Two thousand years ago, renowned Roman architect Vitruvius wrote The Ten Books on Architecture in which he explains the theoretical and practical knowledge an architect needs to realize a building’s three essential qualities: function, structure, and beauty. He didn’t leave much out. And most of it remains so profoundly relevant it’s 101 reading for students of the profession.

Then and now, the best architects make it look easy.

What looks simple of course, rarely is —never more true than in today’s ever more complex building environment.

Which is why the architect’s role as the great synthesizer is even more critical now. While the gulf between drafting room designers and on-site builders has grown wider, the need for bridging it has become greater. So many players, disciplines, agendas, ideas and priorities to integrate; so much sophisticated technology, regulation and politics to navigate. So much communication, so little time.

Who is minding the store? Who has the owner’s back, the building’s integrity and the user’s interests at heart?

In the traditional role as project director, the architect is best positioned to hold these factors in balance. A “responsible entity” that protects the whole while keeping all the parts moving in the right direction.  CWA is that kind of architect. We integrate the theoretical and the practical because we want to make the best building possible. To us, it’s the modern practice of an age-old idea. To you, it’ll just look easy.