So, Just who is an Architect?

Who is an Architect?

Stepping into a hornet's nest here I know...

This was inspired by a thread over at Linkedin, where there are some wonderful thoughts and then there are some very ignorant opinions.

So who is an architect? from sddrawings.com

An Architect is a person whom: graduates from an accredited University, works in an Architectural office, obtains the proper amount of time as required under the direct supervision of a licensed Architect, passes their accrediting exams and becomes licensed themselves.  They then will have to keep their license through on going education, keep insurance on themselves and continue to practice in the field of designing buildings.

At least that is the synopsis I got from reading the thread. There has been very little discussion about what to call the class of professional whom has the talent to design some of the most beautiful buildings and is not a registered Architect.  A great man once told me, Jefferson was not a licensed Architect, though he designed and built Monticello, undoubtably one our nations greatest examples of classical Architecture and a crown jewel.  Under the current system, a person can not call themselves an Architect even if they have completed school and been in the field for decades on end.  This is absurd and irrational.  This ideologue is akin to the seagulls in "Finding Nemo" who screech "mine", when they see a bit of food being offered.

Architecture is the science of blending Art with construction to form the art of design through the built form, more or less.  In today's construction world, A licensed contractor can erect an enclosed space with minimum plans and the final product can be abysmal.  His take at Architecture on that project could be seen as a failure, even if the building is sounds and meets all codes, the final aesthetic appeal makes the project a flop.  He is still not an Architect, just a builder.  An Architect can design a building and it too can be a flop, even if it passes all building codes.  Just like writers can flop at their craft, painters etc… So this argument leads me to consider anyone who engages in the design of a building is practicing Architecture, just as anyone who obtains pay to build a building is a Builder, anyone who paints and gets money for it is a painter; painter, "one who paints".

I am a draftsman.  I draw for a living under the direction of Architects, Planners and Contractors.  Often time I am asked to draw a house plan or help with the renovation/addition of a house.  I could be considered a Designer under this pretext.  I have been in the field of Architecture for roughly 14 years. I have not been through an Architecture program, much to my dismay.  Life events have kept me from the opportunity to do such, and so I would never use the term Architect, to describe myself.  This does not mean I am not qualified to be able to produce a set of construction drawings and a beautiful design.  After so many years in a field, one learns a little something.  With side studying and networking, I have picked up and am more capable of most students, interns and probably many registered Architects to come up with a solution to a design need.

Now, of two people, one being a licensed Architect proven by the state to have met the minimum requirements to be capable of designing a building; the other having 20 years in the field and perfectly capable of the same project management and design.  Common sense tells us to hire the person with the degree, then we look at experience, ability, availability and cost.  That is what a client really needs to consider: "Can this person perform for me and help me design the best design for my needs".  THAT is what I do.  When I need another professional such s a structural or civil engineer, I call someone.  When I need a registered Architect, I have a group of people I work with I can pick who I think would be the best person to work on a specific project.  In essence, I'm not selling you on just me and my ability, but someone who can choose the right team for your project.

Then there are the Java/software Architects... that's for a whole other discussion...

sddrawings.com

Being Responsible with your time as a draftsman

Another week: sddrawings.com In Keeping with drafting for the beginner. This week I'll look at ethics as a draftsman and some of the pitfalls working as a desk jockey. I hope that even these ideas can be used in what ever job you may go into; whether it is design, pet sitting, auto mechanics, climbing telephone poles, etc…

Today's desk jockey jobs carry some new pitfalls you used to not have to worry about.  With the advent of connectivity; being able to check Facebook, emails, texts and tweets can be time sucking endeavors.  Undoubtably, in a year or two, there will be a new emerging site that will integrate to your smart phone, where you can waste your time anywhere, in any job.  As a draftsman, you know computers, have probably been on Facebook for years and may have more than one email address.  Even a lot of the guys I worked with in Mobile who have gone on to the rough and tumble world of working in ship yards are connected at the push of a button.  But now, you landed a job in an Architectural or Engineering firm, maybe it's where you've always dreamed of working.  Even more reason to be cognitive about the time you spend at work, but not on the job.

These electronic connections between your friends can be important.  They can be very good for networking and increasing your knowledge.  However, they will also reduce your productive time.  As en employee you have to set a personal standard and adhere to company guidelines about the use of such social media.  Ignoring business ethics for a minute, just your personal work ethics should dictate how much and how often you should "check in".  No matter what job you signed up for, you agreed to work for someone for monetary compensation.  You are selling time out of your life, but that was an agreement you made the choice to make. 

If you are in my position as a self-employed contractor, your time is even more valuable.  You are literally billing someone for your time.  You are not just showing up and letting someone tell you what to do.  As a contract draftsman, I bill in 15 minutes increments. I have to be dedicated and intent with ever hour of my day if I want to be justified in sending someone a bill for my time.  Not only that, but working from home, which I often do, there are a lot of distractions.  If you're in an office setting, obviously home distractions are limited.  So regardless if your employer is lax on allowing you to check your Facebook status, you still have a job to do.  There are even great resources biblically that discuss your work ethics. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (GNT) says "While we were with you, we used to tell you, “Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.”  Then in Colossians 3:23 (GNT)  we are told "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.

Since this is a blog about being a draftsman, how does all this apply to actually drafting?  In my field of Architectural Drafting, I am responsible for taking hand sketches and producing CAD drawings.  I make floor plans and elevations on my CAD system (Powercadd from ENGSW.com). I have made short cuts in my computer file system that allow me to grab items from my drafting library and use them quickly over many different jobs.  On an Apple computer, I have a folder in my dock so I can easily access any Library file.  When you draw an item, make sure it is drawn correctly so you can re-use it (discussed in a previous blog post Design & drafting techniques).  These time saving tips make me a very good and very fast draftsman.  I produce good quality work. If I took a minute or two here or there to check Facebook, I could easily get lost coming back to my project/drawing.  I want to be accurate and social media distractions do little in really helping me to stay focused on getting my job done correctly.

I have also learned sitting behind a desk day in and day out is not healthy for a person. Getting up every couple of hours to stretch and hitting the pavement for a jog once a day makes me more productive as a draftsman. It staves off the boredom of looking at a computer screen for hours on end, which I feel is the ultimate reason people constantly look to social sites; to be entertained, if only for a moment.

So know where your time is going.  Consider keeping an hourly journal of your day for a week.  Your life is limited and you should know where your time is going.  This is how great people do great things.  Consider Benjamin Franklin. He kept a Daily routine from morning until evening, where he questioned what he's done, will do and is going to do.

You may have already landed your dream job in a design firm.  Be part of the team by being responsible.  Be a valued employee, I wouldn't hire someone whom I felt would waste mine or their time always being socially connected when there's great work to be done.

sddrawings.com