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Articles
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| Architecture Week kicking off citywide |
VOICE writes, "Architecture Week kicking off citywide
BY TERESA G. GIONIS
Need some guidance on that home addition you're considering? Want a behind-the-scenes look at the latest loft building being constructed? Hankering for an architecture tour with an expert?
Then the 15th annual American Institute of Architects/DC Architecture Week, kicking off this Friday and running through Sept. 20, could be for you.
"I encourage anyone, from the curious child to the seasoned architect, to join us and celebrate architecture in D.C.," said Mary Fitch, executive director of the Washington branch of the national organization. "
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Highlights of the week include a construction-watch tour on Saturday of an innovative new building in the West End called 22 West; architects' office tours Monday; and an "Art of Architecture" auction and party Friday.
But if you are after practical wisdom on the ins and outs of hiring architects, you should try for a front-row seat at Bill Kirwan's lecture, "How To Work With an Architect," Thursday at 6 p.m. at the D.C. chapter's headquarters, 1777 Church St. NW.
Kirwan, a principal at Bethesda's Muse Architects with an expertise in green design, is presenting this lecture for the second year. "I start off with a PowerPoint, where I introduce people to architecture throughout history and explain precisely what an architect is, from their training to the many different types of careers they pursue," said Kirwan.
He says the lecture is for the merely curious, as well as those who haven't worked with an architect before and are thinking about projects in their homes. As a starting point, Kirwan will discuss strategies for finding the right architect.
"Word of mouth, reputation, references from other architects, and coverage in local media, such as Washingtonian Magazine, are smart ways to begin your search," he said. "You may want to see who has gotten recognition from award programs as well."
The headquarters also has a client resource center, filled with binders that local architects have left behind for prospective clients to peruse. Kirwan recommends interviewing at least two or three architects before making a decision. "Remember, depending on the size of your project, you may be working with this person anywhere from nine months to several years, so you want to make sure that your personalities are a good match," he said.
He says it's helpful if homeowners cut out images they like from magazines and present them to the architect at the beginning of the process. He believes the most successful projects require input and collaboration between client and architect.
"There's a myth that architects can arrive on a work site and just know what they want -- but that is just a myth. It really is better for the owner to have a vision that the architect can help them achieve. A good architect," he continued, "should not just give clients everything they hope for, but should go even further, and give them something that exceeds expectations. The vast experience and ideas that an architect brings to the table will result in a far more successful project."
Kirwan's lecture will go on to discuss how architects are compensated (some are hourly, others have a cap) and offer advice on what to look for and expect in the five phases of an architectural contract.
"The starting point for all projects is the budget," he said. "The real value an architect brings is experience. Our experience enables us to analyze your budget realistically, and helps you make critical choices about the best way to maximize the dollars you are spending."
Other Architecture Week events include a kids' walking tour of the Shaw neighborhood on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and a scenic walking tour of the East End section of downtown on Monday from 2 to 3:30 p.m., which will look at modern and historic architecture.
The unusual CANstruction Buildout takes place this Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Shops at 2000 Penn. This annual event features local architects building giant, unique structures (a massive Tweety Bird is a past example) using donated canned goods. Each of the 16 completed "can" sculptures will be exhibited there for two weeks.
For information on Kirwan's lecture or other events, visit www.aiadc.com or call (202) 667-5444. Most of the events require advance registration, but, with the exception of the auction, all activities are free and open to the public.
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Posted on Sep 11, 2007 14:18pm.
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