The Role of Education in Storage Planning
Architect Jeremy Davis, Associate Partner at APG | Architects (formerly Brian Addis Architect LLC) in Ohio recalls that real-world applications, especially regarding storage, were rarely covered in his education. “Architecture school… is really more about theory than anything else,” Davis says. “It’s all very high-altitude, very ‘big picture’ stuff. Storage wasn’t something that was ever even mentioned.”
Experience, however, can be a great teacher. While architecture school focuses on theoretical concepts rather than practical storage solutions, Davis says that in his real-world projects (primarily in healthcare), storage becomes more important than even his clients initially realize. “As we get into a project, clients always want more and more storage. What they have is never enough.”
Davis notes that while storage is hugely important, it’s typically low on the priority list. “In my case, I’m focused on designing exam spaces, physician workspaces, and more operationally driven spaces. Storage is obviously hugely important to clients and an important component of operations, but it’s often secondary to other concerns.”
The lack of emphasis on storage in architectural education highlights the need to educate both architects and clients about the importance of storage planning. Architects must understand the practical aspects of storage to incorporate efficient solutions into their designs.
On the other hand, clients often need guidance to realize their storage needs and the potential solutions available. By including a specialist's expertise in storage planning education and client guidance, architects can better anticipate and address storage requirements, ensuring that the final design meets the functional needs of the space.
Practical Experience and Collaboration