The business of architecture
Most of the time, the construction of an architect-designed project proceeds according to plan. Construction unfolds on time. The construction documentation is clear and free of ambiguity. The trades perform their work skilfully and conscientiously. There are few surprises, be they physical or financial. The builder, owner and architect maintain a positive working relationship. Sometimes... Continue Reading →
When we are first approached by prospective clients, we have found that few fully understand what an architect does. Many interview draftspeople and volume builders also, and find it difficult to distinguish between the various levels of expertise and design engagement on offer. Invariably, a large part of our first discussion is devoted to explaining how... Continue Reading →
What is it? A familiar project management tool, in its simplest guise represented by a triangle with scope, cost and time at each of its vertices. On design projects, the triangle is actually a triangular pyramid, with quality added at the fourth vertex. The iron pyramid's principle is that on any project it is only possible to achieve three of these four... Continue Reading →
On more than one occasion, we have overheard builders grumble about architects' inexplicable need to constantly reinvent the wheel. These builders are invariably referring to the sophistication of our construction details and how difficult they are to execute. Why do we constantly reinvent the wheel? The answer, after years of occasional reflection and contemplation, is... Continue Reading →