Planning
Architecture is about planning if nothing else. When we receive a commission to design a new house, we need to organize surveyors, soil testing, research codes, create the design, assemble construction drawings and apply for permits. The whole process can take anywhere from 3 months to a year or more depending on the project - and that’s before construction begins. While everyone’s lives are being upended by Covid-19, we all know that eventually this will come to an end. This is a good time to plan ahead for when life is back to normal.
Working remotely has its challenges
Precautions
In the meantime our office has adapted to social distancing and health management. Our entire staff except one is working remotely and the one staff member working at the office prefers to do so. We do not accept visitors but we are meeting virtually through video conferencing and phone calls. We still have some in person meetings when necessary - site meetings, outside, minimum 6’ apart, no physical contact. Construction administration is performed when the job site is vacant or through video sharing with the builder.
Austin jobsite guidelines posted on every construction site
Beyond Covid-19
How will the coronavirus change the world of architecture? Architects are asking ourselves this question as we navigate the new normal of our lives. One thing is immediately apparent - the environment is taking a much needed break from mankind’s damaging influence. There should be permanent changes in how we affect our world. Remote working should be much more prevalent which should lead to more elaborate home offices. We need to evaluate how necessary it is to commute to work vast distances every day. Maybe we will have fewer cars and smaller garages. We may want to incorporate ways to quarantine portions of our houses for when the next virus makes the rounds. Sanitation is going to become more integrated in our homes which may mean mudrooms with a hand washing station or even a shower (more to come on this subject in Kevin’s post). We’ve all gotten used to cooking at home which may translate into an even greater focus on kitchen design, more home meals and less dining out. And finally, the great outdoors will become even more of a focus - parks, gardens, social spaces, exercising outdoors. These trends may influence our architecture for years to come…hopefully more!