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To: Kevin Brooks

From: Nick Lippert

Date: September 27, 2009

Subject: Trends in the Architectural Field

This memo is about research into trends that appear within the Architectural field.
The importance of this memo is to tune into a real-world idea of where Architecture
is heading. Some things that are focused on are directions that firms are going,
client-architect relationship, and of course the most important “buzzword” today:
sustainability. A large portion of my interest focuses on the grassroots or small
town and how design can grow from there. I have grouped my findings into three
main questions that are important to my journey as an aspiring architect:

• What does the field look like now?


• What will the future of the field look like?
• Where do I fit in?

While searching through internet sources, I have gained a sense of where the field
of Architecture is as a whole. An interview with a practicing architect guided me by
tapping into his experience. Kendall Radke of Zerr-Berg Architects based in Fargo,
ND discussed with me a general feel for the field from his eyes. Some of the trends
he mentioned were sustainability, specialization, LEED certification, and the current
economy. “The time and energy trying to land contracts these days spreads us out
pretty thin,” Kendall states, “We have even worked on projects in Minot, ND.” This
far reaching tactic is something more and more firms are looking into for the small-
town dependable work. Beyond this I was curious about the client – architect
relationship. He said from his practice, client participation varied a great deal from
project to project. And understandably, the more personal the project, the more
participation by the client was observed. Moreover, the client usually needed to be
pushed over the sustainability ledge.

Accordingly, sustainability within the field is definitely the foremost motivator of


design today. Our own government is even starting to regulate new buildings to
combat climate change. It seems our choice in the matter is being shortened from
being responsible to being very responsible. As Ed Mazria discusses in Architecture
2030, today, interns are being encouraged to become LEED certified as soon as
possible, and students are being asked to design in a sustainable way from their
very first studio project (Fettig, 2008). Pressure from clients who wish to be
responsible also transforms the field by creating a “Sustainable Demand”. And as
for any human being who takes part in society, it is our responsibility to initiate
change.

The future of Architecture (and mine in parallel) is being drawn digitally into the
minds of machines sitting on studio desks across the country. We undoubtedly are
living within a digital age, and technology holds the key to our future. In my
education at NDSU, I have been taught an appreciation for the artist’s hand. But
sadly it would appear that the similar appreciation is not present in the field.
Practicality, speed, efficiency is replacing earthy, messy, and human touch with
their modern touch. Radke agrees that an artist’s hand can never be replaced, but
firms are trying with digital plans and renderings. Even now as I sit in my studio,
every student has a laptop open in front of them.

So how can I, a student who is unsure about my future, find a place to nestle into?
Or can I design it? My interests now are primarily within the small-town. It is
important to start change from the grassroots of our country. Start influencing the
backbone of America, and you will influence everything built with it. The new ideas
have no chance of becoming trends without starting from the beginning. But how
receptive are these grassroots people of a new grand idea when it is coming from a
professional who doesn’t have time to take interest in them? There is no question
that we need to change our vision of the future soon, but there are easier ways to
do so. This is where I fit in. A small-town firm that caters to the regional client; a
firm that creates a sustainable environment for the region; or even a firm that
works outside the built environment such as industrial design would be a fitting
place for me.

This is not an easy place to find. Many firms today are looking to large scale
projects in development zones to stay afloat. And many more have a hard time
even finding business within the Midwest. The skills needed to succeed in this
environment are more than the technical skills that a traditional education employs.
A sense of high design, daring to dream big, and most importantly communication
is needed to connect to clients. From his article about a firm’s collaboration skills
Pressman explains, A firm cannot operate without talking to clients, but it also
cannot survive without talking to itself (Pressman, 2009). Therefore, a great work
ethic along with an enjoyable personality will set one firm apart from another. I can
bring all of these things to the table, even if I have to make the table.

While looking for firms that show the same interests as I have expressed, it is
apparent that the economy has taken its toll upon this job market. However, a few
design firms that I find interesting are Tvenge Architects and Planners of Bismarck,
ND as well as Zerr-Berg Architects as mentioned previously. Both seem to have a
desire to improve the design of the small town. Also, both look for innovative interns
to bring a new spin into the team. I would find a good home at either one of these
firms.

References

Fettig, T. (Writer), (2008). Architecture 2030 [Television series episode]. In K Albers


(Executive producer), e2. PBS. As seen at:
http://www.veoh.com/collection/PBS-Design-
E2/watch/v18227087GH5W7Yny#

Pressman, A. (2009). It’s a very good time to develop your firm’s collaboration
skills . Retrieved from
http://archrecord.construction.com/practice/firmCulture/0904collaboration-
1.asp

Radke, K. (2009, September 3). (N. Lippert, Interviewer)

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