A "feminine" approach to architecture?! (Let me explain!)
I think I can finally articulate the difference between a “masculine” and “feminine” way of working on a project. And I’m even going to risk sharing my theory, through an example.
Now as you sit back and watch me ride this roller coaster, let’s be real here…
It’s not that men always work one way and women always work another. (oh god, what am I getting myself into?!?) The point is that there are different styles and routes to project delivery that don’t feature so strongly in the management textbooks. This isn’t a gender war, rather, it’s trying to pinpoint the value of having different approaches to getting stuff done.
ok?
OK??
Here we go then.
The masculine approach is generally individual and linear. In the context of a renovation it might look like this:
First you, the client, must commit to an idea along the lines of “we need an extension to solve our problems and therefore we need a designer”.
So you interview a few architects you like, get some proposals, and pick one.
Now the architect is working for you and they coordinate the required consultants (engineers and the like) and present the required drawings.
And the drawings are what you want. Great.
Then tenders are sought and a builder is selected. Hopefully the price is right.
And then it gets built (gosh that was LOT of money, but it's good) and you move in.
Yay!
It is the classic sequence and has worked thousands upon thousands of times. It is managed at every step. It also can get stuck at any of those change points as responsibility and risk (not to mention emotion) suddenly shift from party to party.
The feminine approach permits more uncertainty and collaboration. It also probably features greater trust. It might go something more like this:
First you, the client, identify that there is a “problem” with your house that means it isn’t (or soon won’t be) performing as well as you need it to. Maybe you need to renovate? Maybe it’s not worth it and you should just move?? You’re allowed to be uncertain.
So you contact an independent architect.
They listen to your ideas and challenges, look objectively at your home in real life and in plan, they sketch and talk and ask you questions, and start to form a diagnosis.
With an overview of plausible strategies and ballpark costs, you can compare your options. Even compare against the pros and cons of moving. More work is needed, but you get a broader understanding of your position.
You decide to renovate. Great.
Your architect presents drawings and always brings a red pen. Design meetings are more like workshops. You are involved.
As the design is being developed, your architect introduces you to some trusted builders and you choose one.
The builder joins the team and visits your home during the design process. They prepare early costings based on the concept design and suggest some ways to keep costs down. The architect discusses the implications with you and incorporates the savings into the developing design.
The builder and the architect have some fantastic chats that condenses two weeks of emails into one meeting at your kitchen bench. (This has actually happened.)
You don’t need to go to tender because the builder is already selected. They give cost updates and recommend their trusted consultants. No cost shocks.
The project is built by someone who has been involved in the design process, which improves communication. Expectations are understood.
You move in and although it was stressful at times, you actually enjoyed the process.
Yay!
TL:DR - If you didn't make it through the dot points, the key parts bits are:
Working at the very start with an architect who does not have a vested interest in the project going one way or another. This allows them to be objective and consider, in dialogue with you, your options and best interests. This is all about getting alignment between your goals and your resources.
Communication and trust. I know a client has had a poor previous experience when they tell me that they know they aren’t experts in design and building, but they also know they aren’t stupid and want to be involved and understand what’s going on! It is entirely reasonable to want to understand you own project. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
A collaborative approach to working with builders and consultants. Competitive tenders are an essential part of the industry. I use them myself. But they are not the only choice, and not the best choice in every circumstance. If a trusted builder “adopts” a well defined project, it can keep architects’ fees down too (but don’t tell anyone I said that).
“This is what I hoped the traditional architecture process would be like, but this feels more collaborative. Working together like this we just stay on track.”
Architect GP is a network of like-minded architects who never presume to have “won” your project. Our https://www.architectgp.au/services are all about giving you that impartial and objective design input at the start of a project, or when you find yourself stuck along the way.
We are big on communication and utilise some simple but effective resources to give structure to complex discussions. You receive these resources too.
When you book an Architect GP for an in-home workshop you are meeting a local. They have professional networks in your area to refer you towards what you need next, or to good places to do further research.
And did I mention we bring biscuits?
🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪
Because when we are guests in your home, it is important to contribute to the hospitality, as well as to set the tone for an active and intelligent meeting. (Please tell your Architect GP if you are gluten intolerant!)
If you are open to the productive uncertainty, collaboration and rewards of a more “feminine” approach to architecture (from female and male architects alike), then it’s time to take a look at our in-home workshops.
