Architects and design

The article of Judi Keith-Brown on April 23 (Business Opinion, Waikato Times) might be of interest to some but to me, it is more like an excuse. Architecture is creating.

Talent is something you have, not what you can learn. It can be fine tuned but that’s it. Constructing is different.

I had to learn about timber, bricks, concrete, roof types and materials, plaster, tiles, you name it.

On top of that, quantity surveying in order to stick to the budget.

I discussed with the client what they were looking for and created a plan.

It was my choice to choose a roof overhang and no internal gutters.

If they wished otherwise, I would point out the risk. As architect, I did not work with the builder, the supplier, the manufacturer.

But I did research to make sure their products were approved and suitable. From 1990 to 2014, I did not use materials which had not been proven.

Polystyrene, even with a cavity or solid plaster over building paper were out.

I draw details to explain how to build it, even when it was not required at the time by council. My father and I were responsible as builders for 30 years, an architect also but with the maximum fine of his honorarium.

The apartments in Auckland received an architecture award, yet they have to be fixed as they leak. It appears that, as in your article, it was the fault of architect, builder, supplier, manufacturer and Council. A large team. In my opinion, it was just poor design.

Thomas Beuker, Hamilton