Why a builder should not consider aesthetics

As an architect I actually don't consider aesthetics in my own work, so it doesn't work with my concept when a builder considers aesthetics. I only consider the functionality of the building when designing. Whatever makes the building work the best defines how the building will look. "Form follows function."

It's often a disguise when a builder considers aesthetics. If a builder wanted to be paid to come up with stylistic options, they should have become decorators. The role of a builder is to build a building for a certain price, certain time, with a specified level of quality. When builders consider aesthetics, they are performing a scope of work which they were not hired to perform. Many builders have really good eyes when it comes to aesthetics, and many do not. It is best to leave opinions (like aesthetics) out of the conversation when building a building and only considering relevant hard data instead.

It's not the builder's role to consider aesthetics, and it opens extra liability. It is really only up to a client to decide what they want their building to look like. It is the design and construction teams' job to make that happen.

When considering aesthetics, it is likely that the decision is not based on facts or data but rather a personal preference. Knowing the big picture behind all previous decisions is necessary to make good recommendations for any part of a project, and aesthetics are subordinate to those. Once we have determined how something can perform its best, then we have "earned" the right to consider aesthetics, but I have learned that it's not usually necessary. Once something works well, it tends to also look great too. 

All of my design decisions are based on 20 or more factors typically. Things like sun angles, shadows, privacy, views, building codes, material performance, material availability, material cost, labor feasibility, etc. Truly understanding the problem is necessary when evaluating all the factors, and most times when aesthetics are cited as a design solution, that person has not evaluated all the other design parameters. I have seen builders recommend certain aesthetics simply because it would be the quickest thing for them to build. Quick isn't always good. I aim to do things right, and I insist on it. Sometimes this means being unpopular with a builder or client, but that is only for a brief time. Once they see the result of doing things right, they are proud of their hard work and perseverance. 

If you’d like to learn more about our design process, visit www.josharch.com/process, and if you’d like to get us started on your project with a feasibility report, please visit www.josharch.com/help

What Is the Architect's Role During Construction?

Most people don't quite know what architects do exactly. I have a relative that thinks we actually build the buildings. Some people think we just sketch an idea and let the builder build it. Others understand that architects are the center of the complicated and expensive construction universe.  

Here's a quick summary of the first steps in the architect's process before construction starts: 

1. Discuss project goals with the client to determine the basic feasibility by researching land use codes, budget analysis, schedule, and basic design ideas and considerations. 

2. Draw a few rough design options that incorporate the client's goals while explaining the pros and cons of each option.

3. Narrow down the options based on client's (and hopefully a builder's) feedback into one final option.  

4. Draw a more focused version of the selected design option with additional information regarding size, layout, and materials that is specific enough for builders to provide bids. We also draw 3D views to help clients understand what we have designed. 

5. Seek bids from builders based on the drawings and specifications, and help clients compare and contrast the bids and the qualifications of the various builders before selecting a builder to construct the project.  

6. Prepare drawings to submit to the building department to obtain a building permit. We coordinate with the building department to provide them with the specific information they request for the plan review processes.  

7. We add more detail and specifications to the drawings as needed to help the selected builder refine and revise their bid to be within the client's budget. 

8. DURING CONSTRUCTION we coordinate with the builder to protect the client's investment in construction costs and also design fees by interpreting the drawings for the builder to ensure they understand the design intent, level of quality, and keep the project on time and budget. We also meet on the job site regularly to review the completed work to ensure it is executed according to the plans, and we also troubleshoot issues as they arise. The architect also discusses upcoming scheduled construction items with the builder to help prevent errors pertaining to ordering materials, building code issues, and interpreting any information which may be unclear or not available to the builder. During construction, we also review the progress payments requested periodically by the builder to ensure the work and materials were adequately built and ordered prior to authorizing the client to pay for them. 

We really team with the builder during construction to evaluate the best possible ways to achieve the mutual goal of making the building the best it can be within the schedule and budget constraints. The architect plays a crucial role during construction because he or she is the client's best hope of protecting their investment in design and construction costs by helping the builder properly understand and execute the information portrayed in the construction drawings which is a contract between the builder and client. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has written guidelines for the profession that mandate architects to provide these services during construction to protect the interests of the client since they relate to safety and welfare of the building and the people who use it. After all the time and money a client invests in the architect to design a project, it becomes obvious that the architect is critical in helping the client realize their dream the way it was initially intended in step 1 above. 

