A Singular Prejudice 
base, which would entirely cover the pergolas in 
one year’s time. The bare and unfinished ele¬ 
vator shaft presented a problem no sooner realized 
than solved. 
The exterior being rough stucco, a capping of 
red Spanish tiles transformed it into a picturesque 
tower, and by means of painting the entrance and ma¬ 
chinery doors green, placing trellis at the corners and a 
long flower box on tbe iron landing of the upper door 
it becomes rather a feature than a detriment, and 
the design for that portion of the roof was complete. 
Perhaps it seems notunlike the dreams of a univer¬ 
sal language or permanent peach among nations, or 
other Utopian ideas, this vision of gardening the 
cities, but the means of achievement are so simple, 
the results so gladdening and the possibilities so ever¬ 
present, that one is disposed to look hopefully at our 
sky-lines and see in the mind’s eye, green fringes of 
planting and graceful pergolas where onlv ragged 
chimney-pots stand up in raw silhouette to-day. 
A Singular Prejudice 
By SEYMOUR COATES 
W HY is it that many persons engaging in 
building operations regard the fees paid 
to the architect as money invested which 
will fail to produce an adequate return ? From what¬ 
ever point of view this subject is considered such 
position seems to be without foundation. Of course 
every calling has within its ranks some unprincipled 
members. But one black sheep should not con¬ 
demn the whole flock. It is safe to say that in the 
architectural profession will be found a larger per¬ 
centage of members, who are true and wholly loyal 
to the interests of their clients, than in any other one. 
There are many ramifying channels through which 
the architect’s influence travels, which make for the 
conservation of his client’s money and secure for 
him honest value in the completed structure. The 
years of theoretical study and practical experience 
enables the architect to plan his building so that all 
available space is utilized to the best possible ad¬ 
vantage of the purposes to which it is to be put, 
and to so design its construction that no unnecessary 
expenditure for material is made, preserving at the 
same time a proper factor of safety. 
In the matter of selection of materials the archi¬ 
tect’s advice is invaluable. His knowledge of them, 
based upon frequent trials and tests, enables him to 
separate the “sheep from the goats.” This often 
results in a direct saving of money, as well as greater 
satisfaction in the end, as it is not always that the 
costliest articles are the best for a specific purpose. 
In the supervision of the work the architect is liter¬ 
ally the watch dog for his client. His certificates 
stating that the materials specified have been used, 
and in the quantity and manner intended, are docu¬ 
ments of decided value to the owner, and are only 
issued after such thorough inspection and supervision 
of the work as it progresses, as fully warrant the 
statements. 
Another place wherein the architect minimizes 
possible annoyances and consequent loss for his client 
is through his acquaintance with contractors, and his 
knowledge of their habits, ability and responsibility. 
No amount of indemnity bonds will make a thorough 
mechanic out of an indifferent one, nor will they 
convert an unprincipled one into a man of honor. 
It was reported at the time of the erection of one of 
the lower Broadway skyscrapers in New ''tork City, 
quite a prominent one too, that the parties supplying 
the “sinews of war” for its construction had the plans 
“experted” before ratifying contracts for various 
portions of the work. It was found that in the matter 
of steel alone, the construction company, whose en¬ 
gineers and architect had prepared the working 
drawings, had an excess weight of nearly fifteen per 
cent of structural steel beyond the amount actually 
required, even allowing an excessive safety factor. 
Now, whether this percentage of metal would have 
found its way into the structure, or its money equiva¬ 
lent find its way into an itching palm, remains a 
question, in which one may find food for thought. 
By architect, above, is meant the practitioner, 
whose choice of profession has been made because 
of the possession, primarily, of those marked quali¬ 
ties which are almost invariably found united in the 
make-up of successful members of this profession. 
Given, artistic feeling and technical training, he must 
possess in addition thereto the “social instinct,” 
must be a “good mixer” and have the patience of job. 
The architect who has a true love for his work and 
who is imbued with a desire to make every produc¬ 
tion, whether large or small, a lasting monument to 
his ability, and integrity, will put the interests of 
his client at all times, beyond every other considera¬ 
tion, realizing as he must, that no recommendation 
is so strong as that given by a satisfied client who 
has “ been shown. ” 
It is a very safe assertion to make that he is indeed 
an incapable or dishonest architect who cannot save 
to his client several times the amount of the regular 
commissions, which he receives for his services. 
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