(pictured above, from l to r): Jay Lovell, director of design and construction at FaulkBuilt, Mike Chatham, AIA, president – HHCP Architects, David Leyte-Vidal, project manager – RLF Engineering and Architecture, Ben Hooley, director – multifamily – Scott + Cormia and Evan Bourff, AIA, principal at dwell design studio, discuss challenges facing architects at a recent Builders’ Breakfast, presented by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Central Florida.
By Michael A. Monahan, Founder, President & Lead Consultant, BUILT Marketing Strategies
“We’re just trying to get the deal to pencil,” said Evan Bourff, AIA, principal at dwell design studio, as he described some of the challenges architects face today in an environment fraught with challenges ranging from supply chain and talent acquisition issues to increasing interest rates and the fear of an upcoming recession.
Bourff spoke among a group of leading Central Florida architects, including Mike Chatham, AIA, president – HHCP Architects, David Leyte-Vidal, project manager – RLF Engineering and Architecture and Ben Hooley, director – multifamily – Scott + Cormia. Jay Lovell, director of design and construction at FaulkBuilt moderated the panel, at the June 29 Builders’ Breakfast a program of the Central Florida Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors.
Chatham emphasized that supply chain issues make it hard to finish projects on time. He said, “Everything’s taking longer.” He added that receiving late updates on supply chain issues significantly impacts their services.
To ease supply chain issues, Chatham suggested general contractors and suppliers share shortage information earlier. This can help architects design around those shortages.
Leyte-Vidal highlighted the value of good communication and partnership. He said, “A five-minute call will help determine the outcome of a particular decision on a project.”
As an example, Chatham mentioned HHCP’s work on Orlando’s planned Pulse Museum project. Initially envisioned as a steel structure, they considered concrete due to cost pressures.
However, Chatham also noted the difficulty of planning with uncertain future material prices. “It’s a leap of faith,” he said.
Chatham also noted talent acquisition as a significant issue. He likened the difficulty in finding talented architects to that of sourcing materials.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook anticipates approximately 9,400 job openings for architects annually from 2020 to 2030. Most of these will replace workers moving to different occupations or retiring. The BLS reported the median annual wage for architects was $80,180 as of May 2021.
The next Builders’ Breakfast will occur on July 7 at ABC Central Florida’s office. Port Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner Wayne Justice will provide a Space Coast update.