Architecture on Tap, The Re-Cap

Last Thursday, the AIA Associates held their Architecture on Tap series at Cretia’s, which focuses on relationships within the design industry. From the dim lit bar in the back room, following a few rounds of authentic Italian pizzas compliments of Schmidt & Stacy, we had an intimate conversation led by local architects and engineers. Our panel included; Britt Feik of PageSoutherlandPage, Garrett Brown of Summit Consultants, Stephen Price of Datum Engineers, Regina Stamatiou of Corgan Associates, Matt Leyman of Beck Group, and David Schmidt of Schmidt & Stacy. After the introductions, we jumped straight into a lengthy discussion on communication. Every one of our guests stressed the importance of communication in our field. Britt Feik brought up the downside of E-mail communication. E-mail has become an easy way to send thoughts, however, we have become so reliant on that tool that we forget about the basics of human face to face interaction that truly help us solve problems. When we start to lose these interpersonal encounters, we lose focus on what we are trying to accomplish. Another important point was stressed; ASAP does not mean anything. Instead, one should always give a specific time and date of his or her needs. ASAP orders will get pushed to the back of the line in order to meet set deadlines.

Following the question and answer portion regarding communication, the panel delved further into the Botanical Research Institute of Texas project that half of them had collaborated on. Using that project as a jumping off point, we learned about the ability to use BIM modeling to solve complex problems in a 3D environment. While the jury is still out on whether BIM is better, we learned interesting ways that the team communicated through their models. From the architect, to the engineer, to the construction team; each group worked with each other to solve the little problems that are very important to achieving LEED Platinum rating. The team also explained that they pushed each other beyond their capabilities to do the best job that they can do. When you are lucky to have a client that is willing to go the extra mile, the design team should push each other to come up with the best, most innovative solution they can build. Matt Leyman explains, “You get out of it what you put in.”

Overall, the conversation gravitated towards the honest truth: we are all in this for the same reason. We are here to build for our clients and do the best job that we can do as a team. We must set our personal issues aside and work toward the common goal. As Matt Leyman said, “We are building America.”

Join us next time as we discuss the relationship between architects and interior designers. See you the August 18^th!