The Challenges Facing Architects

Successful architects possess a combination of seemingly contrasting talents: an artist’s creativity and design vision; the structural knowledge of an engineer; an MBA’s business acumen; a CPA’s handling of budget constraints; and a customer’s understanding of how any building should deliver an outstanding experience.

Architecture in Canada is heavily influenced by the country's climate, geography and history. Architects must also consider cultural and social factors when designing their buildings. It is not easy to find a balance that pleases conflicting needs. Yet, across Canada and the world, architects continue to create amazing structures that successfully achieve all these ends.

This article celebrates the importance of architects in these projects and discusses their evolving role in industrial buildings projects. From design to execution, here’s what clients, contractors and the architectural industry itself need to know about how the progress of pre-engineered steel building solutions has affected the traditional role of architect in the process of creating a new commercial or industrial structure.

Approximately 29,500 people are employed as architects throughout Canada according to a 2023 source. The number architects increased 2.6% on average over the five years between 2018 and 2023.

For good reason, it is not easy to become a licensed architect in Canada. Candidates must first complete an accredited architecture program at college or university and complete a period of supervised work experience before passing an Architectural Examination. The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) is responsible for accrediting programs in Canada while the architecture profession is governed by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). They also support architects in their professional development. Architects in Canada are regulated by provincial and territorial architectural associations.

Canadian architects work in a wide range of firms, from small, independent practices to large international firms, numbering 7,026 architectural businesses in total (as of 2023), an increase of 0.2% from 2022. The majority are located in Ontario (2,974 businesses, or 42.3%), Quebec (1,700 businesses, 24.2%) and British Columbia (1,559 businesses, 22.2%). Regardless of where the architectural firm or the project is located, John Lohan, and his Double Black Construction team, is ready to get started with all the necessary equipment, materials and experience.

Architects play an important role in ensuring the success every project. They break down complicated concepts and details into elevations and blueprints that engineers and tradespeople use to turn it into a physical structure. Their work is especially valuable in pre-engineered steel building projects where custom components must be manufactured, assembled and transported to a construction site according to a tight deadline. For obvious reasons, they must be involved in every stage of the project, from client consults to design to installation, and work collaboratively with other professionals, such as engineers, contractors and skilled tradespeople. The professional team at Double Black Construction consists of all these individuals so architects and their firms only need to work with one turnkey construction partner. Fewer contractors mean simplified communication and quicker, more precise and reliable installation for client building solutions.

As customer and public expectations and concerns change, architects (and their entire profession) continue to adapt, understanding that building design is much more than mere aesthetics. The architect’s role within pre-engineered metal building projects is changing to ensure designs meet both the functional and operational needs of clients, while continuing to adapt new technology to be an ideal platform for expressing creative design.

• Balancing design aesthetics with functionality and practicality
• Navigating complex regulations and codes
• Ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure and equipment
• Collaborating effectively with multiple stakeholders
• Managing project timelines and budgets

John Lohan has over 15 years of experience designing, engineering and installing over 500 metal buildings for architects and clients across North America and the globe. He’s managed all aspects of steel building construction, including material logistics and managing local and foreign construction teams. John also has special expertise in concrete foundation and excavation. He can be contacted at Double Black Construction at (833) 322-2722, by email at john@DoubleBlackConstruction.com or on LinkedIn.