In the known history of the world, the built environment has never been created with such rapidity as today. 

Homes play an immensely important role in our lives and the lives of our families.  One’s home has become a creative hub to advance professionally, a bastion of family life and space in which to nurture and grow, an oasis of self-care, and a space in which to cultivate and launch dreams.     

A home can be all or none of these—and thus the creation of this space can be intensely unique and personal. 

We’ve been doing business and serving clients throughout Boston for nearly 20 years now, and I’m often asked about the current role of the architect in the home design and creation process. 

What is an architect?   

How does an architect fit in the role of a Boston home design and remodel—and do I need one?   

These are common and understandable questions. 

And what is the role of an architect in relation to a contractor or builder?  As a Boston homeowner seeking a significant home remodel do I need to hire both? 

What is the most cost effective and efficient approach?  

And WHY is it so confusing? 

In truth, the scene has become more confused and muddled than it needs to be. 

I wanted to share some information here on the time-honored role of an architect and its extreme importance in today’s creation of the built environment and home projects throughout Boston. 

I have done extensive research on the history of the subject, written my first book and am in the process of writing a series of books on the subject. 

Let’s begin by defining the word. 

“Architect” defined: 

The root of the word architect breaks down into “chief” or “master” (arkhi) and “builder” (tekton).  Archi and Tekton come from the ancient Greek language, which originated as far back as 800 BC.  The Architect’s true heritage is that of Master Builder—a legacy nearly lost in today’s industry.  

Since time immemorial the architect was responsible for every aspect of a building project—beginning with conceptual design and extending through all planning as well as the execution of the actual building process. 

Full responsibility. From start to finish. 

Architects were the top of the building hierarchy and fully responsible for every aspect of their project’s ultimate success.  Those designing buildings were trained as builders, had worked in the trades and were familiar and professional with deep, practical roots. 

As a creative case in point, Ken Follet’s bestselling Kingsbridge series beginning with Pillars of the Earth is set in 12th century England and touches on the intrinsic relationship between design and the trades as the majestic cathedrals and structures of this age were created. 

Further roots of the architect/builder can be further found thousands of years BCE in northern Africa in the creation of some of the astonishing structures of this time—some of which are still standing. Learn more. 

In the early to mid 1800s the role of the architect was arbitrarily fractured—moving away from the trades and more fully into the realm of design.  The motive was primarily social and political.  Training regimens in major colleges were altered to support this shift and the industry creating the built environment took a major hit.  

Today the role of the architect has become design centric, and this is what is generally taught in today’s hall of learning.  The building aspect of a project is now often handled by an entirely different entity (a contractor) who is responsible for executing the planning of the architect to the result of a quality and lasting structure.  

As such there is no single, responsible individual or entity.   

We have had clients come to us after spending six figures on architectural planning which when bid to a contractor vastly exceeds their envisioned financial expectations for their project.  The planning was unreal.  

When those who are doing the planning are not experienced builders this is a liability which can occur.   

In summation, if you are seeking a major home remodel in Boston, you likely will need an architect—one who can actually build.  

I cover the true meaning of an architect in this short film:

When I graduated from university in 2002, I had studied architecture and was deeply inspired by the power of the built environment to impact quality of life. Unfortunately, I found myself to be inadequately trained in the actual building process.  After working at a major design studio for several years I took a job as a carpenter to teach myself to actually build. 

New England Design and Construction was then formed as a creative firm established to embrace the legacy of the architect as a master builder.  We specialize in sustainable luxury design and build and offer a complete service as such—beginning with conceptual design and extending through both interior and architectural design as well as artisan build.  Our work is backed with a three-year warranty. 

Today we are a vibrant team of nearly twenty architects, interior designers, project managers and artisan builders offering a single service of architectural design build.  

Why do are Boston homeowners seeking an architect turning to architectural design build? 

There are two primary approaches to a major home design and remodel. While this can be made very complex as a subject, the natural creative process is fundamentally simple. I will cover both here: 

Design-Bid-Build is the process that has been introduced over the past 150 years or so whereby you as the client directly hire an architect to draft plans and design your project — to then have it bid out to multiple contractors seeking to win the bid and perform the project. This approach has been generalized as mainstream over the past decades and sold to homeowners, often creating client stress and potential loss of both client funds and time. This approach has many liabilities for the client due in no small part to the fragmented spheres of responsibilities which this system and method creates. 

There is no single person or entity fully accountable to the client for the entire project’s success. 

This single factor alone can create a host of problems for the client. 

By default the client is ultimately responsible for both Architect and Builder as well as the ultimate success of the project. Thus one can have impractical and expensive design work, impractical planning, numerous change orders, shoddy craftsmanship, and projects which are off timeline and over budget. In the end, the client can be left damaged. You or a family member or friend may have experienced this in the past. We have many clients come to us after poor experiences with this approach. 

Architectural Design-Build (also Design Build) is the natural approach to creation of the built environment and has been used for thousands of years to create many of the beautiful structures of earth. Architectural Design Build is the route of choice if one desires to save on time and money, reduce stress, and eliminate a fragmented sense of project responsibility in the people working for you.  

Architectural Design Build is a model that stresses single-source accountability with the creative design, planning, and remodel executed start to finish by one firm. 

Architectural Design-Build in Boston is currently being turned to by professionals, families, and individuals as the cutting edge of efficiency, aesthetics, practicality, and accountability when it comes to designing and remodeling a home. This approach packages architectural design and interior design services with artisan-level building and remodeling services. This natural synthesis makes for a simple, efficient, and accountable creative process followed by a streamlined and responsible build phase, reducing cost, time of execution, and client stress throughout. With the Architectural Design Build approach, the client is dealing solely with one fully accountable firm. 

New England Design and Construction specializes in Architectural Design Build with a specific focus on sustainable luxury homes. We are extremely mindful of environmental impact and passionate about project efficiency and client comfort. 

This process works and works well.  These are some words from a recent NEDC client: 

FIVE STARS!

I tell anyone who will listen how grateful I am to have worked with NEDC for our project. David and his entire team go above and beyond to ensure that their clients feel supported, heard, and in-the-know. I am a big believer in the design-build process and the protections it offers to the homeowner, and I’ve been consistently impressed by the beauty and function of our design as well as the team communication. I’d give NEDC 6 stars if I could!

-NEDC Client, Boston

Read our Reviews!: https://www.guildquality.com/pro/new-england-design-and-construction-2 

DAVID MUNIZ SUPPLE – FOUNDER/CEO 

1. DAVE@NEDESIGNBUILD.COM

2. 617 474 0309 

RYAN MANHOFF – BRAND DIRECTOR 

1. RYAMM@NEDESIGNBUILD.COM

2. 484 809 3636