Architects are more than...

​Engineers. I get it. They have their place in the design world for sure. Their expertise get a lot of designs actually built. However, us.. ARCHITECTS are equally important. Yes equally. Seems there is quite the difference in the public's eye on the responsibilities and necessity of each profession. 

Easily relatable public education focused on changing this view has been around but more now than ever before. Can we agree.. Architects design buildings, right!?

I came across this image and felt it was so simple yet expressed the exact differences of the two professions.

Engineers get a building built, Architects connect the building's spaces with the intended public/user, working in tandem. 

​Architecture is not only about making buildings look pretty but how the proposed building will relate to its immediate neighborhood as well as the city as a whole. Architecture isn't just about where the walls will be located but how to best locate them efficiently in an effort to capture the end user's spacial usage. Architecture isn't just about putting a hole in a wall for a window. But more about where to put the opening (Wall? Ceiling? Floor??) and what type of glazing will positively enhance the interior without subjecting occupants to any adverse conditions.   

Our daily task do not consist of merely drawing lines on paper (or via a computer screen). We consult with clients over spacial challenges to their betterment. We use various mediums to translate those client "must-haves" into tangible concepts for construction fruition. We research the many codes, rules, ordinances, bulletins and zoning requirements imposed by the municipalities. This in many cases is like reading a highly technical descriptive language. It takes some getting use to. 

We also coordinate various specialized engineers and design professionals into a team to present the best suited and most capable. We research materials, products, systems while discussing design parameters with manufacturers, builders and contractors. We oversee construction ensuring the final outcome adheres to the client and municipality's approved documents. 

From a sole practitioner doing single-family residential additions to a firm comprised of dozens for a large commercial building, project size and scale dictate to what extent and how the project is approached. The type of project also dictates the client base to whom we cater to. It's all relative. 

Therefore it's hard to make a blanket statement that architects JUST design buildings when... frankly... it's just soo much more.