How to be creative in architecture

Another manifesto...

Being an architect in and of itself is supposedly a creative endeavor. But, it's not. The business model, the approach - not creative. It has become a commodity. Architects undercut each other to the point of insanity, creating a "low-baller's profession". The good architects transcend all of this. Joe Schmoe will not undercut Daniel Libeskind. You have to be creative, not just in your designs, but in your approach and mentality.

link to Josh's Architectural Manifesto...

Client Input...

People + process = project success….

We typically build our client presentations around two things…
our people, the Team…
and how our team will work, the Process

I think we miss out on a critical point if we think only these two items will determine whether a project succeeds or not…we have left out the client.

People + process + client input = project success….

Clients provide critical input to the project process…obviously, let’s not overlook the basics like the actual project itself, and more importantly, if not more obviously, the money to pay for the project…

The client project team also provides critical input, decision making, political support, etc…all of which have a dramatic impact on the possible success or failure of a project…

Reviewing the level of input with the client before the project starts will allow both the client and the consultant to have a clear understanding of what is required, or maybe more importantly, differences in opinions about what is required.

Even more importantly, reviewing the expected input to a project with a possible client may give you a clearer view of whether or not the prospective client shares your attitudes about what it takes from each party to make a project successful…something which is better found out before a project starts, not afterwards…

Growing the network...

My LinkedIn profile...


http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesfduffy

Design Ideas...

Mark MacInturf gave a lecture on design ideas and made the great point that there are only two good analogies for design ideas...the "suitcase" and the "bunch of grapes"...and he had great sketches to go with them...

I was driving home from a site visit today and was listening to some music for the drive...

"Architecture as frozen music" leads to some other design ideas...

Texture..., Rythm..., Articulation...

I need a list for the New Year...

of 100 things to do to improve Client service...

here goes:

1- show up prepared
2- get one thing done every day
3- explain your work process
4- communicate
5- align the team
6- focus
7- put the project first
8-
9-
10-




I also need a list of 10 things to do this year to improve Client service...

What will the "top ten" be?

I really need a list of the 1 thing to do this year to improve Client service...

What will number 1 be?

We are obligated...

to teach...

those younger than us, with less experience, we can help...we have to...

to learn...

we have to continue to learn, from those of us with more experience...we have to...