Designing
This article was written in early 2012. I want to make it clear that I know and work with many Architects and have found them to be a fine and often talented and knowledgeable group of folks. The Architectural profession is to be admired, especially those who produce fine works and operate by high professional standards. This article is not about Architects. It is about a policy adopted by the Board of Architects and Interior Design in the State of Florida, apparently with legal backing, claiming the right of exclusive ownership of the word "architect", regardless of form or usage. If you agree, or not, let me know. Here it is:
Formal Architectural Engineering education, following the engineering model of earlier disciplines, developed in the late 19th century, and became widespread in the United States by the mid-20th century. With the establishment of a specific "Architectural Engineering" registration examination by the NCEES in April 2003, Architectural Engineering became recognized as a distinct engineering discipline in the United States. Today the profession of “Architectural Engineering” is a recognized field of study throughout the U.S. and the world. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) even has a special “Journal of Architectural Engineering”
However, if an Engineer calls himself an Architectural Engineer, at least in Florida, he is subject to the wrath of the Florida Board of Architecture. It is their belief that they not only own the profession of Architecture but also any part or derivation of the word "architect". That includes the word “architectural” as an adjective. For instance if you say you are capable of architectural design then you are subject to legal action by their Board. If one says he produces architectural molding, he can be sanctioned. They make this claim by alluding to past court rulings. They claim the power to fine anyone who uses this word as a descriptor of their actions. If a lady says she is an expert at architectural renderings, and if not an Architect (by their definition) then she will be attacked.
I was personally attacked by this group a long time ago. I had used the term “Architectural Engineer” in describing my profession on a yard sign. One of their guys (an Architect) drove by it – reported it to the Board and I was ordered to travel to Tallahassee to defend myself. Understand, I called myself an Architectural Engineer (complete with Professional Engineer License Number).
I reported as ordered - it was a legal order. I sat on a chair in front of a large board of Architects who told me in no uncertain words that they owned any derivation of the word architect. When I cited in a multi page report the indisputable fact that this word “Architectural Engineer” was used by a great many professional and educational groups (including universities here in the State of Florida which offer graduate degrees in Architectural Engineering) they acknowledged that and said they did not care. They did not care that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) offers a registration exam as an Architectural Engineer. They asserted that they own the word. No one else can use it. I was to stand down or be fined in the range of $1,000’s of dollars. I was just one guy against this board so I took the term architectural off the sign.
Later I spoke to one of the Engineering Societies about this sham and could not get anyone interested enough to challenge this in court. Evidently, and to the Architects' credit, they fight harder and with more vigor. I must respect them for that though I cite my opinion of their reasoning below. You even have to respect a bully from time to time in the very audacity of his actions and how he can dominate folks into submission without even lifting a finger against them.
So despite what was stated above in the first paragraph, if a Licensed Registered Engineer says he is an Architectural Engineer, he may be attacked by the Architects- at least in Florida. Even if he took is exam, legally, in the field of Architectural Engineering.
Interesting how the engineers are not so protective. I run into building engineers, software engineers, sanitation engineers and many who call themselves engineers yet who are not licensed engineers. The Engineering Profession (as a group) could care less. I am working with a guy who is an engineer in Bell Helicopters. He runs the engines. Makes sense to me. If Joe Blow down the street decided to do an amazing job designing a racing car, or an experimental airplane, I would say that he performed an awesome job of engineering. He produced an engineering design – and it drives or it flies. But if he designed a home and said that he did an architectural design – he could be subject to attack by the Board of Architects.
Now – calling oneself an Architect or implying he or she is a Licensed Architect when he is not one is wrong. It is illegal and should be. Architects work hard to gain their professional status. Same with Engineers. One may not say he or she is a P.E. (Professional Engineer) without being, in fact, a Licensed Engineer and having gone through the rigorous university training, internship (5 years) and testing. But, saying one is an engineer just might be an accurate statement – even though one is not registered. Michelangelo was not an Architect. Most of the Designers of the Iphone are not Registered Engineers. Jefferson was not an Architect. Henry Ford was not an Engineer. But I need not say more about the amazing engineered and architectural products these folks produced.
