To architect?! Wait. Like, to scientist?!!

A verb? Are you kidding me?! 

Only in the jargon-sodden world of 'digital transformation' and scalable, agile, software development would people not feel embarrassed to use 'architect' as a verb. Sure, architecture and design are closely related disciplines. And yes, the word ‘design’ can be used as a verb as well as a noun. But architecture is not design. And an architect is not (just) a designer.

In many jurisdictions, and from a very narrow perspective, the difference between an architect and a building designer is a qualification, licence and certificate. Both design buildings. But neither ‘architects’ a building. Nobody ‘architects’ anything because ‘architect’ is a noun, not a verb.

This is a hill I am willing to die on. 

The word ‘architect’ is derived from the Greek word ‘arkhitekton’, which roughly translates as ‘chief builder’; and the first architects were the people ultimately responsible for the conception, planning and construction of buildings and spaces. Part artist, part scientist, part engineer, and part craftsman, they would develop ‘artifacts’ (e.g. sketches, plans, models) to communicate and promote their ideas; estimate quantities and costs; and guide and direct the work of engineers, stonemasons, carpenters and other craftsmen.

The architect’s ability to devise and create buildings that were ‘sturdy, useful and beautiful’ gradually became codified as the theory and discipline of architecture. And for hundreds of years, its most famous treatise was ‘De Architectura’ by Vitruvius. 

At no point in all of antiquity did anyone ‘architect’ anything. It was never a verb. 

Professional architects appeared in renaissance Italy in the mid 16th century, and sought to distance themselves from mere ‘designers of buildings’. Philbert de l’Orme, in particular, envisaged a self-governing body of trained specialists, working to agreed standards, with defined responsibilities and privileges. And in doing so, he formalised the roles and working relationships between patron/client, architect and a hierarchy of builders. 

Nowadays, it typically takes 5 years of accredited study; 2 or 3 years of supervised work experience (internship); and a successful examination to become a registered architect. Thereafter, to maintain their registration, architects are required to undertake a comprehensive curriculum of continuing professional development (CPD). And such efforts are reflected in their fees. 

Advances in building technology, products, materials, constructions methods, design tools, and planning, building and environmental regulations continue to shape the construction industry and the work of modern architects. The tasks required to plan, design and construct, conserve or change a building are many and varied. But many of these tasks can be adequately performed by someone other than a registered architect. At less cost. And clients know this - especially commercial clients ... and their financiers. 

To reduce costs, the modern architectural practice may employ: drafters, technicians, technologists, engineers, quantity surveyors, landscape, lighting and interior designers, contract writers, project managers, marketeers, office administrators, accountants and others. And depending on the nature of the project, specialist independent consultants may temporarily assist with feasibility studies, designs, tenders, procurements, applications, installations, appraisals and more. 

But remember: neither the architect, the architectural technologist, the interior designer or office administrator do any ‘architecting’ ... because it isn’t a word. 

A typical project team for building design and construction:

Once the rockstars of construction, today’s architects are often heavily constrained by client advisers, budgets, schedules, consultants and regulations; and swamped by project teams of dozens or hundreds or thousands of people - all with views and opinions and competing agendas and priorities. Generous, audacious and visionary patrons of architects are now few and far between. Vitruvius’s righteous triad: utilitas, firmitas and venustas (utility, strength and beauty) have largely given way to more prosaic virtues: compliant, inoffensive and profitable. Construction’s not art - it’s business! Avant-garde or experimental architecture sounds risky, confrontational, divisive ... and privileged. Architects aren’t in charge - the financiers, lawyers and PR people are! Consequently, many once passionate architects come to feel disillusioned with the profession, its regulating bodies, and modern working practices. 

Type ‘unhappy architect’ into your search engine of choice. Some of the posts (like this one) are desperately sad. 

However, there have never been more ‘architects’. 

Sometimes curiously, sometimes spuriously, the word ‘architect’ is increasingly being applied to the job title of those that plan or design, or govern the design of, or oversee the development of various other things, e.g. landscapes, golf courses, marine vessels, communication networks, technology solutions, cloud services, software applications, information systems, enterprises and businesses, to name but a few. The title-holder may not have undergone the same level of study, training and examination. They may not be registered or certified or members of a royal institute. And the title may have been self-applied. But still, the purpose and nature of their role; their mindset, traits and characteristics; and the verbs that describe the work they do aren’t dissimilar. Some are, but many are not, ‘mere designers’. 

Like buildings, these ‘things’ can certainly be multi-faceted and complex. And in the case of businesses and enterprises - somewhat abstract, amorphous, dynamic and difficult to define. Just like with buildings, planning and constructing or changing these things can be subject to significant regulation, commercial pressures, conflicts, scrutiny and resistance. 

Building or changing a company, firm, organisation, business or enterprise is hard. Knowing what to build, buy, sell, develop, transform or dispose of; what behaviours to promote, incentivise and penalise; what services to in-house or outsource, offshore, onshore, or near-shore; what to start or stop doing, or use more or less of. All of this ain’t easy. Like trying to change a tyre ... on a moving car ... on a busy, twisty, bumpy road ... in the dark ... in a hurricane! The unknowns, uncertainties and risks are many and various. The challenges are many and various - they’re technical, legal, financial, cultural and political. It can take a cast of dozens, hundreds or thousands. And the tasks are many and various too. But none of those tasks use the word ‘architect’ as a verb. 

Architects do many things: they engage, listen, interpret, explore, question, analyse, draw, model, synthesise, specify, evaluate, inspire, challenge, influence, guide, cajole, direct ... and plan and design.

In a world trying to create and change increasingly complex things, what we don’t need are people using words, terms or phrases that introduce more ambiguity, confusion and bewilderment. We need clarity of purpose, meaning and intent; vision, empathy, leadership and collaboration; wisdom, expertise and endeavour. 

Architects study and practice architecture - the art, science and craft - the process and product of planning, designing and constructing some thing, or changing it for the better. 

Architect is a noun. 

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Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. I'm available to chat, hire or employ.