ABSTRACT
This paper examines the role and responsibilities of the architect, with particular reference to the design and construction processes, and questions the current status of the profession with regard to this role. The primary role of the architect, as defined within the profession’s own terms of appointment, is one of management and co-ordination of the design process. The profession promotes the architect as the lead member of the design team, a position which is, more and more, becoming the province of other professions.
The education system itself fails to support the primary role, being biased towards the promotion of the architect as designer and not of manager of a production process. Training in management of the design and construction processes is, at best, limited and, at worst, relegated to the position of an ill-considered add-on to the course of study.
The paper concludes that only through increased recognition of the importance of education in management techniques and of specialisation and teamwork will the architectural profession be able to justify and earn the right to leadership of the design team.