Professional arrogance should be seen for what it is. It is a puniness, based in inferiority. Arrogance is often a guise for the opposite. It is a front to cover another truth entirely. It is, perhaps, an admission that one can’t stand by his or her own merits and actual production. It is that simple.
I know some talented Architects. They stand by their own merit – and little else. This is, frankly, the underlying requirement for any true greatness. It is not a title. It is not solely a beingness. It is also a doingness and the achievement of products. Greatness is not a title. It is far more than that.
If one can do an excellent job as an architectural designer, then he or she IS an architectural designer. He may or may not be Architect – note the distinction. An Architectural Engineer is NOT an Architect even though his field is well recognized by countless professional and educational institutions as a valid profession. He has deep knowledge of engineering, of architecture and is able to combine the knowledge in valuable ways.
So I hereby state, with no lack of pride, that I am NOT an Architect. I also state carefully, since these Architects love to bite when their collective profession feathers are ruffled, that I am an Archit^ctural Engineer (note that I did not use the word – will I be still be attacked?). I can and do produce beautiful arc*it*ct*ral drawings. I bring to the table not only great archit^ctural skills, but engineering skills and decades of “hands-on” field experience as an archit^ctural designer and certified General Contractor.
It used to be that Contractors, Architects and Engineers were one the same. Some of the greatest structures of the world (studied by both Architects and Engineers) were designed and built by those who were neither Registered Engineers nor Architects.
So, again, so that this not be construed wrongly, I am NOT an Architect. But many consider me one heck of an archit^ctural Engineer who can produce excellent archit^ctural products.
After we have worked together, you be the judge.
I will state my strong opinion. No profession should ever own a word in verb format or in modifier format (ie. an adverb or adjective) - EVER. They may lay claim to the Proper Noun of their profession and make it clear that they have done so. They even have a right to be proud. But anyone can engineer anything. Anyone can doctor their dog until it is well. One may even do architectural drafting and design of a home or building. One may barber their own hair or that of another. One may pilot their own boat. One may say that he is in the architectural industry even if he simply supplies drafting paper. But one may not say he is a Doctor with being one. One is not an Engineer unless he has the legal credentials. And one is not an Architect unless he has been through the legal rigors of that profession. This should be a legal clarification - in my opinion.
Ah - but I am not a Lawyer.
I am often asked by my clients if we should use a masonry exterior wall or one that is framed in wood.
Masonry walls consist of concrete blocks stacked up from the slab to the full height of the wall. They are placed in beds of mortar and strengthened with embedded reinforcing steel and hollow cores full of concrete. The strength is dictated by wall thickness, height and density of reinforcement and, of course, loading conditions. Framed walls consist of wood studs usually 16" on center with a stiff sheathing material, water proofing and some sort of siding on the outside such as stucco or siding. Let me answer a few common questions:
Can termites be a problem in wood framed homes?
If the framed wall is built correctly the answer is "no". Pressure treated plates are used at the bottom of the wall. Termites hate PT wood and won't eat through it. Also termite shield should be used. This is like flashing and is placed under the wall and extends out to block passage of subterranean termites in their attempts to travel up the wall. Those and routine maintenance, after construction, such as inspections and treatment allow homes to last a long time. There are many framed homes that are several centuries old which stand as proof that such construction methods are valid.
Is a masonry wall stronger than a framed wall?
In general, a framed wall can be built with adequate strength to handle hurricane winds and other forces. A wooden wall with proper sheathing, nailed properly, is quite strong. A masonry wall is also quite strong. Its strength is a function of its thickness, its height as well as the reinforcement used.
What about Cost? Would masonry or framed walls be cheaper in the long run?
