Architects and Their Environment, 1850-1907; Together with Notes and Reminiscences of the Fathers of the Profession, Their Clients and Assistants (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1907. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... III. OFFICE PRACTICE AND ADMINISTRATION. HE etymology of the word Architect indicates that the person so designated is the inspector, the supervisor and the instructor; the chief in fact of those employed in the erection of buildings. It is his knowledge and skill which supplies the design and directs the execution of the work. By long study, experience, forethought and method, he is enabled to overcome difficulties of construction and location; even to render them subservient to his art and to bend them, as it were, to his will. Above all, the true architect recognizes the fact that nothing is more necessary than a thorough and intimate knowledge of the mechanical details of the work of building; together with a mind properly attuned to pursue the investigation of new methods and appliances as they are brought to his notice and to make such application of them as will tend to advance his own credit and the interests of his clients. The position of an architect is thus defined in the earlier editions of the published Constitution and By-laws of the A. I. A. "An architect is a professional person whose occupation consists in originating and supplying artistic and scientific data preliminary to and in connection with the construction of buildings, their appurtenances and decorations, in supervising the operations of contractors thereof and in preparing contracts between the proprietors and contractors thereof." In 1865, there were marked evidences of a revivifying interest in the practice of architecture. The Civil War was at an end; money, owing to the vast disbursements of the Federal Government, was more plentiful than ever, while men were turning their attention from the arts of war to those of peace. Building, neglected during the great struggle, too...