When the topic of architecture comes up, most people immediately think of building designs and aesthetics. And while design is undoubtedly a huge part of being an architect, there is a branch of architecture that deals mainly with construction administration and delivery.
I'm referring to executive architecture. Firms in this unique subfield of architecture focus on the implementation and management of projects, ensuring that designs meet both client expectations and regulatory standards.
One such firm is House & Robertson Architects (HRA), a firm that focuses exclusively on offering executive architecture and architect-of-record services.
Here to discuss the role and importance of executive architecture is Alma Jauregui, Principal at HRA. Alma leads the firm's San Francisco office, where she oversees the execution of HRA's services to a wide range of clients and collaborators.
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We discuss:
First, let's level set: what does an executive architecture firm like HRA do, and why do clients need one? According to Alma, HRA was founded by Jim House and Doug Robertson, who realized that many projects require a specialized focus on the construction execution stage, separate from the design phase.
"When you think of architects, there is a full-service person—someone who does everything from drawings and design to construction administration. Now, Jim and Doug realized when they were working together back at Lang and Wilson that they were only doing the executive architecture portion. This meant they handled project management tasks while someone in the office was doing the design.”
Alma explains that it was then that Jim and Doug saw the need for architects who focused solely on overseeing the construction admin process.
"There are only a few other architecture firms that specialize in executive architecture. So they decided to branch out and only do that," she says.
"Essentially, we provide developers and clients the best of both worlds. You get the high-end designer or someone really good at design while we do all the execution. We do project management details and execution of the product of the building or whatever we're working on."
Executive architecture is a relatively niche branch. Alma says that executive architecture companies such as HRA typically work with clients who understand the value of having separate teams for construction design management and execution.
"There is a level of sophistication for different kinds of clients. Many clients or developers aren't aware of executive architecture. But then there are also developers who only strictly work in that type of architecture firm because they know they're getting the best of both worlds," she remarks.
This means clients can choose to hire an architect whose strength lies in design while still having an executive architecture firm manage the project's construction phase.
"For example, maybe you want this architect who comes in from Europe, and you know they've got the design chops, but they don't necessarily know the local municipality. They don't know the California building code, which is super nuanced versus the IBC. This is where a firm like HRA comes in."
As with any project, effective collaboration between stakeholders is a must. To ensure successful project execution, HRA emphasizes proactive communication and detailed planning.
Alma says it's all about aligning expectations and ironing out designs and plans right from the start.
"Our goal is to ensure that the designer's expectations are met, and we see to it that the owner's vision is met. Ultimately, they're paying for this, and we want to ensure that the contractors get all the information they need. Our philosophy is not to let the 'perfect' stop the 'good enough,'" Alma says.
"We aim to make sure that we're providing full service for everybody and ensuring that those communications are met, whether it's in the RFP process, helping ownership with contractor bidding, and being there with the contractors."
Alma adds that consistent and transparent communication is crucial, especially during the bidding stage.
"I'd rather have higher GMP [Guaranteed Maximum Price] at the beginning than death by a million cuts with a bunch of change orders. We're not trying to get one under or over the contractor or owner."
Certain types of delivery processes lend themselves well to HRA's collaborative approach. According to Alma, design-build and design-assist methodologies are particularly effective.
"This is where design-build comes in. There are also situations where you've got the contractor for precon or design-assist, and that's always been so helpful."
She references a project in which HRA is doing a mass timber project in Santa Monica, collaborating with the supplier in a design-assist role to ensure feasibility and smooth execution.
"We're working on a mass timber building in Santa Monica, and we've got the mass timber supplier on design-assist. We're reviewing our details with them and the structural engineer and are trying to determine what's feasible. That way, when it comes out on site, the actual installer also is part of this conversation."
Every project comes with unique challenges and lessons that teams can apply to future projects. At HRA, Alma says they capture and apply those lessons by regularly reviewing past experiences and incorporating that knowledge into current practices.
"Every Friday in our office, we have this thing called 'code breakers,' where one of our principals, Doug, goes through every chapter of the building code per week. It's a consistent initiative, and we've gone through it three times now."
She explains that this ongoing review process allows the team to continually refine their understanding and application of building codes. For example, there was a week when they focused on exit passageways (chapter 10) and discussed all the lessons they learned from relevant projects. In doing so, HRA ensures the insights they picked up from past projects are carried forward and applied to future work.
Beyond that, the teams at HRA make it a point to communicate and learn from contractors in the field.
"Another thing that we do to help with the lessons learned or even have more collaboration with our contractor is to be there with them."
Alma says this practice has led to stronger relationships and more effective problem-solving. "We say, 'Tell me how I can learn from this.' And I think that's been one of our strongest relationships and one of our strongest proponents for HRA. Contractors appreciate working with HRA because we're partners in the field, not adversaries. We work together to find practical solutions rather than engaging in constant headbutting. It's an invaluable experience you can't learn in the office or school."
Digital Builder is hosted by me, Eric Thomas. Remember, new episodes of Digital Builder go live every week.
