Architectural Myths Debunked (Part 2)!

It’s time to debunk more architectural myths! When you think of an architect, what is the first thing that comes to mind? While every profession has certain stereotypes (and some may be valid), architects tend to be up there when it comes to misconstrued notions. To make things interesting, we’ve put together a short list of some of the most common myths and spoke with our very own team to get down to the real facts!

I can’t afford an architect.

“lt’s like buying a car. There are affordable cars and there are expensive cars. It’s the same thing with architectural services, I believe. Depending on your leads, and the amount of research/shopping or quotes that you get, architects can be potentially affordable.”

– Philip Wong, Project Associate

“Like all professions, lawyers, doctors, CPAs, Architect and design firms can be multi-functional and diverse in their client populations and outreach. I think Architecture gets a bad rep in this regard, but in reality there is vast amount of work being done to revitalize communities and serve the needs of lower socio-economic status populations.”

– Lauren Printz, Associate Director

“Architecture may seem to be an additional expense or an unnecessary expense in some projects; however, it’s a great investment in avoiding mistakes that are usually made without the help of an architect. In the long run, hiring and architect actually ends up saving you more money than costing you.”

– Massimiliano Galassi, Senior Project Manager

Does my architect need to be local?

“Technically no, but they should take the time to know the public, demographic and community they are servicing and keeping safe.”

– Lauren Printz, Associate Director

“No actually. They don’t need to be local, but they do need to be licensed to practice within your region or area. It is highly recommended that your architect is within the region you are conducting your project in so they are able to visit the site and perform better, but it’s not impossible while your architect is away or in another state to handle quality control.”

Philip Wong, Project Associate

I’m worried that if I hire an architect, I’ll be forced into having to go with their style.

“An architect should approach every project with its client’s goals in mind and should always be prioritizing that and checking in with themselves to make sure that is the main focus of the project. So no, you are not bound by a particular style, the architects should really just always adapt and coordinate to the client’s design and style.”

– Lauren Printz, Associate Director

“Architects work with the client to enhance and achieve the best results for what the client wants, not what the architect wants. “

– Massimiliano Galassi, Senior Project Manager

“Architects are licensed and trained in their respective region or state to abide by the code and laws of your area. If they are restrictive of your design desires, it’s for a good a reason, but in terms of fulfilling your vision for a specific design, it all depends on the architect you choose, which is why you should conduct research prior to hiring your architect”

– Philip Wong, Project Associate

Architects are introverts

“Definitely not the case. There are all types of personalities in architecture just like with any other profession.”

– Massimiliano Galassi, Senior Project Manager

“Myth. In order for us to be a client-based service business, you have to speak and converse with your clients, your contractors, your suppliers and everyone else, so I don’t think you can really be an ‘introvert’ within this field.”

– Philip Wong, Project Associate

“Having down time to think things through step by step is a critical skill and an architect needs to have but that doesn’t necessarily make them an introvert.”

– Jeanmaire Dani, Senior Project Manager