A SPATE of ugly houses and plazas erected every day, especially in St. Catherine, led us to wonder why Jamaicans so hate the idea of using architects to design their dwellings.

With the construction if Highway 2000, plazas have erupted in Portmore but, apparently, not many owners bothered to utilise the services of an architect. The buildings are brutal and ugly.

In nearby residential communities, very few seem to realise that no matter how small the space in which they live, an architect who knows his or her stuff can turn their dwelling into something which is truly beautiful.

But, fearing the costs and thinking that such services are unnecessary, they turn out construction projects which are plain or plain ugly.

Why do you need an architect?

Researchers note that the architect is the one professional who has the education, training, experience and vision to guide you through the entire design and construction process.

Architects create total environments, interiors and exteriors that satisfy functional needs and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and live. They create strong, beautiful buildings.

Whether you are remodelling, adding on, or building from scratch, the architect can guide you.

The architect plans your project with you, making it easier for the contractor to accurately price and build your project. An architect can also design a building to maximise heating from the sun and let in natural light, thus reducing your heating, cooling, and electric bills over time.

An architect can help you choose materials and finishes that are durable as well as beautiful, saving on frequent maintenance and replacement costs.

Remember that a well-designed house or commercial building has a higher resale value and has happier tenants. It has been proven that ugliness in construction can lead to unhappiness among users.

- Outlook Team