Most people grew up seeing Mike Brady (the Brady Bunch) or Ted Mosby (How I Met Your Mother) leaning over a drafting table, drawing new buildings, and think that this is what architects do. While these TV portrayals provide a basic idea of an architect’s job, they also lead to some misconceptions. This is especially true for architects who work on historic buildings. The National Fund for Sacred Places (a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation) grantees can help debunk some of these myths.

Myth: Architects are too expensive

Actually, architects can often help reduce overall project costs by helping keep projects on budget, identifying cost-effective options, and providing design solutions to mitigate cost overruns. The best way an architect can reduce overall project costs is to start with an assessment before any design work begins. First Indian Presbyterian Church entered the National Fund program with a list of projects the congregation thought needed to be done but had not completed a Building Conditions Assessment, an important planning tool the National Fund recommends for all historic buildings.

During the Building Conditions Assessment, 5/4 Architecture, PLLC discovered cracks in the chords of the roof trusses and some unsupported structural members. This was a serious issue that could have caused the roof to unexpectedly collapse. With their architect’s help, they developed a new scope that addressed the building’s most urgent issues, fixed the root cause of the problem, and prevented a building collapse.

Myth: Architects are only needed for new construction projects

Historic and existing buildings have unique challenges and opportunities, and an architect who understands how to work with historic buildings can help guide a project to successful completion. Wicker Park Lutheran Church was constructed in 1906, when buildings were not required to be accessible to people with disabilities. To meet the congregation's current needs, they wanted a building entry that could accommodate all people, barrier-free circulation between the two floors, and an all-gender accessible restroom.

Without an architect to help find a creative solution, the new elevator could have been installed in the sanctuary, dramatically changing the building's most important space, or the new entrance could have been placed at the back of the building, making it hard to enter. Blender Architecture redesigned an underutilized corner in the front of the building to provide accessibility to all people while preserving the building’s historic spaces and features. Their architect also ensured that the project met current building codes and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Myth: Architects are only needed for large or complex projects and not when repairing a historic building

In fact, small repair and maintenance projects can have a significant impact on a historic building. If done incorrectly or not in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, the repair could damage historic materials, create an ongoing maintenance issue, or significantly alter the historic building. An architect can help ensure that this does not happen. When Vang Lutheran Church entered the National Fund program, they planned to work directly with a contractor to repair the deteriorated wood structure and ornamentation on its tower.

They thought an architect was unnecessary because the contractor could complete these necessary repairs. They quickly realized they needed help managing the project and hired SMSQ Architects. In addition to project management, their architect completed a focused assessment to identify the extent of the damage and developed a preservation-focused, holistic repair using compatible repair materials. As a result, the restored tower retains its historic look, and the quality of the repairs will ensure that the building is preserved.

Myth: Architects are not needed to complete a structural repair

A structural engineer is important to consult when a structural problem has been identified in a historic building, but it is equally important for an architect to provide oversight to ensure that the structural repair does not damage the building’s character-defining features. During a reroofing project at Saint Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, the building committee discovered that the wood roof structure had separated from the church’s unreinforced adobe south wall.

They worked with Hess Structural Engineer, Inc. to perform a structural analysis, determine the cause of the problem, and design a solution. The engineer proposed restraining the facade by installing a steel channel across the south elevation. Vint & Associates Architects, Inc. collaborated with the engineer to further develop the repair detail, so the steel was embedded in the adobe wall making sure that the repair does not affect this important elevation.

Myth: Architects are not needed when updating or installing new building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm, etc.)

Installing a new building system can drastically impact the appearance of a historic building. If not done thoughtfully, these kinds of projects could result in exposed conduit, piping, or large ductwork running through historically important spaces. Architects can work with engineers to ensure that the new system blends into the historic building. National Fund grantee The Park Hill United Methodist Church-Denver wanted to replace its original 1924 mechanical system with a more energy-efficient one.

Their mechanical engineer, The Ballard Group, designed a new system that met current needs and building codes. RTA Architects identified the best locations for installing the new equipment and ductwork, ensuring that these systems would not affect the historic building’s significant spaces. They also detailed methods for repairing walls and ceilings that may be damaged during construction.

Myth: An Architect is not needed during construction

While it may seem like an architect’s work is done once construction begins, that is not the case. During construction, an architect can help ensure the project aligns with the construction documents, review changes, or adjust the design if existing conditions differ from expectations. This was how Perspectus Architecture supported New Life at Calvary when three hard-to-access roofs were found to be in poor condition once construction had already begun.

Coon Restoration & Sealants, Inc. was completing masonry repairs when they made the discovery. The contractor recommended that the roofs be repaired, but after consulting with their architect, the congregation realized replacement was the better option. Perspectus Architecture developed a roof plan using a longer-lasting product that could be installed cost-effectively while the construction project was already underway using the lifts already on site.