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Sharings
Design experienceDear Editor,Congratulations on the informed, thorough and wise advice in Lynn Ellen Doxon's article in the May issue (ML 25:4) regarding "How to Select a Church Architect." Since few congregations have the occasion to build or renovate their church buildings more than once in a lifetime (if at all), the author's sage advice is certainly valuable. Notwithstanding my enthusiasm, I would take issue with one piece of advice: that the selected architect needs previous experience in designing churches. Many capable architects have excelled in designing their first church, museum, school or library. Keep in mind that younger, less "experienced" firms tend to be somewhat more eager to fulfill their client's goals as a means to building their practices, committing broader and deeper resources to learning the particular aspirations and requirements of their clients and the particular project. If, as Ms. Doxon advises, the architect is successfully screened as to his or her preferences, ability to work with groups of people, integrity, creativity, and stewardship, then having designed one or ten previous churches will not matter. Samuel M. Anderson New York Lynn Ellen Doxon replies: I fully agree that it is possible for an architect who has never before designed a church to do an excellent job if he/she is able to work with people, is creative, has integrity and is concerned with stewardship. It is also very important that he/she does not view the church design as the one great opportunity to immortalize his/her own ego and understands the specific requirements of church liturgy. A liturgical design consultant and church staff can be helpful in communicating those needs. I do believe that previous experience is important because a firm that has experience will be more likely to have a process in place for working with members of the parish. The statement that experience is important was the most qualified statement in the article. Many committees have the mistaken impression that if they hire a "church designer" they don't have to consider anything else. If all other qualifications are equal I would recommend hiring the firm with the most church experience; however, if an inexperienced architect seems more creative, interested and a better fit for the church, by all means hire that firm. Lynn Ellen Doxon Albuquerque, N.M. What do YOU Think?
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