Definition Of An Architect!

An architect can perform many roles including design, specification writer, construction observation, ombudsman, and even in some cases construction, but for purposes of this article I would like to focus on design.



According to one definition from my apple computer dictionary the architect is a person who is responsible for inventing or realizing a particular idea or project.

Another definition states that an architect is a person who designs buildings and in many cases supervises their construction.

Finally, Wikipedia's definition works well. An architect is a person who translates a users requirements into a built environment.

To summarize then, an architect is someone who:

Invents. 

Design buildings.

And translate the users requirements into a built environment.

In a way all three definitions fall under the category of design.

Lets talk about all these three things separately.

First: An architect Invents. 

An inventor creates something out of necessity that does not already exist.

In a way every building, every house, every skyscraper, every thing architects create, if its original, its called an invention.

A building becomes something of an invention by virtue of the specific requirements of the client. Its utility lies in its unique function for the person or people it is designed for.

Second: An architect designs.

To design is to plan with a specific purpose in mind. Designing implies a kind of thoughtful planning relative to a set of parameters.

All kinds of things are designed after they're invented like Vacuums, sneakers, printers, headphones, telephones, chairs, tables, silverware, and of course buildings.

The architect designs the building after its conceived or invented.

Thirdly: An architect is a translator 

He translate a users requirement into a built environment.

When you first meet with an architect one of the first discussions is about the program. The program is essentially a description of everything that will be going into the building.

If its a home, the program includes the number of powder rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, how many car garage, etc. If its an industrial building the program includes machinery, offices, technology, etc. If its a skyscraper it includes use, number of occupants, utility spaces, executive suites, number of floors, etc In simple terms the architect takes the program and turns it into a building.

All these three items: Invention, design and translation fall in under the category of design each is vital to the role of an architect.