If you’d like to learn more about our design process, visit www.josharch.com/process, and if you’d like to get us started on your project with a feasibility report, please visit www.josharch.com/help

Who designs builders' homes?

“Josh doesn’t search for words. He says it like it is, and he can do it because he knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s good at what he does. I don’t understand how he does it: every time I ask him to draw something, he does some sort of computer sorcery and gives me an obvious solution MINUTES later saving me tons of time which saves my clients tons of money.
”

— Matt Karlstrom (Owner of Karlstrom-Built Construction)

“Josh’s construction experience allows him to design in a practical and efficient manner. He was able to quickly draw new design ideas onsite saving us time.
”

— Steven Hayman (Site Superintendent, Bender Custom Homes)

Who designs builders' homes? Josh does. Every builder I have ever completed a project with has asked me to do design work for their own personal homes. 100% of the time. Why would this be the case? Builders know a ton of architects, so why do they all ask me? The answer is simple:

They see how I work on the other projects they build, and they see how efficient and effective I am at communicating the design solution.

They compare my ingenuity and creative process with other architects, and the choice is easy.

They also know I am fair, honest, and really flipping excited about designing cool stuff.

They know that when you hire Josh, you get Josh.

They know Josh answers his phone when they call - not a receptionist.

They know Josh isn't out doing sales calls - he's directly doing the work of designing and drawing the project.

They know Josh makes the clients' problems his own problems and doesn't sleep until problems are resolved.

They know Josh has solutions (plural) ready for the most challenging issues.

They know Josh will think of things that nobody else will.

They know Josh will tell them exactly what needs to get done and not do any extraneous work.

They know Josh will get it done right.

This is also why builders call Josh when the first architect gets fired from the project. Last year, Josh finished 7 projects as the replacement architect. Some of those architects were high profile architects.

There's something to be said for a young, excited architect with a desire to make every project a show piece regardless of the size or budget. Creativity can come from many places, and there's many ways to create inspiring spaces. I take the time to understand each situation, and I work very hard to make the biggest investment of your life a success while also making it fun and inspiring.

Read testimonials about Josh's work here: http://www.josharch.com/testimonials

“Josh is prompt and able to quickly create conceptual images to facilitate design considerations. He resolved a setback issue with the clever use of a building detail that both enhanced the building’s design and its function.
”

— Robert Burns (Client, Owner of Envision Homes)

If you’d like to learn more about our design process, visit www.josharch.com/process, and if you’d like to get us started on your project with a feasibility report, please visit www.josharch.com/help

Sustainability Pledge

Insulated, waterproofed, sealed, insulated, insulated again, and taped wall.

As a responsible architect, who is an expert in my field, I am making a pledge:

“I promise to offer sustainable solutions on every project to allow my clients and their buildings to save resources and energy.
”

— Josh

Buildings use about 40% of all energy and make about 40% of all carbon emissions. As an architect, I have the most influence out of anyone to help diminish our impact. Why do I want to do this? I am a strong believer in doing things effectively and efficiently. A well-designed, sustainable building will help make living easier and less expensive by minimizing waste - just as I do in the way I operate my business and live my life. Up until now, I have tried to always keep initial construction costs low for my clients by allowing them to compromise design quality by choosing inferior construction methods and materials that may be less sustainable. As of now, I am only offering my expertise by suggesting sustainable design solutions, and I will not compromise the sustainability of any project due to budgetary concerns. I will, however, be willing to alter or reduce the scope of work to keep sustainable solutions as a requirement on all projects, so they fit within clients' budgets. I will never let it be my fault that a project is not sustainable, but I do understand that sustainable options may be more expensive up front and my clients may take it upon themselves to oppose my expertise and decide otherwise for their projects. This is their choice, but I will never support it. I will commit to offer sustainable solutions in every situation. I will be honored knowing that I have educated my clients on the sustainable options for their projects, and I will never insist otherwise.

If you are in the construction industry or if you are having something built, please join me in taking this pledge starting now.

If you are a client or potential client of mine, please realize I have your best interests in mind and want to save you money and provide you with a home that will keep you comfortable for the rest of your life. I am willing to work hard to educate you on your options, so you can understand the benefits of heeding my advice (or the consequences of not).  

This is my pledge.  

If you’d like to learn more about our design process, visit www.josharch.com/process, and if you’d like to get us started on your project with a feasibility report, please visit www.josharch.com/help