Dan Thomas’ Post

The Power of Feedback Loop in Architecture: Part 3 Why Generalists? While the trend in high-end residential architecture is moving towards specialization, there is still immense value in maintaining a broad skill set and a generalist approach. Generalizing allows architects to adapt to various project requirements and challenges, making them more versatile and valuable assets to their firms. Generalists: 1. are often able to take on a variety of roles within a project, from concept design to construction administration. This flexibility can be crucial in smaller firms where team members may need to wear multiple hats. 2. tend to have a more holistic understanding of the architectural process, as they are involved in multiple stages of a project. This understanding can lead to more cohesive and well-thought-out designs. 3. are accustomed to dealing with a wide range of challenges, which can enhance their problem-solving skills. They are often able to approach problems from multiple angles, leading to more innovative solutions. 4. are better equipped to adapt to evolving technologies or trends, as they have a broader knowledge base to draw from. 5. are often better collaborators, as they are able to communicate effectively with team members from different disciplines. This can lead to more cohesive and successful project outcomes. In many firms, there's a mindset of "if it ain't broken, don't fix it." However, employees should take charge of their careers by monitoring their skill development. This challenges the old adage, "Jack of all trades, master of none," but as the complete adage goes, "though oftentimes better than master of one." It is important to seek mentors both inside and outside the firm to help guide your career growth. Mentors outside of the office setting are crucial as they are less likely to have a conflict of interest. Remember, "What gets measured gets managed" holds true for up-leveling your craft as well. While specialization certainly has its merits, there is still great value in maintaining a generalist approach in high-end residential architecture. Generalists bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to a project, ultimately leading to more innovative and successful designs. We hope this post contributes to you finding your joy.

I firmly believe that every architectural project is as unique as the individuals behind it. That's why at Rowett Architecture we stay clear of adopting standard fees and instead, tailor our services to align with the specific needs and vision of each client and their project. Here's how we ensure transparency and accuracy in our fee proposal: 1️⃣ Initial Consultation: We like to kick things off with a complimentary 30-minute consultation call or video. This allows us to get to know our client, and their project details and grasp their goals and challenges firsthand. 2️⃣ Initial Meeting: Following the consultation, we schedule an in-person visit to the property. Face-to-face discussions enable us to thoroughly understand the finer details, refine the brief, and establish our client's priorities. 3️⃣ Bespoke Fee Proposal: With insights from our consultations and meetings, we can then prepare a customised fee and service proposal for our client's project. This document outlines exactly what we'll deliver, associated costs, and estimated timelines. For residential projects, we prefer a hybrid approach, blending hourly rates with fixed fees. This ensures our clients have cost certainty from the project's onset, especially since budget clarity isn't always immediate. At Rowett Architecture, we're committed to providing personalised architectural solutions that align perfectly with our client's vision.

If you want to build in London use an architect. If you want to build TALL in London use a STARCHITECT. Further proof this week that the UK’s planning system is broken is provided by Professor Paul Cheshire of the London School of Economics. Cheshire’s paper ‘An International Perspective on the U.S. Zoning System’ explores zoning in the US and asks (amongst other things) how well rule-based planning addresses issues of societal good compared with (say) systems found in Europe and the UK. In the report, published by research journal Cityscape, US zoning is contrasted with the UK’s discretionary system where development is advanced on a case-by-case system and subject to political intervention. The great takeaway from the report is the finding that in London if you want to build taller then employ a Starchitect. Starchitects or as the report calls them ‘Trophy Architects’ are defined as architects who have won one of the internationally recognised lifetime achievement awards in architecture. Research reveals that Starchitect/ Trophy Architect buildings in London are typically 17 stories taller than non-starchitect designed buildings and that the height of consented buildings grows from 13 to 17 storeys once the architect wins a lifetime achievement award. These additional storeys can add 144% to the value of the site according to the report. Starchitects getting these gigs aren't necessarily winning commissions as design geniuses as comparisons with other cities show that the number of starchitect towers in London (25%), way outstrips Chicago (3%) and Brussels (0%). It's yet another interesting symptom of the highly risky, subjective and politicised UK planning system. If developers feel that having a starchitect’s name on the plans gives them a better chance of success then good luck to them. As for the rest of us what’s to be done if we have an ambition to raise a towering skyscraper? Move to Belgium perhaps?

