Value with a Capital V

The topic of Architect Value came up quite often during our last Vision session focused on Advocacy.  In trying to sell our Value to a client for a building project, I have often compared architectural training to that of a doctor.  Both have more schooling, both have to train as (poorly paid) interns for years.  Architects have to take multiple tests to become licensed and then we have to maintain our knowledge through continuing education credits.  Doctors certainly have to put a lot more effort, time, and investment to become an M.D., yet they are compensated quite well during the long term, six figure incomes certainly can be an extrinsic motivator.  Either profession is not easy to practice, both carry a huge amount of training, knowledge, and liability.  Ultimately, both professions host a plethora of technical knowledge and comprehend the complexities of our respective professions.  Doctors save lives, Architects add to the quality of life.

From my perspective, Architects aren’t in it just for the money (although it certainly helps), many are intrinsically motivated to make the built environment better because we entered this profession for the opportunity to do so.  We are the wearer of many hats, understand the big picture, and inevitably bring Value to our clients through our collective understanding and integration of the many elements / systems to put together a successful project.  Through doing so we bring efficiency, economy, quality, and importance to our projects that inevitably result in Value that good clients understand are critical to a successful project.  It is our job to sell this Value to clients for them to understand our impact on the final result, because without us, the void of our involvement can be quite obvious.     

Chris