Architects Deserve Their Bad Rep: Why We Need to Design with Buildability in Mind
As an architect, I’ve seen firsthand why fellow architects deserve their bad rep. Many of us fixate on aesthetics—how our designs look in renderings—without giving enough thought to practical construction. Architecture isn’t just about beauty; it’s about creating spaces that we can realistically build and inhabit.
The Aesthetic Trap
Most architects aim to create visually stunning buildings that push boundaries and inspire awe. Yet, in chasing this vision, we often ignore construction realities. A design that looks fantastic on screen can quickly turn into a nightmare when we overlook how to execute it.
Consider the iconic, all-glass skyscrapers that dominate city skylines. They’re visually striking, but they bring high costs, complex construction, and long-term maintenance headaches. If we only design for portfolios, not real-world practicality, we miss the mark.
The Reality of Construction
Ignoring buildability sets everyone up for failure. Builders face impossible angles, unconventional materials, and engineering problems—all avoidable with a grounded approach. Projects go over budget, deadlines slip, and clients feel frustrated. As architects, we hold responsibility for more than aesthetics; we must ensure our designs can be built effectively, within budget and programme.
Overlooking practicality leads to buildings that don’t function well. We’ve all seen homes with poor privacy or public spaces that look more like art installations than usable areas. This approach fails clients, builders, and us as professionals.
A Call to Action for Architects
If we want to improve our profession’s reputation, we need to embrace construction realities as much as we embrace creativity. This doesn’t mean stifling our imagination; it means integrating practicality from day one. Collaboration with engineers, builders, and other experts shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should guide the design process.
Designing for the Real World
Architects hold the power to create buildings that are both beautiful and buildable. The best designs balance form and function, considering how each choice plays out in the real world. By focusing on buildability, we can ensure our work not only looks good but functions well.
At Pier Architects our core design principles are at the forefront of what we do including Keeping it Simple, providing Value for Money along with Honesty and Transparency.
Our reputation depends on delivering designs that inspire and work. When we prioritise buildability alongside aesthetics, we create spaces that endure—not only as art but as places where people can truly live, work, and thrive.
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