Internecine Warfare

Once I saw a builder punch an architect. Apparently, he didn't like the guy's bowtie. The architect counterpunched, saying the builder was too stupid to frame a doghouse.

Okay, okay. That never happened but it could have. Over the years, the relationship between builders and architects has been akin to the relationship between two head-strong brothers. It can be so contentious that we are prepared to believe any level of confrontation is possible. In fact, I would bet that a fistfight has occurred between a builder and an architect. The only difference between the reality and my fiction would be the reason for the fight.

The level of natural confrontation between builder and architect seems to be waning, though. Both sides have begun to realize that successful partnerships lead to success for both partners. Contentious partnerships cost money and increase the risk of home building, which is already plenty risky. In the battle between builders and architects, success is winning.

In this issue of Custom Builder, contributing editor Ann Matesi investigates the builder/architect association. She spotlights a couple of successful relationships and draws conclusions about what builders and architects should look for from each other. She offers specific recommendations, which can be boiled down to these two points:

• Architects want builders who have experience and are knowledgeable, flexible, and responsive.
• Builders want architects who design buildable structures and are knowledgeable, flexible and responsive.

Both sides want the same thing from each other except architects want builders who can build. And builders want architects who can design. The crux of the confrontation lies in that sole difference and that is the reason for the relationship. Otherwise, the same person would handle both roles.

So, how do you resolve what seems to be a natural confrontation in your partnership? You bring knowledge, flexibility and responsiveness to the table. If you know how to do your work, are willing to make changes based on new information and listen to those around you, any working relationship will become less contentious and more successful.

The key to all of that is communication, which is the vital element that has allowed the usually quarrelsome relationship between builder and architect to become more successful.

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