All architects are not created equal. Unfortunately, however, the public seems to think that all architects are created exceptional. That wishful thinking is the cause of a lot of difficulty. Them is a tendency to discount all of the hard work and excellent design once any kind of mistake is made. Our responsibility is to do our best and to be familiar with the state of the art, not to guarantee perfection.

This public attitude is evidenced by the anecdotal carping recorded in December, 1983 issue of PERSPECTIVES. A developer picks at a number of discrepancies on his drawings. Criticism is leveled at the quality of public housing design without any understanding of the rigid parameters that the government imposes on the architect. A review board finds an instance where the architect did not convey information properly.

We can't do it alone. During the design process we need the attention of the client, which is surprisingly hard to get. We need his or her studied input. We need good communication. Most of all, we need his participation and critical review during the design process.

Our difficulties are compounded by what has happened with professional fees. Unlike the accounting and legal professions where rates of $100 an hour and over are common, architects are expected to work at anywhere from 2 to 3 times the cost of labor, which usually means a billing rate of around $50 an hour. Alternatively, many fees are now being negotiated on a lump sum basis. The profit margins are very low and the work expected of the architect is to investigate more alternate designs, provide energy analysis, be familiar with the latest computer advances, etc. Fees are definitely not what they should be, particularly in the present litigious atmosphere where we are frequently sued for things that are beyond our control.

We do bring troubles on ourselves. Many architects are cavalier about budget estimates. Many take on projects that are too big and complex for their office. They may be eager to try their hand in the design of a type of building where they really lack expertise. Some are never willing to admit they're too busy to take on a project. I do think, however, that most architects have a real desire to do a good job and are excited by their work. They want their clients to be fully satisfied and they have an artist's interest in their end product.