Outsourcing Residential Architects with visionary builders. Learn about clear communication and quality assurance. Discover more here: [https://lnkd.in/gjCKa2sc] ✨📐 Click to view, share, like, and comment! #RealEstateVirtualAssistant #RealEstateOutsourcing #RealEstate #VirtualAssistants #Outsourcing #Architecture #QualityAssurance

Think Like a Developer ODA Architecture specializes in designing a variety of buildings, including public works, religious, higher education, corporate, hospitality, recreational and developer-directed buildings. Having worked with numerous developers, we have developed a "developer mentality," which proves useful across all our projects. What is a developer mentality and how does this help us design other project types?   Developers are visionary and have built up American towns and cities. They look for opportunities, often in unobvious places. Developers are innovators who seek new solutions to long-standing challenges in the real estate community. They are practical, but are not opposed to taking risks.  What has ODA Architecture learned in 40 years of working with developers?  “Curb appeal” is extremely important. It is paramount to stay on the leading edge of design trends and materials. Developers understand that a newer, “shinier” development will be built down the street as soon as their development opens. Competition is fierce. Spend construction dollars where they get the most “bang for the buck”. Understanding efficient site planning and structural systems can save millions of dollars in areas that are typically not noticed by the public. Paying attention to the details is important. Invest wisely in the future.  Choose materials and systems that are low maintenance and have lower on-going utility costs. Initial costs are important but “return on investment” is essential to the sustainability of the project.  Demand thorough and well-coordinated construction documents. Construction is complicated and the architect will make millions of decisions during the process. If the documentation is not clear and concise, it often leads to costly change orders.  Embrace reduction.  While meeting the programmatic needs of the project, discover ways to reduce square footage, materials, and systems.  Analyze each space for ways to minimize resources.  Reduction also leads to more environmentally friendly structures.  What’s the common denominator of all 5 lessons?  Save construction costs!  ODA Architecture embraces this overarching mantra. If the project doesn’t “pencil out”, there is NO project.  Nobody likes to see creative ideas remain on the cutting room floor.  Every click of the mouse (or in my case, every pencil stroke) represents ideas with a construction price tag attached. We treat each decision as if it were our money that is being spent.    ODA Architecture has enjoyed long-standing partnerships with many developers. We salute all of these visionary, innovative, practical, risk-taking developers who are making America great. #commercialconstruction #designbuild #architecture #commercialdevelopment #urbanplanning #hospitality #hotelarchitecture #repurposing #commercialarchitecture #charlotte #architecturaldesign Pictured: Voco Hotel under development in Pigeon Forge, TN scheduled to break ground in 2024.

Partner Spotlight: LTJ Architecture TIW Members can access multiple £250 discounts... With nearly 20 years experience in domestic and residential architecture we can take any architectural project from inception, through design to approvals and completion. Because we also invest in property, we approach each project with a mindset of maximising efficiency and return (whether that be end value or monthly rental). - Fast approval times to get you on site quicker (sometimes before you've even got the keys) - Cost-effective solutions to make best use of budget - Simple, concise information to make the process easy to understand - All i's dotted and t's crossed to ensure paperwork is in place Whether you're looking to: - bounce initial ideas off us when considering a project - secure speedy approvals - obtain retrospective approvals for works already carried out - or design something a bit more exciting for your own home Get in touch and reference the code provided in the "This is Wealth News Letter/Partner Directory" to secure a £100 discount for yourselves, colleagues, investors, clients or anyone else in your network. And we'll reward you with £150. Use it as many times as you want. Email: ross@ltjarchitecture.co.uk Instagram: @ltj.architecture

An article in Architecture and Design magazine makes the point that architects have a creative responsibility to ensure designs are not just accessible but also inclusive and future proofed. There are three easy changes architects can make to their design process to make more inclusive places and spaces. First, involve people with disability and other marginalised groups in the design phase. In other words, co-design. The second change is to look beyond access consultants.  The third change is to avoid exaggerating the design challenges. See link for my synopsis of the article which also has links to research on cost comparisons between new-build and retrofit of public buildings.

