Snarky Architect 6

[SteelPE]

I have an odd situation here so bear with me.

I am working on a project for a steel fabricator. The project was awarded by a GC to the steel fabricator. The GC also hired an architect who works directly for the GC. I went to a meeting the other day that was attended by the GC, Architect, Fabricator and I. During the meeting the architect brought up a question about something that he though was questionable on my drawings. I explained to him the design approach to which we rebuffed “Glad it’s not my stamp”. I didn’t think much of it at the meeting as my client, the steel fabricator, and I have worked together for 17 years and he knows why and how I operate.

However, looking back I am thinking the comment was quite rude and unprofessional. The situation is quite complicated. The GC is someone who I have been trying to obtain as a client (the fabricator knows this and doesn’t care) and the architect is someone who often works for the GC. This isn’t the first time I have had an issue with this architect and I am thinking he is trying to push the GC away from me and towards he preferred engineers.

There is another situation similar situation on a different project where I am working directly for the architect at the request of the GC and the architect "hung me out to dry" on a sticky situation in front of the GC and the end user.

I almost feel like I should confront the architect about this but I am beginning to think working with this client, the GC, isn't going to be worth the aggravation as they has used this architect for quite a long time. What would others do in this instance?

 

[SLTA]

Sometimes I call people out on it. Sometimes I decided that even that money isn't worth the aggravation. If this architect has a history of rude behavior in front of others, then yes, call him out, but be as professional about it as you can.

Good luck.

Please remember: we're not all guys!

 

[TheTick]

I'll guarantee that everyone involved is already aware that the architect is a lickknob.

 

[Triangled]

definitely rude and unprofessional

consider meeting with GC, the client you desire, and who apparently is willing to engage you as you have been on 2 projects now. 'dear GC, after the comments in the meeting, i just want to make sure you're happy and getting your money's worth. No, i don't worry about snarky architects as i'm used to it in that it comes with the territory and seems to be a necessary attribute to the profession. But in my 17 years experience this is what i see and what i can do / will do for you......"

i probably would not discuss with sir snarkiness as i doubt that he'll suddenly wake up and say, you know something, you're right! i've been a $%^ #$%%& ^&%&^%7 (^*&^87 ^&$&%$ all along!

 

[Ron]

Snarky Architect? Isn't that redundant?
Call him out. You'll likely earn some respect from the GC and others!

 

[IRstuff]

Bear in mind, though, the GC hired the architect, and "the architect is someone who often works for the GC" and "where I am working directly for the architect at the request of the GC and the architect "hung me out to dry" on a sticky situation in front of the GC and the end user."

The GC may have his own reasons for continuing to use someone that does this. Nevertheless, the GC continues to keep hiring the both of you. That speaks louder than anything else.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

faq731-376 forum1529

 

[SteelPE]

I guess the problem is that I'm just starting to do work directly and indirectly with the GC. He has a bunch of nice projects coming up but this architects snarkyness might get inset week me and the client.

 

[tygerdawg]

www.bluetechnik.com[/URL]

 

[TheTick]

Second pass...

"Well, we sure aren't using your stamp!"

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Glad it’s not my stamp

So am I...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[MotorCity]

While I agree that the comment made by the architect was unprofessional, I think that if you were going to confront him or her about, the time to do it was when the comment was made, not days later. In my opinion, the more time that passes, the more petty your rebuttal will seem because everyone that witnessed the comment has moved on.

When comments are made, especially those that rub you the wrong way, I believe they should be addressed in the same forum in which they were made. For example, if the architect had called you on the phone and made a similar comment then I would have taken it up with him or her in a one-on-one setting. But if he or she made had called you out in front of others, then I would have immediately inquired further what their basis was for making such a comment. If you do not defend yourself on the spot, then others may walk away from that meeting doubting your design based on the unfavorable comments made.

 

[msquared48]

If my memory serves me right, it is unethical to berate another professional in front of a client.

Seems like the matter could be brought before the state board if this is a common practice of his.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[SteelPE]

I pretty much figured it is too late. Problem is I never really think much of it when people say stuff like this. Putting both instances in, it just seems like a history is beginning to form and rather than let him keep going because he thinks he can it almost seems like I should try to stop it. However, all that is going to do is breed more contempt than anything else.

I also won't call what he did berating. I don't know what he did when I was "hung out to dry", but I guess it was my own fault.

 

[JNieman]

I can't believe you passed up the chance to coin the word snarkitecht.

 

[cvg]

ASCE code of ethics Canon 5, Part G, except this applies to civil engineers not snarkitects

http://www.asce.org/uploadedFiles/About_ASCE/Ethics/Content_Pieces/CodeofEthics2006.pdf

I would first look at this constructively, evaluate your design process and make sure it meets standards of care and not just because this is the way you have done it for 17 years. You owe that to your client. Is it possible that you have been doing it wrong for all this time? Otherwise, I would respectfully agree to disagree with him during these public comments. Or, if you would rather just poke the bear, Perhaps you could start giving him a little un-solicited friendly advice on the plans he stamps

 

[TheTick]

There's far more to be gained by blowing it off and being ready for the next round.

 

[gravityandinertia]

Next time smile at him. Then politely remind him that, you've spent XX years specifically designing the structural aspects of buildings, and that if he had the expertise necessary to evaluate structural designs, you wouldn't be there. It resets everyone in the room that this guy doesn't know what he is talking about.

 

[MrHershey]

I agree with the architect, I am also glad he's not stamping structural designs.

 

[1gibson]

"OK, thank you. Now does anyone have some relevant questions or comments?"

 

[msquared48]

When responding to his illustrious and endearing comments in any future meetings, just refer to him as "Mr. Snarky".

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)