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44 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / DECEMBER 2016
A n architect by definition is a personwho de-
signs buildings. More specifically, an archi-
tect is a credible, licensed professional who
is responsible for providing the documents for
the safe and successful completion of a building.
Many would argue that not all good architects are
good designers and a successful architectural proj-
ect doesn’t guarantee good design. However, I believe
that the best architects and architectural firms repre-
sent a balance of passion for design and the science of
technical skill. When that balance is not achieved or
a single firm is not the right fit for a particular project,
two firms can collaborate in clearly defined roles: the
design architect and the architect of record.
I have practiced architecture for nearly four decades,
starting my career in the design department of Skid-
more, Owings & Merrill. The New York office where I
worked was organized into two main departments:
design and production. The design department was
responsible for working with the clients through the
schematic design (SD) and design development (DD)
phases, creating sketches, models, and thorough plans
that served as the basis for the technical drawings. Af-
ter DD, the design department managed the production
department in the creation of the construction docu-
ments (CDs), the instructions for contractor or builder.
Our firmhas modeled a number of our larger commer-
cial projects similarly, teaming with production part-
ners to achieve the best results for the client.
I am often asked if it is overly complicated to com-
plete a project witha designarchitect/architect of record
team. My answer will always be “no.” Not only have I had
measurable success inworking this way, but also it gives
each party the opportunity to excel in their role. Anoth-
er concern is how this model benefits the developer or
client and the built environment as a whole. The first
benefit is to create innovative, forward-thinking and
meaningful design. The second benefit relates directly
to the quality and sustainability of the design; great de-
signwork leaves a timeless and lasting legacy, culminat-
ing in long-term financial success of the building for its
owners. Working this way allows the design architect to
focus on the goals of the client or development team to
create a space that serves their needs, the needs of their
tenants or the needs of the surrounding community.
My practice in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, was built on
high-end residential projects and small commercial
buildings for which our firm was responsible for every
detail of the design process, producing detailed and pre-
cise construction documents. The firm’s first project act-
ing as design architect was the Jackson Hole Perform-
ing Arts Pavilion with Carney Logan Burke Architects
Stephen
Dynia, FAIA
Principal,
Dynia
Architects
ELEMENTS Design Collaboration
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