What Makes a Good Architect

At Architeria Architects we are always proud to declare that our team consists of what we consider Melbourne’s best Architects. But what exactly is it that makes a good architect?

The path to becoming an architect starts with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, followed by a master’s degree and experience to become a registered architect. We have over the years witnessed a lot of aspiring young architects submitting their CV’s, full of hope and excitement to enter the architectural field. Education is only the start, and quite often our young architects realise that the practical work at an architectural practice differs quite significantly to the studio work at university.

Theory does not always translate to reality, as practical experience is gained over the years. What we often find is that, in the beginning, our graduates are yet to relate elements that are a crucial part of being an architect. Cost, budget, material availability, buildability and time management to name a few.

When we interview for the position, we often find beautiful portfolios of university work that have no touch of reality. While creativity and design skills are important, an island of futuristic towers floating on water is not a reality. Each line you draw is an object that the builder will have to build, so understanding of how to put elements together is vital.

The meaning of the word architect in Greek, architecton is arki for chief and tekton for builder, or simply put “master builder”. In the past, the architect was the designer, and he was the builder, overseeing the build. Interior design was an integrated part of architecture and was often designed around furniture.  Vitruvius identified three principles of architecture, firmitas, utilitas and venustas, which translates to structural integrity, utility and beauty. A true architect should have skills that covers all the above.

We believe that talent is creativity and technology combined. It is equally important for our architects to be artistic as well as technologically savvy.

Combining beauty with functionality and buildability is what a good architect knows how to do. In many design practices, the designer is the “God” of the office, and the documentation architects are lower in the hierarchy. We do not support this culture as we do believe that versatility is the key to a fantastic architect. To be able to deliver a project from A-Z, from conception to turnkey is what we aim to teach our graduates, and this comes with time, and it comes through experience. We do not believe in placing our team members in pigeonholes, rather we are constantly challenging our staff to get out of their comfort zones and stretch their wings.

The willingness and the ability to learn new skills is more important than what you know when you first start your career is the philosophy of our Principal Architect Mel Gawi, who over the years has created many stars, mentoring and guiding our graduates and seen many of them reaching further than they first thought they could, and he finds great pleasure in seeing his students thriving in the architectural world. They all carry that specific Architeria stamp with them wherever they go. 

In the first year, many of the graduates we employ learn to master different software skills and varieties of design packages. They are also taught to document and think of each line they draw.

Since Architeria Architects have a construction arm in their sister company, we have ample opportunities for our graduates and architects to come for site visits, where Mel often transfers his experience as a builder as well as an architect and the opportunities to gain some invaluable lessons are available to the staff. It is when you have built your first project that your theoretical knowledge will truly be under scrutiny and where problem solving behind the computer can be improved.

Architects deal with other professionals such as consultants daily, and the management of consultants, ability to multitask, managing client expectations and have great communication skills are other qualities that a good architect must have. Dealing with trades people on site in a construction environment, however, is a different ballpark. Understanding the sequence of construction, evaluating and solving problems due to site restraints, how to transform raw material to a finished product, lead times, construction techniques, are all qualities that are expected of an architect, however, this is seldom something that are taught at school. The conditions at a construction site could at times be harsh, and we have witnessed the different environment that pertains to a construction site and how it can be an uncomfortable and intimidating situation for greener architects to be able to defend their decisions, understanding the cycle, and solving problems on site. Only by being exposed to issues and problems during construction, and to frequently be dealing with these, will give the architects the practical knowledge.  

Working under stress, being in control and managing a project from A-Z comes with challenges, and graduates are never prepared for this straight after university. Time management is one of the most challenging parts to handle within architecture. Achieving a good work-life balance to avoid being burnt out but at the same time be in control over your hours is a balancing act.

Mel Gawi - Principal Architect

A good architect will have business skills and an understanding of profitability. Many times, architects sell time, so keeping track of your hours and not killing profit is another variable that is sought after in a good, experienced architect.

Becoming the best architect you can takes years of education, training, experience and a passion for what you do. It takes commitment and hours after hours of hard work, a constant willingness to thrive and developing your skills. A good architect is never just “an office boy”, or girl, referring to some less kind comments overheard on construction sites.

A good architect is versatile, composed, a problem solver, creative and in control. We are very proud of our architects at Architeria Architects and believe that our team is what makes the difference, and a good leader brings out the best in his team.

A solid knowledge, passion for the craft and confidence, that is what our architects are made of.

Kate Gawi

Creative Director and Interior Designer

Architeria Architects