Being a Designer Vs a Manager

In this blog, let us review some sharp differences between a Designer and a Manager and understand why they must have a balance of both Design and Managerial skills.

Basically, there are two distinct types of Architecture:

1. Architecture of art – forms about 5% of the total building construction, i.e. museums, parliament house, stadium, religious buildings and other public buildings.

2. Everyday architecture – forms the rest 95%, i.e. individual houses, mass housing, shopping centre, schools, industrial buildings, workshops, etc. 

The one-big difference between the first and the second that stands-out to me is that, the first one requires an architect with extraordinary Design skills while the latter requires an architect with good sense of designing along with extraordinary Management skills.

In large organizations, the role of an Architectural Designer and an Architectural Manager is clearly distinct. Sometimes the roles perfectly complement each other; sometimes they create conflicts. Let me illustrate this further by sharing with you a story of two of my friends, Rishi and Sam, who worked with a corporate Design consultancy firm. 

Rishi was an inherently talented Designer and Sam a highly skilled Manager. Apparently, they both approached work with different styles.

Image Courtesy: www.borisgloger.com

Sam’s day at work started with coming early to the office, before Rishi. He called clients quickly comprehended the situation of projects, took updates from all consultants and contractors and then took a coffee break. He strongly believed that it was utmost necessary to keep the clients happy. 

“If the client is not happy, he won’t pay and so I will risk my annual bonus, prestige and promotion. And you know the source of this problem – the designer! He never delivers the work on time!” said Sam. 

Image Courtesy: www.artbackwash.blogspot.com

On the other hand, Rishi in spite of aggressive deadlines often arrived late at the office as he would have worked night long on his designs. He would directly catch up a coffee and engrossed in his creative thoughts, would begin developing strategies for his presentation.  

“I have to enhance my ability to listen to the client, knowing what client really needs is important, because it makes our Design and Strategies more effective. But mangers don’t understand that and keep me under pressure.” said Rishi.

These conflicts are common between a manager and a designer. Well, both of them may be right in their own positions.  But...

For a project to be successful, an architectural Manager as well as a Designer must create and foster an environment to collaborate and work synergistically as a team. If you are starting your own practice, please keep in mind that it is very critical to keep a balance between your Design abilities and Management abilities. Since I strongly believe, a good building design has ZERO value until it is sold and executed.

So, along with your designing abilities, say ‘yes 2 Architectural Management’ and develop strong management power.