I recently got a cold call from a prospective client looking for “plans” and “draftsmen services”. Being a polite southern woman, I explained that we do not employ draftsmen, only architects. Design continuity is important to me. We do not outsource any of our production work. The same architect designing your building, is the same architect drawing and engineering the plans (whether they be permit plans or full construction documentation). I believe design does not stop at the completion of the design phase.
Design decisions are just important in the beginning or planning phase as they are in the documents and construction phases.
credit: dwell magazine
The next email response I received from the prospect client got me really thinking. They asked “What does an architect do?” I immediately felt like I would not have much to offer this person. If a prospective client does not understand the value an architect brings to the table then what value will I be able to provide. Then I adjusted my thinking. I have friends and family that still do not know exactly what I do.
Just because someone does not understand the value architects bring to a project does not mean they are not deserving of it.
I had two goals with my email response: 1. respond concisely defining my job as an architect. 2. ask the question if I am a good fit for this project.
Defining an “Architect” as it relates to this email:
Architects bring creativity to projects that engineers or draftsmen cannot. Architects develop design concepts that have holistic approaches addressing not only constructability, but user experience and building sustainability. Where engineers and draftsmen may focus on drafting or engineering a structure or a form, an architect synthesizes both form and function for buildings that outperform those that do not use architects.
Okay how did I do?
Let’s discuss if I am a good fit for this project.
If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, you may want to consider hiring an architect instead of a draftsman or engineer:
Do you have a strong opinion about the appearance or functional components of your building?
Do you want to explore stylistic, spatial or programmatic options that you haven’t already considered?
Do you believe design serves a purpose?
I think communicating our role is important and we are often too busy to dive into it with prospective clients. If you aren’t sure, ask. Good architects are also good listeners!