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What does an architect do?

The typical answer to this question is “design buildings”. And to some extent, that’s true. But what is involved? Why is it worth paying someone to do this for me? I already know what I want my building to look like!

Rather than describe day-to-day tasks, here is a list of the four big-picture things architects do:

One: Listen and Share
An architect’s first job is to listen to their client’s wants and needs for the project. How big should the building be? What will it be used for? Will the needs change over time? The list of questions is endless, and the architect tailors the list to the situation.

It’s also important to understand the client’s limitations, and the limitations of the context the building will be built in. What’s the budget? What architectural styles does the client like? What are the zoning rules that will apply, and will they need to be broken? What is possible structurally?

While listening to the client’s input, the architect shares their own thoughts on what things might need further exploration, or on what approaches to similar challenges have succeeded or failed in the past. This early in the process, decisions are made that will have a profound effect on the final result, so it’s important to be thoughtful, share ideas freely, and think expansively so that the best possibilities rise to the surface.

Two: Synthesize and Envision
Next, the architect takes the ideas discussed above and starts to assemble them into various approaches to be investigated. There may be one primary idea, or there may be several. Working with the ideas and limitations, the architect begins to formulate some preliminary ideas to show to the client. These will likely include ideas that the client has thought of already, and some ideas that draw on the architect’s own experience.

The client and architect work together to review and refine the design ideas until they reach a final version that the client wants to move forward with. Whether or not this version looks like what the client first expected, this version has now been tested against a lot of other options and has been proven to be the best possible design for the project context.

Three: Organize and Document
Now the architect assembles the rest of the design team. This might involve engineers, specialty designers, and other experts. Each member of the design team uses their expertise and experience, as well as current codes, regulations, and rules to create drawings and other documentation for the construction team. The architect leads the design team and coordinates their work so that the final set of drawings and other paperwork is ready for the construction team.

Four: Observe and Adjust
When construction starts, the architect visits the project site to meet with the construction team and the client. During these visits, the architect has an opportunity to see the progress being made, and to answer questions from the construction team. These questions might require simple clarification of the drawings, or they might involve changes and adjustments that need to be made due to unforeseen conditions, changes in the budget, or changes in the client’s priorities. The architect, drawing on the history of the process (steps 1-3 above), as well as this new information, can make decisions for how to proceed to a successful end to the project.

Why is it useful to have an architect involved during construction?

During the construction process, a lot can change. Sometimes this is due to concealed or unknown conditions that are encountered early in the project—large rocks in the ground where a foundation should go, or pre-existing structural damage that was hidden. Other times, it’s due to changes proposed by the contractor—a proposed change that might save money or time. Or it could be changes you propose yourself—your priorities have changed, or you get into the space and realize it doesn’t work for some reason.

We can analyze the situation to help you make good decisions about these changes by considering these new conditions, the project history, and the context of the applicable rules, regulations, and codes. In addition, we are likely to have prior experience with similar situations and can draw on that to provide good solutions.

Even if nothing changes, it’s useful for you to have someone familiar with the entirety of the project visiting regularly to see that the construction work is progressing as designed. If the contractor has questions or needs more information, we’re available to answer them. If the contractor has made unauthorized changes, this is our chance to see those and address them right away. This keeps things running smoothly and can help avoid problems before they arise.

One of the first and most important parts of design is defining the requirements of the applicable codes and regulations. We begin with a thorough code study to determine these limitations, so that we (and our clients!) aren’t caught off-guard later.

Adaptive reuse projects typically involve converting an existing religious, institutional, or industrial building to residential and/or commercial use.

We love finding ways to celebrate the history, materials, craftsmanship, and spaces in an older building! The conversion process often “unlocks” elements of the building that were once mundane in the former use to become inspiring focal points. Over the course of each project, we become the building’s “stewards” – making sure the building will be well-loved and well-preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Often, clients come to us with potential sites or project ideas that are not fully-formed. In order to build out a proforma, you may need to know information such as:

• How big can I build?
• How many units will fit?
• Will there be any challenges with structure or utilities?
• Are there any special approvals required (zoning, historic, etc.), and how long will they take?

A feasibility study can answer these questions, typically through written information as well as drawings or 3d models.

While we do not offer land-planning services, we do work with clients to think through development plans, and to consider overall project phasing. We can help you plan ahead to ensure that what gets built today will not limit tomorrow’s possibilities. This helps you get the most value from your property.

Did you know that 70% of the housing units in Philadelphia were built before 1960? Our region is filled with older buildings, and most architectural projects involve repairs and restoration. We have broad experience dealing with “old building issues” and can help guide a sensitive preservation project.

Zoning is one of our specialties. We can guide you through the particulars of your site’s unique zoning situation, and can design a building that will comply with local rules. If your project needs to bend the rules, we can work with you (and in some cases, your attorney) to move the project through the zoning variance process. Along the way, we’ll be interacting with neighbors and the zoning board while the success of your project hangs in the balance, so it helps to have an experienced team by your side.