Construction workers at the site, however, have ripped out the small trees, rendering the elevation unnecessary.
Consulting with another designer in the truck, Nicklaus takes a pencil and begins sketching. Within 10 minutes, he redesigns the green and the surrounding area, reducing the elevation and altering the shape. “OK, that’s it,” he says. “Let’s move on.”
Although Nicklaus’ style seems abrupt, it’s really just the perfectionist in him coming through, explained Carl Mistretta, manager of design operations for the golfer’s private company, Golden Bear International. This day at Keene’s Pointe, Nicklaus adjusts something—slight or significant—on each of the 12 holes that have taken shape. That’s standard practice, associates say. In designing a golf course, details are everything Behind the green: In designing a golf course, details are everything, Barnet D. Wolf and Ron Carter Dispatch Business Reporters May 26, 1998
There are many revealing points.
1. The architect hadn't visited the site in months. This means there was limited to no communication from the lead man for months.
2. Even with an on-site associate and detailed plans, the builders removed a key component of a greensite. Mistakes can happen, but are less likely with the architect leading construction.
3. After not seeing the site for months, and driving around in the back of a truck, the architect redesigned the hole in 10-minutes. This can certainly be done , but is there any doubt the best solutions are found with more time on-site?
That someone actually stated this 10-minute sketch is considered "the perfectionist in him coming out" is laughable.
Wouldn't it have been far better for him to make a walk-through of the site first making notes and sketching ideas, then come back after a day's thoughts and evaluate the design alterations. Of course. Even better to spend weeks on-site. Yes. Months? Surely. Everyday? Absolutely.
4. The architect dropping in every few months to make a rash of changes to work completed according-to-plan is "standard practice."
Standard perhaps, but far from being the best practice.
The Nicklaus organization has good employees carrying the ball, they usually hire good builders to do the construction, and can blow up work they don't like and start over. But...
...you don't have to put up the big money to compete with such projects; where the architect works in a hit-and-run manner. In fact you can have a product that isn't just as good... but better... by hiring an architect with the authority to call the shots and who will lead construction daily.
Not only that, but you will have something original, not a work largely performed by other people with a "Signature" attached.
CLICK BACK:
In previous posts I illustrated the huge capacity of the brain and that letting things simmer for a little while can bring a host of new ideas, even for something as common as a piece of paper.
These blogs can be found here:
http://tonyristola.blogspot.com/2008_08_05_archive.html#8851688934885968504
and here:
http://tonyristola.blogspot.com/2008_07_14_archive.html#1491119605848181024
Tony Ristola
agolfarchitect.com
agolfarchitect@yahoo.com
+49 (0)173 450 4552
+1(909) 581 0080
