ARCHITECTURE, ARTICULATED

 I had a wonderful time at PKA--but what exactly made it so wonderful?  This capstone experience was the first time I ever had the chance to truly grasp the day-to-day life of an architect, and how a firm operates. Whereas I had only seen the design phases of architecture before, I grew to appreciate the creation of detailing and construction documents. The entire process of creating a residence was more collaborative, creative, and challenging than I ever imagined. Most importantly, I learned that architecture is a profession I would enjoy.  I have developed a keener appreciation for good design and a well-built space. Visiting construction sites helped me see how the conceptual translates to the physical, and understand the importance of having some hands-on experiences before entering the profession. My respect for architects, designers, and construction workers has grown immensely. My future feels a little more certain, and I'm thrilled to know such a wonderful field ...

What, and who, makes an architecture firm run? My sunny last day at PKA began with a meeting with Pam. After exchanging an orchid and a few words of praise for the firm, I was given the opportunity to see the HR and financial side of architecture through Tim. Though the design process of a home is exciting, any successful firm needs someone with experience in the business world in order to grow.  Architecture firms have 3 primary methods of charging clients: set fee, hourly, or set percentage. Each has their own merits and downsides. A set fee is the simplest, and responds directly to the scope of the project. The firm will charge this fee monthly, and it allows the client to rework designs without worrying about the bill increasing. However, this can be risky for the firm--an unruly client can end up costing the firm significantly more than the set fee. A firm can sometimes charge additional costs if a client wants to rework plans that have already been approve. Paying hourly is m...

At PKA. Architecture, the process of creating a building is split into 4 primary phases: schematic design, design development, construction documents, and finally construction administration. This post will be discussing the first two phases, which concern design.  To begin the process of designing a residential space, Pam or one of the managing architects take a prospective call. At a firm like PKA, details as minute as voice intonations guide the conversation. Ultimately, however, the conversation with the client flows naturally. For most, its their first time working with an architect--many don't know what to ask or share. Rather than go through a checklist of prescribed topics, they build a rapport with the client. After taking notes, a second meeting with an architect is scheduled. PKA does this even if it seems that hiring an architect is not the clients goal. Neither of these two calls are charged, and the second one with a principle architect can last around an hour.  ...

“Beauty perishes in life, but is immortal in art” - Leonardo da Vinci M y name is Maxwell Maveus and I am a senior at Minnetonka High School. I will be attending Wesleyan University in Connecticut this coming fall. I plan to major in the College of Social Studies, and interdisciplinary major combining History, Philosophy, Politics, Government, and Economics. I see many different careers as possible pathways: be it corporate consulting to teaching. However, since a young age, I've been interested in becoming an architect.  For my Capstone Experience through MHS, I will be shadowing various architects of different specialties at PKA Architecture in Minneapolis. I've had the opportunity to participate in a program through the Cooper Union which simulates the first semester of an Architecture undergrad student, but I'm curious about what the daily life of a practicing architect entails.  My main focus for this experience is to learn more about the professional daily work of an ...