Understanding BSBG’s role as an Executive Architect

Words by BSBG Media Team, Monday 06 July 2020

Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG) has become renowned for performing the role of Executive Architect combined with Lead Consultancy on numerous projects across various sectors, some of which include Bluewaters Residences, The Beach and ICD Brookfield Place in Dubai, as well as Nobu Hotel Portman Square and The Mayfair Townhouse in a London Executive Architect role, to name just a few key portfolio highlights.

As BSBG Partner Andrew Bereza explains: “At BSBG our reputation has been built upon a bespoke service that combines the role of an Executive Architect with that of a Lead Consultant. We consider the defining factors of our success in merging these two complex roles to be our focus, understanding and passion for technical design and project delivery, the attention to detail that we put into the design information we produce, and our ability to work and collaborate with fellow architects, design studios, consultants and contractors across the globe.”

What does an Executive Architect do?

Fundamentally, the Executive Architect is engaged to assist the concept architect, design custodian or interior designer with all technical and coordination matters pertaining to the design. However, for BSBG the role is far more defined than that.

“On all of our projects we ensure the detailed coordination of the overall design across all disciplines,” Andrew continues. “This refers to the aesthetic, technical, MEP services and structural components of the project, which allows us to produce fully coordinated technical drawing packages. We also take on the leadership role in ensuring collaboration and coordination between all the consultants and designers working on a project. An analogy I like to use… think of us as playing the role of the conductor in an orchestral performance. On some projects it can be more like conducting multiple orchestras! But we have to ensure every instrumentalist is in time, reading from the same page, and is playing in perfect harmony.”

Successfully overseeing the work and coordination of design teams and consultants is an integral role in ensuring a smooth transition between design and construction, but it is not the only component of the management process. As a London Executive Architect BSBG must also manage the relationships between each of these teams, and between each of the parties and the end client.

“We’re engaged ultimately to ensure a project advances on schedule, seamlessly transitioning from delivery of the design packages to construction of the project,” Andrew states. “A big part of that is ensuring that all the concerned parties, whether that’s a high-end design house, an MEP or Fire Life and Safety consultant, delivers their best work. We continue to work alongside some incredibly talented external designers and consultants capable of producing world class products, and we’re facilitating that by making sure we’re all pulling in the same direction - towards delivering the best possible result for the end client, and for the people that will eventually use the building or interact with the architecture.”

“Architecture is a highly collaborative process, and this has been the case since the first buildings were designed. What we see now, with the rise of technology and the introduction of highly technical solutions targeted at consummating the art form, is a number of specialists within unique disciplines. As an Executive Architect and Lead Consultant on projects, we’re bringing these disciplines together to achieve an integrated product – and a result that transcends the sum of its parts.”

Next in our series on Executive Architecture - The benefits of using an Executive Architect.