Exploring the Future of Architecture: Embracing Innovation and Sustainability - As we stand on the brink of a new era, the future of architecture holds boundless opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and transformative change. With rapid advancements in technology. - The integration of technology into architectural practice has revolutionized the way we design, visualize, and construct buildings. From Building Information Modeling (BIM) and parametric design tools to virtual reality and artificial intelligence, architects now have access to a myriad of innovative technologies that enhance creativity, efficiency, and collaboration. - In the face of climate change and resource depletion, sustainability has become a non-negotiable aspect of architectural practice. The future of architecture lies in designing buildings that minimize environmental impact, maximize energy efficiency, and prioritize the use of renewable resources. Architects are increasingly embracing sustainability as a core value and design imperative. The buildings of tomorrow will not only be beautiful and functional but also environmentally responsible, contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come. - As we confront the realities of a changing climate and increasing urbanization, architects are tasked with designing buildings that are resilient, adaptable, and responsive to evolving needs and challenges. The future of architecture will see a shift towards resilient design strategies that mitigate the risks of natural disasters, enhance community resilience, and promote long-term sustainability. From resilient infrastructure and disaster-resistant building materials to flexible and adaptable building typologies, architects are reimagining the built environment to withstand the uncertainties of the future while fostering vibrant, resilient communities. - At its core, architecture is about creating spaces that enhance the quality of life for people. In the future, architects will place an even greater emphasis on human-centric design principles that prioritize user experience, health, and well-being. From biophilic design and wellness-focused environments to inclusive and accessible spaces, the architecture of tomorrow will be designed with people in mind, promoting physical and mental health, fostering social connection, and enriching the human experience. In conclusion, the future of architecture holds immense promise and potential for positive change. By embracing innovation, sustainability, resilience, and human-centric design principles, architects have the opportunity to shape a built environment that not only reflects our values and aspirations but also addresses the pressing challenges of our time. As we embark on this journey into the future, let us remain committed to a world where architecture serves as a catalyst for positive transformation and collective well-being.

3 reasons why architects hesitate to specialise (and why it's worth it): 1️ — “I can’t afford to limit my practice” When you choose a niche, you deepen your expertise in ONE area — which attracts projects from the clients you really want to work with. Example: Show a developer your portfolio of mixed-use urban projects & BOOM, you’ve positioned yourself as the go-to architect for that type of work. You’ll find it easier to secure the kind of projects that align with your vision & values. 2 — “I’ll get bored designing the same type of buildings” If you approach niching strategically, each project will still offer its unique challenges. ▶ Niching simplifies the PROCESS — because of your expertise in that area — but the creative possibilities are almost limitless. Example: If you specialise in sustainable architecture, you’ll already have mastered the best practices, materials, and design principles — allowing you to focus more on innovation & creativity. So you spend less time on technicalities — and more on pushing design boundaries. 3 — “I don’t want to miss out on different types of projects” Architects often fear that by niching, they’ll lose the opportunity to work on a variety of building types. But in reality, when you specialise, you position yourself as an expert in that specific field, which attracts more, not fewer, opportunities within that niche. Example: Specialise in cultural institutions & when a museum, gallery, or performance space is being planned, you’re the architect who comes to mind first. Your deep knowledge of the unique challenges & opportunities in that space makes you the go-to choice. NOTE: You’re not legally bound to stay within your niche. As your reputation in your niche grows, your work will be so impressive that you’ll still get requests for other types of projects — and you can decide whether to take them on. In my 9+ years working with architects, I've found that those who niche often find themselves with a stronger portfolio & more aligned clients. ⭐ What do you think? What are your objections to niching?

ABI September 2024: Architecture firm billings remain soft For the 6th month of 2024, the Architectural Billing Index remains under 50 which is considered "soft" across the country. Most hard hit areas include the Midwest and West coast with 6 of 10 firms seeing a reduction in design revenues. The continuing higher interest rates also create an environment whereby residential projects continue to slow. These conditions will continue to fuel a sellers market for current housing for the mid term. Further interest rate reductions through the end of 2024 are likely to help increase design revenues in the residential space for 2025. Much needed given the current housing situation in the US.   Adaptive reuse and general upgrades are in higher demand along with HVAC and interior upgrades for firms engages in reconstruction services. Adaptive reuse or building conversion is cited as one of the principal goals of recent reconstruction projects. Especially true on the East Coast and in the South. Perhaps signaling more sustainable use of buildings going forward.   What can we glean from this information?  Our economic considerations drive design revenues and overall construction.  Since revenues are a significant exposure in determining PL premium, it's important for our industry to temper client expectations regarding this reduction in fees and the determination of premium.  Projects, claims history, and risk management practices also factor into the calculation of premium and managed accordingly. https://lnkd.in/eQ6hTZFR