5 Things Architects Do (That isn’t Architecture)
When most people think of architects, they picture sketchbooks, blueprints, and beautiful renderings; but behind every successful project is a long list of tasks that happen long before (and long after) the design is finalized.
At Bernardo Wills, our work goes far beyond architecture itself. We’re partners, problem-solvers, listeners, organizers, and advocates for our clients and their communities. So today, we’re pulling back the curtain to share a few things we do that might surprise you.
Here are five things architects do that aren’t architecture — but are absolutely essential to building something great.
1. We Coordinate the Whole Team
Designing a building involves a lot of people: engineers, surveyors, contractors, specialists, and of course, the client. One of our biggest responsibilities is making sure everyone stays connected and aligned throughout the life of a project. We manage schedules, coordinate with consultants, and monitor budgets so our clients don’t have to juggle a dozen moving parts. Think of us as project translators: we take complex information from different team members and turn it into clear, actionable steps. By keeping communication open and organized, we prevent delays, minimize surprises, and help ensure the finished project reflects the vision we started with.
Behind-the-scenes coordination isn’t glamorous, but it’s the backbone of a smooth project and we’re proud to take it on.
2. We Listen (A Lot) Before We Create
Great architecture starts with understanding. Before we put pen to paper, we spend time asking questions, gathering feedback, and learning what truly matters to the people who will use the space. Sometimes that means sitting down with business owners to understand how their teams work. Other times, it means hosting community workshops, attending public meetings, or gathering input from future users of the space. These conversations help us design environments that feel intuitive, reflect community values, and support the goals of the people inside them.
Listening isn’t just a step in the process; it’s one of the most important tools we have.
3. We Do the Homework First
Before a design can take shape, we need to understand everything about the site: the zoning requirements, environmental considerations, utility connections, traffic flow, solar patterns, and dozens of other factors that influence what’s possible. This early research is called site and feasibility analysis, and it’s one of the most impactful services we provide. By identifying opportunities and challenges early, we help clients make informed decisions, predict costs more accurately, and avoid costly surprises during construction.
Good design is rooted in good data and we make sure we start every project with a strong foundation.
4. We Help You Define What You Need
Long before selecting materials or choosing a layout, architects help clients understand how their space should function. This process, called programming and space planning, is all about exploring questions like:
How will people move through the building?
How much space does each team or function need?
What adjacencies improve efficiency?
What experience should the space create?
Through interviews, workshops, diagrams, and analysis, we help clarify goals and translate them into a functional plan. Many clients tell us this phase is one of the most eye-opening parts of the project because it helps them uncover their true needs and not just their initial assumptions. When the programming is done well, the design that follows feels natural, intuitive, and tailored exactly to the people it serves.
5. We’re On Site Until the Very End
Our work doesn’t stop once plans are approved. Throughout construction, architects stay deeply involved through construction administration, ensuring the design is executed correctly and addressing questions as they arise. We visit the jobsite, review progress, evaluate materials, and help troubleshoot issues in real time. We check that the design intent is being upheld and that the client’s goals remain the priority from groundbreaking to ribbon-cutting.
This phase brings everything full circle. It’s where decisions made years earlier finally become real, physical spaces.
More Than Architecture
Architecture is about design, but it’s also about people, communication, and problem-solving. The “extra” work we do is what brings clarity to complex projects, supports our clients through each step, and helps make sure the finished space truly reflects their vision. At Bernardo Wills, we take pride in being more than architects. We’re partners — start to finish — working to create buildings that are beautiful, functional, and deeply connected to the people and communities they serve.
If you’re curious about how we can support your next project (or just want to learn more about the process), our team is always here to talk!