How I stumbled onto being a design consultant

I have a confession to make – there was a time when I didn’t quite grasp the profound connection between my roles as an architect and a design educator. In the bustling world of design and construction, I considered these two facets of my life as separate, each with its own unique purpose. Little did I know that the blend of these seemingly distinct roles would craft the ideal skill set for becoming a consultant capable of addressing challenges from two essential perspectives.

The Architect’s Puzzle Solver

So, let’s start with the architect side of things. As an architect, I wasn’t just about sketching fancy buildings and picking cool colours.

My life was all about problem-solving.

Every architectural project was like diving into a complex puzzle. It was about handling challenges, whether it was ensuring the building’s bones were strong or making sure the design looked stunning…or more like meeting the construction budget.

You know what it’s like? It’s like solving a Rubik’s Cube while blindfolded, but with more colours than you can imagine. Each project was a riddle, waiting for a creative solution.

The Educator on a Quest

Now, flip the coin, and you’ll find me as a design educator. This work was like going on a treasure hunt. Guiding my students through the design world,

I witnessed their curiosity and the light bulbs going off in their heads during the design process. We explored together, looking for challenges, and every exploration was an adventure (or disagreements) in itself.

We weren’t just designing buildings; we were seeking out problems, figuring out the quirks of every project, and having a new perspective/wisdom along the way.

The “Aha!” Moment

The real kicker came on a day when I was deep into teaching the class. I suddenly realized there was a beautiful overlap between being an architect and a design educator.

I had the superpower of shifting between two lenses, looking at problems from both angles – from solving them as an architect to actively seeking them out as an educator.

It was like I accidentally stumbled onto the ideal skill set for being a consultant.

Seeing the Future: Feasibility Studies for Imaginary Projects

Now, let’s talk about something concrete.

In the world of architecture, there’s this thing called a “feasibility study.” It’s like a crystal ball that helps clients decide if they should take the plunge with a project or not.

It’s the first step in ensuring their resources are well-spent, and the project has a solid shot at success.

Imagine you’re considering turning a historic building into a modern wonder, or maybe you’ve got a wild idea for a skyscraper that defies zoning regulations.

These are the kinds of situations where a feasibility study is your best friend. It helps you save money and time, trust me.

Here are some of the examples:

1. Site Evaluation: Architects check if the chosen location is suitable for the project. They analyze everything from the ground’s quality to the environmental impact.
2. Regulatory Assessment: They dig into local building codes, zoning rules, and land use restrictions to ensure everything is up and up.
3. Cost Estimation: Architects are like financial wizards, estimating the total project cost, including construction expenses, permits, design fees, and other unexpected costs. This helps determine if the project is worth the financial rollercoaster.
4. Risk Analysis: Risky business, this one. They identify potential problems like environmental issues, legal roadblocks, or market ups and downs.
5. Market Analysis: For big commercial ventures, architects dive into market conditions to ensure your project will be the talk of the town.
6. Alternative Solutions: Sometimes, they’ll even brainstorm alternative ways to design or build the project that could save you money or make things smoother.
7. Recommendations: Ultimately, they give you the lowdown. Should you go for it, tweak it, or scrap the whole thing?

Problems on the Horizon: Seeking and Solving

But here’s the kicker: Feasibility studies are just the tip of the iceberg. Once the project’s rolling, a whole new set of challenges can pop up. It’s like being on a rollercoaster of problem-solving:

1. Urban Planning and Zoning Challenges: complication of ever changing city regulations of what to do and not to do. By the way, there are many “not to do” regulations the client needs to know.
2. Sustainable Design and LEED Certification: Designing building with environmental issues covered.
3. Architectural Design Excellence: I am sure you know what this means.
4. Project Management and Cost Efficiency: This could be the biggest project challenges that comes up especially during the construction stage.
5. Education and Training: Not only coming with designing/problem solving, also bring clients into the discussion of the project process. So they can make better decisions for the future projects.

All these skills, combined with my unique background and LEED certification, make me a expert at tackling challenges in the architecture and design field.

The Art of Facilitating Learning

But here’s the real kicker: Being a consultant isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about teaching others how to solve them, too.

It’s like being a mentor in a never-ending game of “How to Be a Better Problem Solver.”

Imagine a classroom full of eager students bubbling with creativity and curiosity. As a teacher, I’m not the one with all the answers; I’m the guide, the catalyst.

I share ideas, knowledge, and create an environment where learning is contagious. But the magic happens when these budding designers set off on their own design adventures, finding unique solutions.

And you know what’s amazing? This dynamic is pretty much the same as what happens in my architectural office. When clients bring me complex problems, I see more than just an issue to troubleshoot. I see an opportunity to learn and grow together.

Empowering Clients Through Learning

Instead of slapping a quick fix on the problem, I suggest we tackle it together.

It’s not just about the immediate solution; it’s about empowering the client with the knowledge and insight to handle similar issues in the future.

You know the old saying: “Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day; teach him how to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” I’m all about teaching how to fish.

For instance, a client had structural issues in an old building a while back. Instead of a Band-Aid fix, we dived into the “whys” and “hows” of structural design.

We involved the client in decision-making and gave them the tools to understand the reasoning behind every choice. It was like teaching them to fish in the vast sea of architecture.

When the project was done, the client didn’t just have a sturdy building; they had a newfound understanding of architecture, design, and problem-solving. They’d learned how to fish, metaphorically speaking, equipped with the knowledge to tackle future architectural challenges.

Instead of just handing them a blueprint and stepping away, we engage in the entire construction process. We explain the intricacies of design, involve them in decisions, and guide them on learning.

It’s not only about what we’re doing but why we’re doing it.

The core belief is simple: true consulting isn’t just about having all the answers; it’s about being the guide, the mentor, and the facilitator of learning.

It’s about showing clients, students, and anyone ready for the adventure that problems are opportunities for growth.

In my dual role as an architect and educator, I’ve learned that the most meaningful consulting isn’t about quick fixes (although I have done many of those, too); it’s about lighting the path and teaching how to fish.

We’re here to ignite curiosity, spark creativity, and empower others to see challenges as stepping stones to greatness.

Final Thoughts

So, the next time a challenge comes your way, don’t just see it as an obstacle. It’s a chance to explore, to learn, and to grow.

As a consultant, I’m not here to provide quick fixes; I’m here to light the path and teach you how to fish so you can feast on knowledge for a lifetime.

Ultimately, my journey from architect to design consultant has taught me that it’s not just about building beautiful structures or inspiring the next generation of designers. It’s about possessing a unique set of skills that can gracefully interact between identifying problems and solving them in style.

Cheers to the world of architecture, education, and consultancy – where problems are constant, and innovative solutions are just around the corner.

It’s a world where every challenge is an opportunity for growth and whre learning is the most valuable treasure of all.