The myth of the “Master Builder”
The architect is often seen as the “Master Builder” – a description with deep roots. It’s embedded in the name, which comes from ancient Greece: arkhitekton. “Arkhi” means master. “Tekton” means builder or carpenter.
This description was accurate before the modern age when few trades were required.
A hundred-year-old house, once simple with its masonry, wood frame, lath and plaster and fireplace is not so simple anymore. In addition to an architect, new homes and major renovations require a builder – ideally one who understands building science, engineers and trades specializing in HVAC, electrical, hazardous materials and so on.
In short, there is no longer a “Master Builder”. The architect is still an essential part of any home build or major renovation but modern houses are too complex for one person or discipline to own every decision.
A successful renovation depends on an integrated team where experts are involved early, with clear roles and realistic expectations.
In my experience, too often homeowners assume that the architect or even a BCIN designer is their one-stop shop for their home renovation. This expectation comes with significant awareness gaps that can be time-consuming and costly.
One of the problems of the outdated, yet persistent, belief in the “Master Builder” is that it undervalues construction expertise.
Certainly, an architect comes with formal education, licensure, design training and spatial thinking. Some architects work top-down, treating the builder as someone who simply executes instructions. Others work collaboratively and understand that building science, cost, constructability and site knowledge must shape the design.
An architect is not to be confused as a BCIN Designer, which stands for Building Code Identification Number. While a BCIN Designer is qualified to secure a building permit, which includes permit drawings, they do not offer broader and detailed drawings, costing, detailing or construction-planning. They are most appropriate for smaller-scale renovations.
Renovations also require qualified builders. While builders do not create or stamp drawings, they understand, know and coordinate the experts and trades who support a home build or renovation.
The builder sees where assumptions collide: a design detail that cannot be built as drawn; a strategy that creates moisture risk; a belief that a permit drawing alone can determine the project’s full costs. The latter is a common occurrence. A BCIN permit or architectural permit drawings do not mean that a project has been fully designed, costed or coordinated.
Yet, too often homeowners select builders not based on expertise, but on the lowest bid. I have written about this in previous articles. Low bids do not translate into budget savings but rather costly change orders. A $15,000 bathroom becomes $18,000 with pot lights, $22,000 with more tile and continues climbing because the scope was not defined at the start.
If you are planning a home renovation, I encourage you to be wary of anyone who claims to have all the answers and to seek professionals who work collaboratively. Your project will be more transparent, cost effective and enriching as a result.
By Chris Phillips, Founder and President of Greening Homes Ltd.
Photo: Better building requires the team to work collaboratively – builder, architect and structural engineer. Photo by Yvonne Bambrick