The Role of the Architect: Changes of the Past, Practices of the Present, and Indications of the Future

For centuries, the master builder, the one who was responsible for both the design and the construction of a project, had sufficient design and construction expertise to oversee a project from inception to completion. Eventually, increased complexity required a higher level of specialization, leading to the separation of the designer and the builder. Since that separation, the role of the designer or architect has continued to shift and evolve. The exact role of the architect today is unclear. However, in integrating design and building team efforts the entire construction industry continues to grow and provide new opportunities for advancement. The successful architect of the future could be one who strives to reclaim lost responsibilities, explores new alternative services, and promotes a higher level of collaboration with the build team.