Architect vs.
Decorator
By Sheila Thomas Whitcomb
Contributing Writer
Article Date: 01.30.03
I agree with your analogy between "architects" and "interior designer",
however... you forgot about the builder!. The web "creation" field is still fairly
un-governed... i.e. no regulatory body, yet to experience "anti-trust" laws! Web
design/development/building/firm shingles are hung on a daily basis, by some who
are experienced, knowledgeable & capable, and many who "wanna-be" because they
have a computer and some software programs and figure, "why not?".
I do not believe capability should be determined by a "name", but rather by
track record and/or references. Anyone seeking a "world wide web" presence
should do some research, no different than investing in business, buying
property, hiring an employee or seeking a surgeon... to discover what fits
their needs. A good website utilizes design, development and building -
putting it all together is the key. It's not simply about "does it look
good" or "does it function well"... it's about "does it accomplish the goals
of the client"... and most often also involves marketing.
If you have built a house recently (or even an addition), you probably know
that architects often design things that are not necessarily feasible from a
builders standpoint, and an interior designer often recommends things that
are not necessarily practical. Therefore, it comes down to the builder,
communicating with everyone - the architect, designer and client (along with
the electrician and plumber) and putting all the components together, to
create a successful end result.
So "what's in a name"? NOTHING! More important is - what's "behind" a name,
because design and development (along with graphics and marketing) go
hand-'n-hand!
The bottom line is - just like in every aspect of life - you get what you
pay for. The site built by someone's off-spring for a school project or by a friend
who is a computer programmer... will eventually be re-built by a professional
in order to be successful.
About the Author:
Sheila Thomas Whitcomb
Spotted Dog Group Web Design
PO Box 704
Sunapee, NH 03782
PH: 603-763-0030
FX: 603-763-5508
swhitcomb@spotteddoggroup.com
http://www.spotteddoggroup.com
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