Tools of the trade: the role of the architect

The role of an architect is one that can often be steeped in mystery and intrigue for those of us unfamiliar with the industry. Undeniably creative yet technical, the practice is one that requires those who wish to pursue to be both analytical and inventive thinkers who can problem solve and plan spaces. However, the role of the architect goes deeper than that, and responds directly to the environment, culture and political movements of the country from whence the practitioner originates. Three industry insiders have shared their knowledge and opinions on the industry, and what we can expect to see in the future.

Eva Marie Prineas, founder and principal of Studio Prineas, says that her studio believes the true value of architecture and design is expressed through problem solving, and due to this aspect architects require a unique balance of both an analytical and creative mind. 

“Architects need to have a way of thinking that harnesses solutions in a beautiful way,” she says. “We need strong communication and listening skills, an ability to work collaboratively to achieve a shared vision, as well as find harmony between our own creative thinking and the individual needs of each client.” Eva adds that architects also need to understand certain aspects of law and accounting as those working in the profession administer construction contracts and manage large sums of money for clients on a daily basis.

Fiona Dunin, founder and director of FMD Architects, says there are roles for all types of skillsets in the architecture industry. “I come from a math and science background with no art, but there are different roles for different types of architects,” says Fiona. “Some do documenting and work from a technical aspect, while others focus on the design side; there’s room for all types.”

Jeremy Bull, principal at Alexander & Co, has a similar opinion. “It's a diverse vocation that has space for lots of different skillsets, from technical to creative,” says Jeremy. “You can find a niche regardless of how your system functions, and you can expand as you go.”

To become an architect, one must complete an undergraduate degree related to building and design, then complete a master of architecture, which usually takes around five years of full time study, says Fiona. “You must then work for a couple years towards registration, as you can't call yourself an architect until you’re registered through an architects’ registration board, and you need a couple of years working experience before you can sit the exam to register, but the requirements and registrations vary state to state,” says Fiona.

Eva Marie adds, “the use of the term ‘architect’ is highly regulated in Australia, it has a strict and binding code of conduct and requires ongoing professional development every year.”

Architects design homes, buildings and structures for both public and private use. The role encompasses everything from sketching the first design plans of a project through to dealing with builders, managing the project, all council approvals and building documentation.

“An architect versus a draftsman or building designer is that we give you something you haven't thought of before. You might have preconceived ideas about your project, and I might challenge those ideas for the better to make the building smarter, more efficient and more beautiful than you had ever considered,” says Fiona. “Architecture is a balance between pragmatics and poetry, balancing problem solving, pragmatic design with the creative side, but the two are always playing off against each other.”

Good architecture inspires a life well lived, adds Eva-Marie. “Good architecture is not about trends, styling and great images, but rather it’s about the intangibles of how a space actually works and what it feels like to inhabit that space,” she says. “Ultimately, this is what an architect will bring to a project.”

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While all the experts agree that the role of the architect hasn’t changed greatly, there has certainly been a move towards multidisciplinary roles, the use of more technology and a growing respect for Australian design. Sustainability was also regarded as a bit of a trend decades ago, but now everyone understands the importance of integrating sustainability measures into every aspect of a building, says Fiona. “Sustainability is at the core of 90% of what architects do, and architects who don't consider sustainability are left behind – even clients of large, grand homes consider it.”

The 90s saw many architects looking towards international design trends to inform domestic structures, a practice that led to the construction of homes or buildings that weren’t quite right for the site or climate. “Australia has gained a lot of respect around the world for what we do and our site-specific responses, and there's now so much diversity in what we do from state to state,” says Fiona. “We are now more considerate of the site, sustainability and climate - and responding to that - than we ever were before.”

Jeremy agrees that the Australian architectural landscape has developed for the better, and that many of those who had created hurdles for emerging architects in the past are now gone.

“The architectural work now produced in Australia is better, as is the capacity to enter the market as a new business. Many of the gatekeepers that used to prohibit new creative agencies have gone – the industry used to be old, grey and male, but has since become more feminine, fast moving and innovative,” says Jeremy. “The industry has been infused with youth and new practices.”

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Eva-Marie is hopeful that the Australian architecture community will continue to strive towards making good design accessible to all, and hopes to see the government and local councils support architects in their endeavor to preserve culture and environment. “I hope to see the community continue to listen to and learn from our First Nations People, to strive towards minimising the impact on our environment, and to care for our heritage buildings while sensitively adapting them for lasting relevance,” says Eva-Marie.

Technology and processes change and move so fast, that Jeremy says the industry can discover a new way of doing work every day. “I can't even tell you what tomorrow looks like. In the last three years everything changed: supply chains, the way we work and pay people, the time it takes to build,” says Jeremy. “At the end of the day, some of that tech is amazing and impacts on practice, but none of it changes the consulting component.”

“Technology will have more of an influence in the design and construction process,” adds Fiona. “Even now, technology has made things more efficient and better. You can complete forms and do analysis and monitoring of the building, measure its performance, it’s incredible, but at the heart of it, we’re still building buildings.”

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