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William Henry PhD Perspectives The Architect’s Role

Narrowing The Role Of Architects Contributed To The Demise Of The Profession

By William Henry PhD

Computer Aided Design

It is apparent to many in the industry that there are several factors contributing to the diminishing role architects play in designing the built environment. One major factor that will be examined is something known as “CAD.” In the twentieth century, a ‘cad’ was an acronym for a womanizer. In today’s industry parlance, “CAD” has a much different meaning: it stands for “Computer Aided Design.” The impact of CAD on the profession is enormous. CAD enables architects to draw at the speed of nanoseconds, but it also allows for the theft of their intellectual capital. Now many unauthorized consumers can avail themselves to unique design solutions without consulting an architect.

Brand Design

Another factor in this degradation is something known as “brand design.” Brand design is simply a “cookie cutter” approach that is employed by corporate America to differentiate their brands. Everyone knows that McDonald’s is signified by golden arches. There’s no mistaking the difference between a Marriot Hotel and a Holiday Inn. Large boxes such as Wal-Mart and Target are easily recognizable. These brands limit the opportunities that architects have to explore major design variations. This is not so in Europe where many large retail stores are custom designed.

I will write about ‘brands,’ such as ‘big box’ retail outlets and fast food outlets. Some big boxes are adorned with cartoon-like images of historical elements. I believe that we can create a better visual and behavioral environment if architects become more influential in this domain. The purpose is not to denigrate any American brands, or do away with CAD. To be more effective in today’s world architects should become more entrepreneurial.

Construction Management

Another factor in this demise is something known as “C.M.” C.M. stands for construction management. Construction management is now mostly the province of what were formerly known as general contractors. Architects have been subjugated to construction managers because building owners are more likely to trust their business instincts. Many years ago, the architects in fact guided the builders; now the reverse is true. When architects become Master Builders they will reverse this trend.

Civil Engineers

The last, and perhaps just as significant, evolution in the demise of what used to be known as an all-encompassing profession is the relinquishing of site design to the civil engineering profession. Most people imagine that architects design tract home subdivisions. This is not the case. Civil engineers routinely grid off subdivisions, and architects have little influence on these massive planned-unit developments, containing rows of tract homes. These are spread across the countryside like peanut butter.

Reliable Group, LLC Architects AA# 0003523 is a well-known architectural and construction management firm based in Tampa, Florida. RGA is headed by Dr. William Henry, both an architect and certified expert witness who issues opinions and testimony concerning design and construction related matters. Having designed over 250 landmark buildings in the state of Florida, he has represented and testified for both plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving code violations such as associated with design and construction defects as well as American Disabilities Act – ‘ADA’ violations. William Henry, PhD (Bill) may be reached at (813) 226.2220 or bhenry@rga-design.com.