We have been lucky enough to work with (and continue to work with) some great builders across our 17 years of practice to date, and unfortunately some not so great. We have found that a consistent theme or philosophy that permeates through with all great builders, is their attention to detail and the mindset that the builder and the architect are a team delivering a project for a client.

If your builder and architect are not ‘on the same page’ then it sets up a difficult and potentially stressful build process. Much of the success as to whether or not your builder and architect will work well together rests with the attitude of the architect, and the flexibility of the builder in my experience.

As an example. We often have discussions with builders that revolve around amending something we have detailed. Sometimes its because the builder is not used to doing things the way you have described and this stresses them. In many of these cases we stick to our guns as we have done things this way before and/or they are important design elements. However, sometimes it is because the builder genuinely believes their alternate solution is a better outcome for the project and ultimately the client. In these cases they are often buildability and durability suggestions.

Although architects are trained in the art of construction, we are not the ones with the hammer in our hands and not the ones trying to lift a 3 tonne steel beam 3 storeys up in the air! We do have vision and we do have an endgame in mind, so it is important to ensure, on your clients behalf, that this vision is carried through, but it is equally important to listen when a builder has a sound suggestion. Push the ego aside and realise the project is a team effort. Listen to good advice and always go with the best outcome, even if it wasn’t your idea! If you can assemble a team where the builder and architect are a good fit for each other you will be well ahead in our opinion.

Photo of the future dining area showing first windows being put in place.