Educating the Architect on New Construction Techniques
“I don’t have any experience with this building technique, but it sounds exciting. What can you tell me about it?”
-Nabil T., Medford, Oregon
This is actually a quote from an engineer I work with from about 6 years ago. He had never heard of straw bale construction before but once I introduced him to it, he became instantly intrigued and wanted to learn more. It’s always a little risky to teach someone on the job about a new technique. It is definitely preferable that they take some continuing education classes and learn as much as they can before you start your project. Most preferable is someone who already has knowledge and experience with your building style. In the above example, I would have preferred an engineer who had already worked on straw bale projects and was well versed in the details of how they are put together.
Finding an architect with experience is not always possible. Sometimes, you have to go with the best you can find and fill in the gaps as you move forward. This was the case with my engineer. There were no engineers in my area that had experience with straw bale construction. I followed the recommendation of several people I respected and hired Nabil. I filled in the blanks as we went along. Sometimes that is how it has to be. When you find yourself in this situation, you need to know how best to quickly introduce a new technique and how to support the architect through the process.
First, make the introduction of the building technique. You will know right away if the architect you are working with is the right person based on how they react to your introduction. If he or she constantly tries to talk you out of building with the materials you have your heart set on, they are probably not the right architect for you. As always, listen to their input. They may be right and you may actually be crazy for wanting to build with the material of choice. I can’t say I’d argue with an architect for trying to talk you out of building with matchbooks and oil.
Once you hear their feedback and filter through, let them know your position. If they are willing to work with you and are interested in learning something new, they may be the right person for the job. Ask them about other new techniques they have learned in the past. Ask them how difficult the design was for them and how steep the learning curve was. This is not to say they would have the same experience this time around with your project, but it will give you some insight into how they work in new and mysterious fields.
You may find that the architect responds with such excitement and enthusiasm that you are certain they are the right person for the job. If all of the other items on your “how to find an architect” checklist look good, then you can move forward. The enthusiasm will likely mean that he or she will be proactive in the search for information on the technique. That is great and should be supported; however, don’t leave them on their own in the pursuit of knowledge. Be sure to work with them to connect them to the right information and the right people. If your technique is relatively new or alternative there may be differing opinions on how things should work. Make sure that you and your architect are reading the same information and that you agree on the approach to take.
Now come the support. The collaboration between you and your architect will be even more important when working with alternative and new building techniques. You will likely be the expert or at least the one more versed in the technique since you brought it to the architect. Because of this, you are in control of how things move forward. Be sure to keep a solid stream of information in front of your architect. Give her everything you can find that supports your intentions. That may be references to quality websites or written papers about the building technique. Whatever it is, help them stay up to date and in line with your dreams.
Another great option is to employ a consultant who specializes in the type of construction you wish to use in your home. They may or may not be local to your area, which is fine. Just make sure they are available to you and your architect for feedback and input. In today’s modern technological era, there is no reason why you should not be able to sit in front of your consultant and architect and have a meeting, even if you live in a different country. Use web conferencing software, email, phone and other technologies to share information quickly and clearly. The consultant obviously represents another expense, and maybe one you had not planned on. The expense is well worth it though. Mistakes that could have been avoided by using the consultant will cost a lot more in the end than a consultant fee. After all, demolishing a section of your house only weeks after it was built only to build it again is very expensive. I have seen this done, by the way.
A good consultant can drop into a situation and know immediately what to look for and how to solve some of your seemingly “huge” problems. I have, more than once, stepped onto a jobsite and made recommendations within the first ten minutes that would have saved the owners over $20,000 in mistakes had they brought me on earlier in the process. That said, my recommendations did save roughly an additional $10,000 worth of mistakes from taking place as the clients moved forward. My fee for this visit was $500. The math is easy to do.
With a consultant on staff, an excited and open architect and you in the driver’s seat, the chances of your project working well are high. There may still be snafus along the way. They may or may not be more intense than if you had built a conventional home, but they will be there no mater how prepared you are. Know how to handle these when they come up. Much will depend on your expertise, once again a good reason to hire an expert. Keep the communication open and the enthusiasm high. Everyone benefits from this situation. You get the house you want, the architect gets to learn something new and gain experience in the technique and the consultant gets to once again, help someone achieve his or her dream.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Morrison is the co-founder of Straw Bale Innovations, LLC, a company specializing in straw bale construction education and the proprietor of www.StrawBale.com. Andrew has a passion for straw bale construction that is matched only by his desire to teach his knowledge to others. For over 15 years, Andrew was a skilled, licensed general contractor with experience in designing and building both conventional and straw bale homes. In 2007 Andrew closed his contracting company to focus entirely on teaching workshops and consulting. You can learn more about his workshops at www.StrawBaleWorkshops.com and his consulting services at www.StrawBaleConsulting.com. Andrew received a BA degree from Hampshire College in 1995 for Glacial Geology. He also has a degree in construction technology form the College of the Redwoods.
NOTE: Please remember that you’re welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end). Please send a copy of your reprint or the url to info@strawbale.com. Thanks!
FREE Straw Bale E-Course
Sign up Today!
Win a FREE 7 Day Straw Bale Workshop
Sign up for a chance to win!
Join Planet Straw Bale
Join our free social network, Planet Straw Bale. Use your facebook, yahoo, or google accounts to log in (or create a new account). Be in touch with hundreds of bale enthusiasts from around the world! Please go to PlanetStrawBale.ning.com
