Throughout our history there have been individuals who where known either as Architect’s or Engineer’s. However the emergence of these roles as professional disciplines is a fairly recent development.

Prior to the Industrial Revolution Builder’s depended on experience and ‘trial and error’ to successfully erect structures. However, when empirical systems and methods of calculation for designing stable structures became possible, Engineering was transformed.

As early as one hundred years ago, in order to become an Architect, a person would become an apprentice draughtsman to an Architect. Then, depending on the quality of that experience, the particular talent of the individual, and whatever opportunities were available at the time, the Apprentice would eventually become and Architect. Otherwise, he (at the time this was a male dominated profession) continued as a Draughtsman.

How things have changed. But, not all the change has been directly due to discovery and research, or technological advances. Much of the change was also due to the new business environment. Prior to the Industrial Revolution there were fewer opportunities for Architects and Engineers. True, many Palaces, Mansions, Civil Structures, and Churches were built, however, those were few compared with the number of Factories, Commercial Buildings and Banks that have been built during only the past one hundred and fifty years.

The business environment was changing, and, in turn, AEC professionals and businesses needed to change. This would not be the last time that business conditions would promote change in this industry.

The next posting will consider other changes that have occurred during the past forty years.