Good Habit #1 – Alignment

A good architect will align some of the things. A great architect will align all of the things. All of the things. But you may say that if I align this thing with that thing then that thing will not align with this thing. These are the musings of a lesser architect. Align the things. They must be aligned. All of the things.

Good Habit #2 – Client relations

Always remember the client, or at least remember to invoice the client. Because a good architect will listen to the client. A great architect will invoice the client for the time spent listening.

Good Habit #3 – Establish hierarchies

Some things are more important than other things. A great architect’s things are more important than other things. This hierarchy must be maintained. The great Architects ideals must be held over all ideals. There are the great architects design concepts. Then there are a flurry of lesser design “ideas” from various sources: building contractors, inspectors, lawyers, clients, home owners, etc. Do not confuse these lesser ideas with those of the great architect. It’s in the word – Hierarchy – Hire architect-y. There’s a reason they hired an architect. The great architect will take care of it.

Good Habit #4 – Design Cohesion

For the great architect, every detail will reinforce the overall design concept. Every door jamb. Every eave. Every toilet partition. All will refer to the overriding design ideas. The door jamb should long for understanding. The eaves should shed water and tears of joy. The toilet partitions should open your mind. Each line must have meaning. Each note must be part of a greater symphony. Except for sprinkler heads. Those are provided by others.

Good Habit #5 – Repetition

Repeat. Until they listen.

Good Habit #6 – Order

Order in design is important. Each element must have it’s place. Each element must be in it’s place. Ordered, like a perfect row of interns sitting at their desks performing your tasks. Ordered, like a grid of interns, patiently waiting your orders. Ordered, like a Venti Latte. Get one of the interns to get you a latte.