What an Architect REALLY Does During the Day

Summary

This video provides an insightful look into the daily life of an architect, featuring Hibba, an architect at Valerio Dewalt Train Associates in Chicago. Through her experience, we explore various stages of architectural work, from site visits and client meetings to detailed design tasks like creating door schedules and reviewing submittals. The video also highlights the collaborative process within the firm, the use of software like Revit, and the complexities of construction documentation. Additionally, Hibba shares a recent completed project, showcasing the transition from design to construction, emphasizing the hands-on and dynamic nature of architecture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Architects have diverse, unpredictable workdays that vary depending on the stage of the project and the number of projects they are handling.
• 😀 Hibba works at Valerio Dewalt Train and Associates, where the firm handles a variety of projects, including hotels, multi-family homes, and student housing.
• 😀 Revit is the primary tool used at the firm, allowing architects to create 3D models while also documenting floor plans in 2D.
• 😀 One of Hibba's primary tasks involves handling submittals from contractors, which are detailed documents for different categories like concrete, plumbing, and HVAC.
• 😀 Submittals require careful review and cross-referencing, especially in large projects like the 500-room residential building Hibba is working on.
• 😀 Checking the door schedule is a key part of the submittal process, which includes verifying door sizes, fire ratings, and their proper operation.
• 😀 Door schedules can be lengthy and tedious, requiring attention to detail as each door must be checked against the floor plan and other specifications.
• 😀 Hibba uses a cheat sheet to help quickly determine the direction and details of each door, making the review process more efficient.
• 😀 Once all submittals are reviewed, any revisions are sent to the contractor, and once approved, the designs move forward to the construction phase.
• 😀 During the construction phase, Hibba worked on the 'Convene' project, overseeing the creation of a feature wall designed using Rhino and other software.
• 😀 The process of designing the feature wall involved multiple iterations and the creation of 3D models and construction documents to guide the building phase.
• 😀 Architects must communicate complex designs through 2D drawings to ensure the construction process aligns with their vision while being feasible to build.

Q & A

What are some of the tasks an architect might face during an average day?

An architect’s day can vary greatly and may include site visits, client meetings, and working on design or construction documents. The specific tasks depend on the project phase and the type of work being done, such as design, construction administration, or project management.

How does the work environment at Valerio Dewalt Train Associates differ from other firms?

Valerio Dewalt Train Associates has a non-hierarchical work structure where employees of different experience levels collaborate closely. Architects at the firm work on a variety of project types, ranging from hotels to tech interiors and residential buildings, gaining experience across multiple disciplines.

What is the role of Revit in an architect's workflow?

Revit is used to create 3D models of building designs while simultaneously documenting them in 2D. This allows architects to visualize the project and ensure the designs align with construction requirements. However, detailed construction documents are still necessary as the model itself cannot be used directly for building.

What is a submittal, and why is it important in architecture?

A submittal is a document sent by the contractor to the architect during the construction phase. It details specific aspects of the project, like materials or components, to ensure they match the design specifications. Architects review these submittals for accuracy before construction proceeds.

What tasks does Hibba work on for the Vanderbilt University project?

Hibba is working on reviewing submittals related to a graduate student housing project at Vanderbilt University. Specifically, she is checking the door schedule, which includes verifying details like door sizes, fire ratings, and swing directions.

What challenges arise when reviewing door schedules during construction?

Reviewing door schedules involves checking each door's specifications, such as size, fire resistance, and operational direction. This process is time-consuming and requires cross-referencing multiple documents to ensure all details are correct and accounted for in the design.

How does Hibba manage the complexity of large submittals?

Hibba manages the complexity of large submittals by organizing the information systematically, using a cheat sheet for quick reference, and color-coding documents to track progress. She also highlights sections that need attention, ensuring that she doesn’t lose track of any revisions.

What is the significance of the 'no exception taken' statement in the review process?

'No exception taken' indicates that the architect has reviewed and approved a contractor’s submittal. It means that the document is in compliance with the design and can be used for the construction phase without any further revisions.

Can you describe the feature wall design process at the Convene project?

The feature wall design at Convene went through several iterations, starting with a structured grid inspired by Chicago’s city layout. The design team used Rhino to model the wall in 3D, adjusted it, and then presented it to the client. After approval, detailed construction documents were created to guide the build.

What was the construction process like for the feature wall at Convene?

The construction of the feature wall involved fabricating individual panels of plywood, which were assembled with a reflective laminate and mirror backing. The panels were installed on a metal stud wall using scissor lifts and brackets, ensuring the design was executed exactly as envisioned.