2. In the MasterBuilder approach to construction,
the architect was responsible for the entire
project from concept, design through to
construction and handover.
The MasterBuilder was an Artist driven by his
passionate dedication for excellence.
MasterBuild Project: The Duomo, Florence
completed 1436 by Filippo Brunelleschi
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3. In Ancient Times well into 19th Century the
MasterBuilder worked with the Project Owner
providing both design and construction as one
seamless service . To perform one without the
other was unheard of.
Imhotep, architect of step pyramids is the first
known MasterBuilder
Ancient Times Renaissance Industrial Revolution 20th Centaury
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4. Although some craftsmen like Michel Angelo took
on separate design contracts and others like Leon
Battista Alberti (Italian Architect and Author)
wrote about establishing the art of architecture as
a profession distinct from construction and
engineering, it wasn’t till the Industrial Revolution
that the separation was made possible.
Leon Battista Alberti
(1404 – 1472)
Ancient Times Renaissance Industrial Revolution 20th Centaury
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5. The reasons for separation between design and
construction during the Industrial Revolution
included the continual increase in construction
products, methods and technologies as well as
the trend towards specialization and division of
labor.
Industrial Revolution
Ancient Times Renaissance Industrial Revolution 20th Centaury
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6. This was supported by the emergence of
professional societies such as the American
Institute of Architects (AIIA) in 1857 as well as
formation of architectural colleges and passing
of architectural licensing laws in 1897.
19th Century Architect
Ancient Times Renaissance Industrial Revolution 20th Centaury
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7. The separation was made absolute in 1935
with the passage of the Miller Act which
required contractors on US federal
government projects exceeding a certain
amount to post performance and payment
bonds.
Ancient Times Renaissance Industrial Revolution 20th Century
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8. The implication was project Owners from then
on had to contractually engage the services of
an architect to perform design services and a
contractor to perform construction services
resulting in what is commonly known today as
the Design-Bid-Build project delivery method.
Design Team
Ancient Times Renaissance Industrial Revolution 20th Century
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9. The late 20th century witnessed renewed
interest in reviving the MasterBuilder method to
address some of the flaws in Design-Bid-Build.
A modern version emerged whereby an
integrated team of design and contracting
professionals provide both design and
construction services under one contract in
what is commonly known today as the Design-
Build project delivery method.
Design-Build Team
Ancient Times Renaissance Industrial Revolution 20th Centaury
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11. About the Author
Dalia Sadany is an Egyptian architect and interior designer with
extensive background and experience in Design-Build turnkey
solutions. She has been a lifelong advocate of the ancient Master
Builder approach to construction.
Following in the tradition of the Master Builder, in 2005 Dalia
Sadany developed a group of partnerships operating under the
umbrella of Dezines and management of Dalia Sadany providing
full service turnkey solutions to residential and commercial
clients. The group consists of - Dezines a design house providing
architecture, interiors & landscaping design services; DECON - a
general contractor specialized in high-end interior finishing; and
GUSH - a bespoke furniture designer maker.
Quoting from Marcus Vitruvius - the architect who relies solely
on theory and ignores the craftsmanship skill of building with his
own hands follows "a shadow and not reality."
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