The three sides of the building construction triangle (Owner/Architect/Contractor) are all important in their own right. We often use the three-legged stool analogy to describe this relationship and for good reason. Each party needs to work together to ensure a project’s success. And while Owners and Contactors have plus-sides, the Architect has her own advantages.

Many people who end up working on the Ownership side started their careers as Architects. I’ve noted previously my own history with both Architecture and Ownership. But that’s just my own perspective. Architecture as a discipline is fantastically interesting and the creative part of the job is what attracts so many people in the first place. Archtecture is a unique industry, that combines artistry and technical knowledge.

But this post isn’t about why Architecture is great (it is!). This post is about why Architects have a better role than Owners. Here are 5 reasons why: Architects are better than Owners.

1. Architects are essential

The first reason Architects are better than Owners is just how darn important they are. No matter what any Owner thinks of themselves, Architects are absolutely essential to any building project. All cities enforce building codes to protect the safety of occupants. Cities require building permits for most projects and Architects provide the drawings needed. Some building types need even more oversight by state and federal officials. Architects feel confident they’ll always be needed because they are so essential.

2. Architects are the experts

To flow nicely from point 1 above, Architects are the experts. A person needs a lot of school and experience to practice the profession. And this is for good reason. Buildngs are hugely expensive, technical and complex. They combine lots of various systems into one whole. And we expect buildings to last for many years, even decades. Architects are the ones to brings all these complexities together. At the same time they need to bring their creativity to each project. I can tell you the feeling that comes with being the “master-builder” is extraordiary. The most intense pride I’ve ever had was from a project. A major trade magazine publised the project and it won lots of industry awards. So cool that our team was the primary influence behind that success.

3. Architects have less risk (mostly).

Next is risk, or lack thereof. That’s not to say Architect’s don’t have risk. They definitely do. But the financial risk is virtually removed for the Architect. The Owner is on the hook for all the costs. That can be lucratve for the Owner. But also enormously risky. The Architect enjoys all the prestige of a project can claim each building as part of his portfolio.

4. Architects get to do a lot of projects

The fourth reason being an Architect is better than being an Owner is simply project volume. New projects can sometimes take years to complete. Owners are responsible for the idea, planning, financing, pre-leasing, zoning, design, permitting, construction, operations, etc. It never really stops until an Owner decides to move on from a building and sell it. Of course Architects are essential during design and they have a role to play in construction. But they can move on from projects faster than Owners and can work on a much larger variety of projects.

5. Architects have all the fun

Finally, Architects get to have all the fun. I mean the fun part is the design! The Architect gets to flex her creative muscles. As I’ve said before, Architect have the power to inspire us, heal us, improve our attitudes, improve our living and working conditions, and to make the places we inhabit fun and exciting. Our buildings end up becoming part of us all. They make up fabric of our neighborhoods and our workplaces. We go to buildings to heal and to have fun. Our built environment is all around us and the Achitect is the loudest voice.

Summary

I made the choice to switch sides from architecture to ownership, and I haven’t regretted it all. But I do miss the more artistic moments. And I hope this post: 5 reasons why: Architects are better than Owners helps to define why. The moments where the creative spark fires are so energizing and satisfying. Architects have been and likely will be essential for all building projects and for good reason.