Architectural Project Manager

Is the architect's job to design something attractive, or to design something sturdy?

Asked by Brit almost 13 years ago

At the heart of it architects are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the users of our buildings. That means things like the air inside is safe to breath or that it is easy to exit in case of a fire or even little things like it's easy to find your way through a building. While most architects love the design aspect the most their main concern is making sure the buildings are safe and inviting place to visit.

Re: large/tall buildings. How does an architect approach a project in a more earthquake-prone area differently than one in a safer area? What are the primary structural differences? Put another way, how do tall buildings even exist in California?

Asked by Go Bolts! almost 13 years ago

As I alluded to in my prior post about earthquake-proofing buildings this isn't really an area of expertise for me. We don't get much seismic activity in Texas.

When you draw up plans for a house, how long should it last before developing structural problems? Like, if it started showing stress faults after 100 years, would that be the architect's fault, or...do houses just get old and fall apart?

Asked by goldieRR almost 13 years ago

It really just depends on the house was built. Unfortunately since most houses in the US are built with wood they generally do have an expected life span. Of course, if built well and maintained a wood frame house can last virtually forever.

Will the Leaning Tower of Pisa ever fall? Do architects of today look at it as a thing of beauty, or a glaring example of poor design and construction?

Asked by J3r3my almost 13 years ago

My understanding is that it has been stabilized where it *should* not fall down. However I believe that people are no longer allowed to go in it. I think it's a great building and an interesting lesson in engineering.

Will architects be needed in the future? Aren't we moving toward an era where we'll be able to do model everything digitally?

Asked by JOE over 12 years ago

I'm a junior in high school and I don't know what I want to major in. I like to meet new people and travel. I am good at managing and designing. I want a job where I can manage a design team and a job that pays well. What would you suggest?

Asked by Nitroen over 10 years ago