Architects Design Just 2% of All HousesÃ¢â‚¬â€œWhy?

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 5:17 pm

I think blaming the architect for this problem is missing the point.

The real estate developer Joseph Eichler was hugely successful by building 11,000 very popular modern houses in California between 1949 and 1966. One of the keys to his success was to hire really good architects to design his houses.

jay · Post by **jay** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 7:36 pm

Since Eichler hired architects, wouldn't that put his houses in the 2% column?

But yes I agree the Eichler approach was great and there should be more like him.... How do we create more Eichlers?

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 7:54 pm

Find more enlightened developers.

KevinW · Post by **KevinW** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 10:40 pm

I really have to question this 2% number that has been used for several years. Most, if not all residential builders have architects on staff. I simply cannot see how only 2% of residences get building department approval without an architects stamp, especially since most houses are two stories, which usually triggers the requirement for structural engineer calcs and plans.
I would venture a guess that the percentage is closer to 75%, especially with code and energy requirements becoming more far reaching and complex.