re: Who here is an Architect?

I am. LSU grad about 10 years in. It’s definitely not for everyone and not something you do for the money. But - for those with a knack for it who grind out the 5+ years of school, internship, testing and licensure it can be a very rewarding career. I hate to be cliche but you really have to have a “passion” for it or you will be miserable.

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Fun fact: the recently retired CSM of the 20th SF GRP has a masters in architecture. He was a practicing architect and rejoined the army after 9/11. He was already Ranger qualified from his prior service and went through the Q course as a 40 year old.

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badass

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Because most architects are designing mall space and other boring projects, job satisfaction usually isn’t great.

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that’s because 8 out of 10 commercial projects just need a draftsman

shite I taught myself how to do it. It isn’t that complicated and certainly not rewarding if that’s all you do. But, there’s money to be made

Close personal friends with three “A”rchitects.

I know several others pretty well.

One takeaway from these relationships that I’ll note:

They volunteer their clients’ money like it’s endless.

They generally are much more frugal when it comes to their own money on personal projects.

There’s also a large amount of wokeness in the architectural world, from the academic side.

that’s because 8 out of 10 commercial projects just need a draftsman…..

Oh boy. This is a common misconception. Hiring a draftsman and expecting an architects level of training and expertise gets a lot of people in a big bind
I get quite a bit of work from clients that went this route and got some pretty pictures but can’t get permit approvals or reasonable bids due to code compliance issues or lack of details in the drawings.
They turn to me to get them out of a bad spot after they have been sold on a bill of goods that the draftsman can’t deliver.
Joseph

The major is also expensive. You have to pay for modelling supplies etc

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Oh boy. This is a common misconception. Hiring a draftsman and expecting an architects level of training and expertise gets a lot of people in a big bind

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im a commercial contractor. I know what I’m talking about.

“Architect expertise” is often not needed.
I am a draftsman and I can draw 90% of what I need to permit and construct the vast majority or my projects, even those that are ground-up. Were it not for the requirement of a licensed POR I would not need an architect at all in most cases

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What are you building there, bub?

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whatever my owners can and want to pay for...renovation and new construction

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You've never once complained about the lack of details in an architects set of plans, right?

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of course i have...but when i draw the plans the only one i can complain to, is me

i could do just fine without an architect. i can read codes just like they can, and i've done it long enough that i know what needs to be on the set and more importantly, what does not. architects just make things take longer and cost more

We had 1 guy, though I think he may be dealing with a little trouble in new York right now

I am a draftsman and I can draw 90% of what I need to permit and construct the vast majority or my projects, even those that are ground-up. Were it not for the requirement of a licensed POR I would not need an architect at all in most cases.....

Not doubting your ability as a contractor. Just don't buy taking a few AutoCAD classes replaces an Architect. 90% of something still does not get you across the finish line. Why do you think a POR (professional of record) is required? Because they recognize the need for one.

Projects that come my way by a drafter typically are simple designs but do they serve the client within their budget? Most of them are not code compliant or over budget due to a basic understanding of building codes or vague details (ones you can buy "off the shelf") that don't really apply to the project or over engineered because of uncertainty with the different building systems like structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc.).
Vague drawings result in costly change orders because the contractor or their sub-contractors have to assume things that are not on the plans (most contractors that see this will low ball the bid and then pop the client with expensive change orders in my experience).
One last point, when the stamp is applied to the drawing we are accepting responsibility for the project for up to 7 years under the current law. I highly doubt a drafter (or an Architect that rubber stamps a drawing provided by a draftsman) understands the liability that comes with along with the design / drawings.
Bottom line I LOVE my job and profession despite all of the potential pitfalls.
Joseph