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There seems to be a lot of discussion about problems with architects and the profession on this board. Let’s look at the problem in depth, honestly, without personal attacks. What can be done to improve the profession and the services offered by architects and designers.
Let me start with a few thoughts…
I worked in the construction trades while paying my way through school; as a laborer, a carpenter, a heavy equipment operator and finally a journeyman (yes, that’s a union title) painter specializing in re-habs and historic work. I really enjoy working with my hands, sweating, getting dirty, and achieving a goal through hard work. But, ten years of college (off & on) and a degree offer equal pay in better conditions, hence the architecture and design. Where I’m at the pay is about the same or less than what I made as a painter!
Problems I see in the profession among collegues include BIG egoes and attitude problems. Lack of understanding of business practice and common courtesy. Weak understanding of construction. Schooling that is too much design and theory; too much conceptualization without actually having to deal with a budget. Lack of experience in an office prior to graduation- to know what the field is all about. Licensing requirements that are elitist and not always practical.
What would I like to see change? Let’s start with some time in the office before going to school. Perhaps just to observe for a while. Perhaps the way it used to be… gain experience through internship and apprenticing under an experienced architect.
Next I’d require ALL professors to have continuing education and time working, I mean REALLY working in the profession outside of the college realm. I had a couple of profs. that were so out of touch with reallity and what COULD be done that I and fellow students felt we knew more than they did. Not good for a university setting. (By the way, as it turns out, we did know more!).
Theory and design and concepts are great. Without them we’d all have rectangular boxes and little more. But, too many projects (and architects) have no grasp of a budget and what something costs to produce. Some time in school should be devoted to estimating, budgeting, scheduling and long term performance.
I’m not sure, but I think California is the last state that allows someone without a degree in architecture, without time as a intern and without Intern Development Program time to sit for the A.R.E. (Architectural Registration Exam). The A.R.E. has finally been computerized and can be taken in stages, instead of all at one marathon, brain draining session. I think that IF a person can show related experience, personal knowledge and intelligence and aptitude for architecture they should be allowed to sit for the exam. And, if they pass, to be architects. I’ve learned more outside of school than I ever learned in college.
Architect must be valued by someone right now; go to a movie or watch TV for a while and you’re likely to see someone portraying and architect. Afterall, we’re not lawyers trying sue you or doctors making you wait 2 hours for that $85 ten minute visit.
Shall we talk about builders now? How about clients and owners?????
I’m looking forward to your input and feedback.
Replies
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Chad,
I agree with pretty much everything you have stated. Too many of our colleagues are clueless about what it takes to build a building. One thing I also ran across in school was too many people wanting to be architects just so they can tell people they are architects, they have neither the skills nor the personality to truly succeed in a real world environment.
I don't know what can be done to solve the problems short of a complete restructuring of the academic process. I worked for a large design-build construction firm for several years which had an in house training program. I took classes on estimating, scheduling,etc. and taught classes in drafting. For a while we were working with the state vocational centers, technical college and AGC to develop some sort of industry standard course work that would be taught at the various vocational centers. Classes would only be 18-24 hours long to give a basic understanding of the material. The program was intended to allow designers and laborers to learn more about estimating, project management, scheduling, and such so that designers would know more about the process, and laborers would have a process by which to make the transition to foremen, superindents and project managers. Also included would have been courses on design and history so field personnel would better understand of what designers were trying to accomplish. It all seemed like a good idea at the time, and much interested was expressed by all parties, but the more state politicians and professors that became involved, the quicker the project seemed to fade. I think one problem was who would be responsible for setting up such a system.
Enough of my ramblings, the system must change, egos and attitudes occur on both sides of the debate.
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There seems to be a lot of discussion about problems with architects and the profession on this board. Let's look at the problem in depth, honestly, without personal attacks. What can be done to improve the profession and the services offered by architects and designers.
Let me start with a few thoughts...
I worked in the construction trades while paying my way through school; as a laborer, a carpenter, a heavy equipment operator and finally a journeyman (yes, that's a union title) painter specializing in re-habs and historic work. I really enjoy working with my hands, sweating, getting dirty, and achieving a goal through hard work. But, ten years of college (off & on) and a degree offer equal pay in better conditions, hence the architecture and design. Where I'm at the pay is about the same or less than what I made as a painter!
Problems I see in the profession among collegues include BIG egoes and attitude problems. Lack of understanding of business practice and common courtesy. Weak understanding of construction. Schooling that is too much design and theory; too much conceptualization without actually having to deal with a budget. Lack of experience in an office prior to graduation- to know what the field is all about. Licensing requirements that are elitist and not always practical.
What would I like to see change? Let's start with some time in the office before going to school. Perhaps just to observe for a while. Perhaps the way it used to be... gain experience through internship and apprenticing under an experienced architect.
Next I'd require ALL professors to have continuing education and time working, I mean REALLY working in the profession outside of the college realm. I had a couple of profs. that were so out of touch with reallity and what COULD be done that I and fellow students felt we knew more than they did. Not good for a university setting. (By the way, as it turns out, we did know more!).
Theory and design and concepts are great. Without them we'd all have rectangular boxes and little more. But, too many projects (and architects) have no grasp of a budget and what something costs to produce. Some time in school should be devoted to estimating, budgeting, scheduling and long term performance.
I'm not sure, but I think California is the last state that allows someone without a degree in architecture, without time as a intern and without Intern Development Program time to sit for the A.R.E. (Architectural Registration Exam). The A.R.E. has finally been computerized and can be taken in stages, instead of all at one marathon, brain draining session. I think that IF a person can show related experience, personal knowledge and intelligence and aptitude for architecture they should be allowed to sit for the exam. And, if they pass, to be architects. I've learned more outside of school than I ever learned in college.
Architect must be valued by someone right now; go to a movie or watch TV for a while and you're likely to see someone portraying and architect. Afterall, we're not lawyers trying sue you or doctors making you wait 2 hours for that $85 ten minute visit.
Shall we talk about builders now? How about clients and owners?????
I'm looking forward to your input and feedback.