Architects Should Be Required to Have Building Experience

An architect should be required to have hands on building experience. You wouldn't trust a doctor that hasn't interned or an electrician that wasn't first apprenticed. Why is an architect any different?

There are two primary reasons this should happen. The first is money and the second is realistic planning. Both go hand in hand and will benefit a homeowner and the builder.

Architects can truly be creative and design the ultimate blueprint for a new building or addition. A good looking plan can really capture a potential homeowners' dream.

Speaking from a builder's point of view, the dream can translate into more money and time than the homeowner may realize. In theory, a plan looks great on paper. This is rarely the case in practice.

In twenty five years, our company has yet to see a plan that does not have something included in an architect's plan that either does not fit or is just frivolous overkill.

One good example is the rough openings for windows. If they are incorrect, the builder will have to reconfigure the measurements and possibly the material list. This will equate into more money and time spent. If resources have already been partially depleted, the homeowner may lose part of their dream home. They may not be able to afford a bay window because an architect has made mistakes on the plan.

Another example may be that architect would plan LVL (laminated veneer lumber) headers which are unnecessary when only supporting four foot long rafters. The budget could save money if 2" X 10" headers were used instead. If the architect learned by actual application it would aid both the builder and homeowner in regards to total money spent.

There are countless ways a responsible and experienced building crew could teach an architect. A master electrician and plumber are required to have 8000 hours under a licensed professional. The reason potential professionals spend time in the field is help them learn and avoid costly mistakes.

Time is money when you are building. Planning is the best prevention to loss of time on a building site. If your planner is an architect, it only makes sense he or she should required to have hands on experience. It can only lead to a more comprehensive overview if an architect has experienced actual tool use and how the building materials are realistically used.

Source: personal experience