Finding Vision in a Vacant Lot: Architect as Developer

AIA Small Project Practitioners Knowledge Community generates, collects and disseminates knowledge and wisdom on how to profitably run a small firm and how to carry out small projects that do not fit into the model of departmental production that characterizes many larger firms.

SPP Journal No. 45

Finding Vision in a Vacant Lot: Architect as Developer

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by Kevin Harris, AIA

Finding Vision in a Vacant Lot: Architect as Developer

Welcome small project practitioners to the 45th issue of the SPP Journal! With the topic Finding Vision in a Vacant Lot: Architect as Developer, this issue is full of articles provided by individuals who make us all proud to be a part of this profession.

Each has approached the developer role with a deep sense of professional responsibility, and has attempted to better the built environment by taking a more pro-active role in the construction process.

The major themes driving their passion are as varied as are their locales. From property otherwise considered unsuitable for development, to the re-development of inner-city property, these architects have leveraged their vision and sensitivity to both natural and regulatory challenges to enable developments that promise to re-shape and raise the bar of expectations for future projects.

From as far away as Sri Lanka, Jayantha Bibile explains his process for creating a successful resort hotel on what would normally be considered an unsuitable site. By taking advantage of environmentally responsive local techniques that date back to ancient times, in a region so modern that anything historic is viewed as a new concept, Jayantha's Ambalama project responsibly reframed the local flooding threat, and in so doing created a spectacle of delight and astonishment, all the while spanning a revival of interest in all things cultural and traditional.

In contrast to this approach, Ted Shelton and Tricia Stuth tell us in Ghost Houses about their use of the historic footprint and massing that once existed on an inner-city parcel in Knoxville to successfully argue for more meaningful regulations that would allow the contextual evolution necessary for re-development on the same location. Only an architect would come up with the rational, community-spirited logic so necessary for their project's approval.

Furthering the cause for architects advancing the re-population of our decaying downtowns, Rick Hauser not only issues a call for architects to use their skills and follow suit, but also sees the major problem in the downtown is not lack of demand, but rather, lack of supply that is keeping businesses away. Through forming Community Development Corporations, he outlines his method of spreading the development risks to investors with a long term "stake" in the downtown's future.

Simi Razavian and her husband, disgruntled by a non-paying developer and relying upon imagination, decided that completing a successful San Diego development on their own was the best revenge. Echoing the theme of "I can do it better," James Collins of Chicago, shares his sentiments on development as well a ten-step program any architect can follow to become their own developer. Step five is soundly realistic, as it involves convincing one's spouse that the risks are measurable, and worth the benefits.

Rounding off lessons that architects need to know, Christopher Griffin admits that there is a great deal of advice one must consider when using one's own money. Christopher shares how he took full advantage of an architect's skills and ability to think outside the box in order to turn a house upside down in order to lessen the consequences of not taking valuable advice in the beginning. With his down-sloped lot and area height restrictions, the roof turned out to be the best place for him to locate a garage.

I hope you enjoy these articles and bits of sound advice. In the event that you are considering becoming your own architect-developer, take heart: you are not alone. Learn and take full advantage of the listed lessons learned and best not repeated. Good luck!

Kevin Harris, AIA

Kevin Harris, Architect, L.L.C.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

2008 SPP Advisory Group Chair

A Resort Hotel Grows in Sri Lanka
by Jayantha Bibile, AIA
We named the place “Ambalama,” after the resting places of travelers in the kingdom of the past. More

The Ghost Houses: An Urban Infill [Re]development
By Ted Shelton, AIA, LEED AP and Tricia Stuth, AIA
New designs assume the massing and siting of invisible structures that now exist only within the memory of those that recall them, or in ephemera that affirms their prior existence. Sources include oral histories, newspaper articles, city directories, archival maps, legal deeds, and federal census records. More

Vision for a Small Town
Rick Hauser, AIA
These projects are not get-rich-quick schemes. They are not even get-rich-slow schemes. They reflect a new paradigm that recognizes that we all have a qualitative stake in our downtown area's success. As a community, we can spread the risk and agree to be in it for the long term. More

All it Takes is Imagination Plus….
Simi Razavian, AIA
We think that architects who practice diligent market research and careful planning can be successful in the real estate market, and in doing so add value to their project, as well as to the neighborhood in which they work. More

Side by Side
by James E. Collins, AIA
I spent at least ten hours a day at that site; it was my baby. And watching what I put on paper come into being, so to speak, was a great experience. More

A Lesson Learned the Hard Way
by Christopher Griffin, AIA
The most important thing that we learn in our college studies is how to do research. Unfortunately, I had to learn the hard way the consequences of not taking this valuable advice. More

Join the Conversation!
In an exciting new collaboration, the Small Project Practitioners and Housing and Custom Residential Knowledge Communities have created a dynamic day of pre-Convention activities focused solely on the needs of architects engaged in the design of small and residential projects. Three seminars are planned:

- W5 Successful Strategies in Small Firm Operations: SPP-CRAN Series, Pt. I

- W39 Successful Strategies in Small Project Delivery: SPP-CRAN Series, Pt. II (SPP Track)

- W40 Big Tent, Small Footprint - Inclusive Green Residential Design: SPP-CRAN Series, Pt. III (CRAN Track)

There will also be a first-ever reception and Convention lounge, where participants can continue the conversations started in the seminars with peers from around the country.

In preparation for Session W5, designed for members of both Knowledge Communities, the speakers seek your input on the topics below. We welcome your thoughts in opening these conversations. To record your answers, visit the Small Projects and Small Firms Ideas Exchange blog and offer your thoughts in the comments section:

The Small Project Practitioners' Journal is the electronic newsletter of the Small Project Practitioners Knowledge Community. Published four times a year, the Journal's articles combine thoughtful commentary and analysis on current issues and future trends in architecture. We are always looking for new ideas and fresh perspectives, and invite you to submit an article for publication! Please keep these tips in mind as you prepare your article.