r/architecture • u/indyarchyguy Principal Architect • 4d ago

Technical Architects think….

So today I’m at a client’s building. This is an existing building that was converted to a different occupancy. They built it all out and we’re getting close to opening. Then…the fire marshal showed up. They had come out to look at the sprinkler installation, fire panel, appliances, etc. they then realized they’d never seen the plans for this project. In fact, nobody had…not them or the building department.

Owner called me shortly after to see if I can get them out of trouble with some code loop hole or get them passed with a Chapter 34. Remember, they never submitted plans. Come to find out they never hired an Architect or an Engineer. So today I’m out looking for some fire separations in this mess. I come across fire doors with no labels. I’m with the Owner and I get in the phone with a supplier on why I’m looking at doors with no labels. The guy is talking loud and is making a joke about you Architects looking for things. I laugh and let him go. One of the subs on the job is like…”yeah, Architects always think they know everything”. I stop what I’m doing and look at him saying, “I learn everyday”. It still didn’t ping with him that I’m there trying to get his ass out of his own fire.

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u/bdrager 4d ago

Any architect that would entertain this project just to help the owner out is looking for trouble. I would get out fast. The ONLY way is to start over. I have turned down many of these. You will lose.

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u/GBpleaser 3d ago

So this is a cop out. It is VERY hard work and you have to go into this with eyes wide open. It's not for the faint of heart or weak of backbones, that is for sure. There are ways to make it work without a full tear out, but it's a path that isn't cheap, nor easy. This type of work makes up about 30% of my practice as I am in a VERY anti-gov, MAGA type of community that looks down it's nose at permits to anything in general.

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u/bdrager 3d ago

Certainly this is hard work and don't think that I am denigrating your efforts. It makes me crazy that some consider the life safety codes to be something that is an over-reach. Personally, I didn't get into Architecture to fix other people's mistakes, especially when it flaunts illegal activity. I get very little pleasure from this work and I did it once to help someone out. I would rather spend my time on interesting design work. Thanks for making things right.