.

Spec builders are great clients when you convince them that unique houses sell for more than copies. There is no urgency to buy a copy when plenty more are available. If you find a good builder, they will make you look good. They make decisions quickly, need less information, and bring you lots of work when you make them happy. You have to remember that there will be a quality difference when dealing with average people of average means and you'll never force high end products and expensive structural expressions on one of these projects. Is it not better to give them a fighting chance to do something better, even if they finish it themselves or is it better just to ignore 98% of America making $250K or less?

My philosophy is that good design is taking the same kit of parts and arranging it better than the other guy/ gal. You're not going to get Nana Wall systems in a 2 bed 1 bath house renovation for someone making $50K a year, nor will they pay you half their salary for an instruction manual. Give them just what they need and that will make you valuable to them. Insisting on a 5 figure fee will make you valuable in your own mind. Fees are not about the total, it's about dollars per hour. You don't have to compromise what your time is worth, you just have to work smart and provide what is needed and no more.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-07-2012 11:29
From: Caleb Morrow
Subject: Bypassing Architects? Confronting Change in the Information Age

Erin,

This is a very interesting article and a great read. The article leads me to two important questions that I would like to propose answers for discussion: 1) Would it be relevant for a real architect to engage with clients who have come up with their own design a simply quality control, sturctural, code check on the plans submitted; similar to legal zoom? 2) Why are more and more people using their own technology as oppossed to engaging an Architect on smaller projects?

My thoughts on the first question is that as a business model this could be very viable for small scale project, up to $30k in construction budget for example. Fees could be simple flat fee for review and recommended changes that the customer/client would have to go back to fix and then resubmit for new approval. To shield the design firms brand and reputation this company should utilize a different title, dba, etc.

The reason why I think this could be a buisness model for an Architect to consider and is an answer to the second question. Society today is built around individual customization. For example think of the following: Starbucks, Roll-Your-Own, Burger King - Have It Your Way, online customization and tailoring of clothes & shoes, personalized cable & internet packages, your own iPhone playlists, and Pandora Radio Station. All of these things are just an example of how people can customize the world around them. If a person doesnt like what they hear on MSNBC they can go to CNN, FOX News, or online blogs. If they dont like the shade of purple on their walls they can go to Lowes/Home Depot and get the color exactly right to their taste and their specifications. In other words, people want to have direct and simple input into the conditions of their world, in my mind this extends to their home enviroment. Direct and Simple input means that clients want to give input and opinions without feeling dumb or stupid for asking such a silly style question. Also, many people cannot afford to fully enlist a design professional for smaller remodeling or addition projects. Therefore for a family who may only have $30,000 to remodel a master suite they are trading an Architect & Interior Designer's fees for better materials, finishes, and FF&E.  Lastly, people do not want to be told what to like and want their opinions validated. As a result it is my opinion that these customers are seeking to self design as a way of giving themselves a custom enviroment in a less expensive manner while feeling a sense of accomplishment for doing a project. As we know these impressions are completely and grossly incorrect of many Architects but nonethless is a perception that the profession must address.

I know my points may be off but ask for kind responses as I am not an Architect but work with and service many of them. Thanks again for the great article and I hope my comments help further the discussion.

-------------------------------------------
Caleb Morrow
Director of Sales & Marketing
ArchitTrek
Baton Rouge LA
-------------------------------------------

There have always been clients who want to create their own design, just as there have always been clients who prefer to express ideas to a professional. The latter are usually smart enough to know what they don't know.

While software was mentioned as a design aid, I know of none that can interpret all the building codes, perform energy and structural calculations, orient a building on a site, make the structure weatherproof, and accomplish the basics of design aesthet, all in one package. We may get there one day, but we are not there, yet.

A comment was made about customization and several instances were cited. I refuse to define color selection as customization, though. Even such packages as Pandora do not actually customize anything to one's preferences. The package selects from a finite resouce based on someone else's choices, so it can  never be exactly what one wants.

A comment was also made about a licensed architect merely reviewing someone else's design. In most states such practice is illegal, and would be a liablity nightmare.

Licensed architects do not rely on software to design for them, so how can the untrained be expected to rely on it?. The software packages are all tools to aid in providing a service, not for replacing a service.

-------------------------------------------
Charles Graham AIA
Architect
O'Neal, Inc.
Greenville SC
-------------------------------------------

Well said, Charles. 

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-08-2012 20:00
From: Charles Graham
Subject: Bypassing Architects? Confronting Change in the Information Age

There have always been clients who want to create their own design, just as there have always been clients who prefer to express ideas to a professional. The latter are usually smart enough to know what they don't know.

While software was mentioned as a design aid, I know of none that can interpret all the building codes, perform energy and structural calculations, orient a building on a site, make the structure weatherproof, and accomplish the basics of design aesthet, all in one package. We may get there one day, but we are not there, yet.

A comment was made about customization and several instances were cited. I refuse to define color selection as customization, though. Even such packages as Pandora do not actually customize anything to one's preferences. The package selects from a finite resouce based on someone else's choices, so it can  never be exactly what one wants.

A comment was also made about a licensed architect merely reviewing someone else's design. In most states such practice is illegal, and would be a liablity nightmare.

Licensed architects do not rely on software to design for them, so how can the untrained be expected to rely on it?. The software packages are all tools to aid in providing a service, not for replacing a service.

-------------------------------------------
Charles Graham AIA
Architect
O'Neal, Inc.
Greenville SC
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Thanks everyone for the great dialog on the topic.  It seems like most of the discussion has been around the original New York Times article that I was writing in response to.  The purpose of my article was to recognize that times are changing; the proliferation of information and technology will inevitably lead clients to want to be more involved in the process.  However, having them involved in creating the actual design solutions in my opinion is not the best way to engage them - can we engage them in other ways?  

I believe it is much more appropriate to engage them in the project definition process as often clients have not comprehensively studied and balanced all of the parameters that have an impact on shaping the design solution (despite initially believing they know exactly what they need).  Functional information modeling technologies, such as the OPR tool described in the article, seem to offer incredible potential for allowing the architect to embed and leverage their knowledge and experience in providing the owner a tool that will allow them to more quickly and holistically study major project parameters (location, program, quality level, performance, etc.) and understand life-cycle cost implications.  This sort of tool should allow more informed decisions to happen earlier in the process that clearly define the project requirements before committing to any "design" solution.  The information may also be easily mapped to client's key performance indicators for business planning and analysis.

Ultimately, the use of technology should then allow continual comparison and alignment of the design to the requirements as it develops -- conceivable all the way through the building life-cycle by, for example, comparing real-time energy performance data with energy performance goals.  I see this as a potential dash board that the client will be able to use to better define and monitor requirements throughout the entire lifecycle process.  I think this is a much more appropriate way to engage clients in the process while allowing the design team to focus on the design with the confidence that the requirements have been adequately studied and defined.

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Mark Dietrick AIA
Pittsburgh, PA
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