Siding for a framed home can cost more than the typical stucco finishes used over block walls. However other factors, including speed of construction, cost of materials and labor tend to make framing an overall less expensive approach.
What about insulating masonry walls and framed walls?
Insulation is always a challenge with masonry walls. The blocks themselves are not good insulators. Insulation is usually achieved by placing a foil over the pressure treated furring strips, or foam sheets over the wall and can even include filling the cores with insulation. None of these achieve insulation as high as that achieved in a wood wall. Wood framed walls are usually insulated with batts ranging from R-11 right to up in the 20's, depending upon wall thickness. Wood is generally easier to insulate to higher levels. One advantage of masonry is that it has a higher thermal mass which will tend to regulate temperatures a bit better.
Does the relative thickness of masonry walls take up more room in the house?
If one uses a standard 8" masonry block and compares it to a typical 2x4 exterior wall, one can instantly see about a 5" different in the amount of each exterior room that is taken up by the wall. Framing does take up less room.
These are just a few factors to consider. Framing the exterior walls of a home is an excellent way to proceed. Interestingly, most homes that I design are masonry because most folks tend to feel more comfortable with masonry walls. There is a perception of additional strength. But, frankly, the facts indicate that this is a false sense. If done properly (and it is important that it be done correctly) framing is a better value.
Looking to Build your own home yourself? Here are the Pros and Cons - in a Tough Economy
Should you build your own home without a contractor? There can be a strong incentive for the owner to take on the building project and hire the subcontractors and buy the materials directly.
Managing one's own building project can be exciting but it can, at the same time, be risky. There are booby traps which, if not handled, will siphon away any savings. Considering being your own contractor? Here are some pros and cons:
Pros
- Saving Contractor Fees - A contractor tallies up the cost of materials and labor and adds 15% to 25% on top . This covers overhead costs and profit for his troubles. A viable markup is about 20%. You can save this markup by being your own contractor.
- Control - A building project involves dozens of workers. As contractor you are boss. You work directly with these people. You make special requests and assure the work is done to your own standards. Owners can often spend more time on the job than the professional contractor.
- Changes are relatively easy to make - Perhaps you find a good deal on fixtures or materials. Perhaps you find a place for a plant shelf, enlarge a closet or move a door. Good design and specifications will reduce the need for these changes but opportunities to change will be usually be found. As contractor you can accomplish these with minimum hassle.
- Pride - We have all felt the pride of accomplishment. It is a good feeling. Contracting your own home will give you a feeling of accomplishment that is nearly unmatched.
- If you're financing your home, banks will not like it. Regardless of your experience, banks want the job done through a licensed construction company. There are many reasons: Owner-builders can involve the project in activities that the banks can't condone ranging from "under the table" deals with unlicensed sub Contractors (resulting in lack of warranties, shoddy workmanship and many other problems). Additionally, the inexperienced builder is will likely to miss and allow errors to occur that are expensive to fix or are ignored and covered up. This can reduce the value of the home. Unless you are looking to finance your own project, being an owner-builder will be a problem.
- An experienced builder is aware of many things as they oversee a building project. Situations are noticed by the pro that may not become a real problems for several months. These can be handled when discovered. This foresight is a mark of an experienced builder. It is an awareness created by experience. If the Owner-Builder lacks that ability regarding construction there can be expensive ramifications.
- Some sub contractors and material suppliers take advantage of inexperience. They may provide bids for services and products that are not complete - then charge extras later when you discover that a vital aspect was missing. Also subcontractors know that it is often more difficult to deal directly with owners due to inexperience as well as a "this is my baby" attitude than can be burdensome to them. Prices of materials and labor can be higher in the long run - eating into any savings.
- Time is a factor. Contractors earn their fees. A well-run project requires lots of attention - including obtaining bids, managing subcontracts, creating material lists, monitoring the work, getting inspections and babysitting the inspectors. If you are retired or not working this may not be a problem. It is important to remember that the time you spend is valuable itself however only you can judge its true value.
