Yesterday's master builder, Today's architect

Can an Architect be a master builder today?

Yes, he can, if he wants to.

Once upon a time architects were called master builders.

They were completely in charge of the building process from concept to completion.

Then arrived an 18th century with industrial revolution. New technologies, new materials and new types of buildings changed the way we designed and lived in our buildings for centuries. Traditional craft was not able to cope up with new techniques and materials. It increased pressure and demands on architectural profession. But at the same time, it also gave birth to new developments in engineering design.

Building process began to become very complex. It required the involvement of many professionals with their specialist knowledge. Thus, during the 19th century, master builders decided to keep away from the complete responsibilities of a building and instead opted the role of designers only. They were independent and educated gentlemen who liked to be called “Architects”. They became mediators between the client and the contractor. Due to this transition, they isolated themselves from commercial matters, legal matters, finance management, construction problems, etc.

Architects were happy with their role till a new challenge arrived in the 20th century. A giant industrial revolution attracted a large population migrating towards urban cities. These urban cities saw huge random development and chaos. Governing authorities decided to implement Town Planning which reduced the scope for architects. Proposed development dictated the traffic pattern, mass housing policies, infrastructure development, etc. Authorities also implemented regulations for building design which further reduced the creative approach for the architects. Majority developments were driven either economically or politically. The majority of the people did not realize the importance of a designer in a building process. Architects were beginning to be considered only as 'elevation makers' or 'decorators'.

The decline of the economy in late 1970 led the building trade to severe slowdown. Social and economic pressures cut the cost of the project. The existing practice of architects was failing. There was a demand in the building industry to explore new fields and new opportunities.

During this period, the oil-rich countries wanted to build a new economy, which was not based on oil. World class buildings were commissioned. The new ambitions were born. Worldwide, a new revival was experienced for building new structures, infrastructure and cities that are icons of the future. This new enthusiasm made architectural institutions to lift restrictions from architectural practices. The architects could now venture into different contract terms like 'design-build', 'project development', 'design-build-operate', etc. Once again, architects were given an opportunity to come back to their role as master builders.

With 21st century, came the idea of globalization and Information Technology. Change in all sectors became faster than ever before. In such a competitive environment, it was not possible for architects to survive only on their creative skills. Efficient management skills became the new weapon to win the competitive market. But unfortunately, without realizing this fact, architectural institutions continued to educate students in a traditional methodology. It is still a design oriented education with little involvement about the study of management in the design process

Today, the scope for architects is enormous, but their management skills are weak to grab these opportunities. I strongly believe that we all ambitious architects must react immediately and win over our past roles as master builders!

It's time we discuss, learn and practice
Architectural Management.