How do Architects Come Up With Designs?

As any admirer of the built environment knows, the creative process behind designing an appealing structure is complex and fascinating. But how exactly do architects come up with designs that they think will work? Here, we’ll look into how each architect’s unique approach to creative problem-solving is likely to manifest itself in the design process.

Architecture as Problem-Solving

Architecture is essentially a creative problem-solving discipline – it requires designers to come up with designs that take into consideration a wide range of forces and factors which interact to achieve an overall aesthetic or structural purpose.

In this way, it is the architect’s job to unravel all the complex variables associated with the project – from the location and functionality to the scale, materials, budget and local building codes – and combine these into a cohesive design. This is why creative problem-solving skills are so important in the field of architecture.

The Creative Design Process

The creative process of designing a building is both a highly personal and unique endeavours. That said, there are some commonalities in the way most architects work when it comes to the design process.

When it comes to coming up with their design ideas, most architects tend to:

• Brainstorm potential solutions through sketching, drawing, and discussing ideas.
• Break the project down into sub-tasks and by researching and exploring the different facets of the project.
• Explore the potential of different materials and design approaches.
• Perform detailed calculations of weights, forces, and loads to ensure the structure is sound.
• Test the design of the structure under various configurations and conditions.
• Experiment with prototypes and different variations to check they are fit for purpose.
• Consider the overall look and feel of the building to ensure it meets the aesthetic goals and intent.
• Refine the design to ensure it meets criteria such as local building codes and regulations.
• Communicate the design choices and reasoning to the client.

Using Computers to Bring Designs to Life

In modern architecture, advanced design and modelling software are increasingly used as design tools. Architects are able to model their designs in virtual 3-dimensional space, allowing them to explore different options and to produce extremely detailed measurements and calculations with greater accuracy and efficiency.

Using specialised software and computer-aided manufacturing processes, architects are also able to produce incredibly complex large-scale models. This makes the process of bringing a design to life much more achievable and expedient.

Collaboration as a Key Component

The design process typically involves collaboration between several different professionals with skills in various fields, such as civil engineering, structural engineering, and building services engineers. By working together, these different professionals are able to come up with a holistic design that takes into account all the different aspects of a project.

Creativity in Architecture

Creativity is a key component of the design process – successful design solutions require architects to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas. This can include experimenting with different materials, contrasting colours, and creative shapes and forms.

At the same time, it is also important that architects are able to remain rooted in reality and consider the practicalities of designing a building that takes into account all factors such as practicality, cost, and safety.

The Role of Client and Context

A major impact on the design process is the client – the architect or firm needs to design a building that takes into consideration the client’s purpose, taste, and budget.

The context also plays a major role. Architects need to be aware of the local culture, building codes and regulations, and the existing environment in which they are designing and erecting the structure.

The Importance of Research

Research is a key part of the design process – understanding the materials, the location, the building codes, and the culture of the place where the structure is going to be built is immensely important. By researching these elements and more, architects can gain an insight into how their design would fit into and interact with the surrounding environment.

Using ‘Design Thinking’

Design thinking – a technique used to arrive at creative solutions to complex problems – is often used by architects. This involves gathering the facts and data, coming up with creative solutions, prototyping solutions, and testing them. In this way, design thinking can be used to innovate and come up with creative solutions that address the complexity of designing a building.

Creative Concept Development

Once the research is complete and the different design objectives are in place, architects can begin to develop creative concepts for their building. This means coming up with ideas that are innovative and that will work from both an aesthetic and a practical perspective. This can involve experimenting with different design concepts, materials, layouts and forms, and colour palettes in order to explore the full range of possibilities.

Considering Sustainability

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the architecture profession. This means that architects need to take into consideration the environmental impact their design choices can have – they need to choose materials that are sustainable, durable, and energy-efficient, and adopt construction methods that minimise waste.

Outcomes of the Design Process

The result of the design process is a set of drawings and sketches that explain the design choices and the reasons behind them. These documents are then used by surveyors, engineers, and other professionals to bring the design to life and to create the building as the architect had envisaged it.

Conclusion

The design process in architecture is complex, multifaceted, and highly creative. It requires the architect to consider both the practicalities and aesthetics of the building and to successfully marry all of these elements into a cohesive and appealing design. By using creative problem-solving and design thinking, architects are able to come up with ingenious designs that meet the needs of their client and context.

So, the answer to the question ‘How do architects come up with designs?’ is a multifaceted one. Architects use a combination of creative problem-solving, research, experimentation, and collaboration to come up with designs that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

What qualifications do architects need to be able to come up with designs?

Architects typically need at least a professional degree in architecture from an accredited university. Specific qualifications may vary by country and state, but most aspiring architects take classes in engineering, mathematics, drafting and design. Architects must also have a good understanding of building and safety regulations and must be able to communicate their ideas to clients. In most states, architects also need to be licensed and may be required to pass a licensure exam in order to practice professionally.

What kind of educational requirements are there for architects?

To become an architect, education requirements vary by the jurisdiction in which you seek licensure. Generally, most states require a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). In addition, candidates must complete a period of practical experience and pass the Architects Registration Examination (ARE). Some states may also require an additional local exam or a specified number of continuing education credits.

What kind of degree do I need to become an architect?

In order to become an architect, you will need to possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. In many states, you will also need to be licensed as an architect, which generally requires completion of a master’s degree in Architecture along with several years of practical experience in the field.