Architecture is easy to misunderstand because the public
usually sees the drawings and the finished building, not the decisions between
them. Let us retire five myths without turning the explanation into a quarrel
with another profession.
Myth 1: An architect only draws the owner's idea
Fact: Drawing is one instrument of architectural work. The
architect helps define the problem, study the site, organize spaces, test
options, coordinate building systems and consultants, prepare documents, and
communicate decisions. Republic Act No. 9266 describes a broad scope of
professional services, but the services actually owed on a project depend on
the written appointment.
Myth 2: If a plan looks attractive, it is already complete
Fact: An image can communicate character without resolving
construction. A coordinated project requires appropriate plans, sections,
elevations, details, schedules, specifications, and consultant information at
the level needed for its purpose. The exact documents vary by stage and
contract. A presentation drawing should not be mistaken for a permit or
construction document.
Myth 3: Architects and engineers are interchangeable
Fact: They collaborate, but their education, licensure,
professional instruments, and legal responsibilities are not identical.
Architects coordinate architectural intent and documents within their lawful
scope. Engineers take responsibility for their respective engineering services.
A strong project does not erase these boundaries. It organizes them.
Myth 4: Hiring an architect guarantees a cheap, fast, or problem-free
project
Fact: No responsible professional should guarantee outcomes
controlled by budgets, approvals, market prices, contractors, consultants, site
conditions, weather, client decisions, and many other factors. Good
architectural service can improve clarity, coordination, option evaluation, and
documentation. It can reduce avoidable risk, but it cannot eliminate
uncertainty.
Myth 5: The architect automatically controls every activity on site
Fact: Construction roles must be defined. The contractor is
ordinarily responsible for construction means, methods, sequencing, labour,
safety, and execution under the construction contract. An architect may provide
site visits, contract administration, inspection, supervision, project
management, or other services only as lawfully and specifically appointed.
Similar words are often used loosely, so the written agreement should state
duties and limits.
The fact that matters most
Architecture is coordinated professional judgment exercised
on behalf of a client and the public. It joins utility, safety, environment,
culture, cost, and experience in one developing proposition. That work is
valuable when it is competent, ethical, documented, and accountable.
Clients should ask simple questions. Who prepared this work?
Who is responsible for each discipline? What stage are we in? What is included
and excluded? What information is still provisional? What decision is required
from me?
- The Project Planning Workshop
- Five most essential things to know before deciding to design and build
- Best Way to have Better Control and Fast-Tract Your Project
- How Much Does Hiring an Architect Cost
- Why contracts are essential when engaging in services
- The Architect's Basic Design Service
- 7 reasons why Architects are seen as expensive and an unnecessary cost in building projects
- How to create a Design Brief for your architect
- Philippine architecture practice and P.R.C.'s position with Civil Engineers' encroachment in the architecture profession
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