REPE to development: Architecture knowledge recommendations?
Hey folks,

Hope you all are wrapping up a great weekend. 

I’ve just switched from the real estate private equity side of the business to development shop. Rather quickly I’ve found myself in a position where im the decision maker on a lot of design and space planning decisions that tie into the development project I was recruited to work on. 

I’ve always been a $ and cents guy making decisions that optimize within a constrained budget. Given the size of this project, the budget isn’t a meaningful constraint on what we can do and I’m completely out of my element. Folks keep using phrases like “when you walk in the space your eye is drawn here” and other design heavy phrases that are not my speed. I’m out of my element and need to augment my skills somehow. 

Does anyone have any similar experience? How did you go about seeking the growth to fill your shows during this transition?

Also, if anyone has any architecture for dummies style short and sweet books recommendations that can help me get up to speed I would really appreciate it! 

Thanks in advance.
[{"id": "hdkun0u", "text": "Interesting question, what asset class?", "replies": [{"id": "hdoliy0", "text": "It\u2019s a big mixed use project - $1B+. I\u2019m overseeing the Multifamily aspect but there\u2019s office and retail as well.", "replies": [{"id": "hgd3rup", "text": "Align yourself with industry vets who have experience outfitting what you need. For example, I am in the NYC / national market and when I am working with a  buyer who just transitioned to a new role at ABC Company, I tend to wear a more education style hat in my approach to their interiors. This will help you as the buyer gain knowledge in a relevant way. Also, never be afraid to simply ask questions. Being \"green\" or inexperienced isn't always a bad thing, and people who are worth a damn in life / morals, love to help. Sometimes just simply asking the question can open up a plethora of design ideas and constructive thought points to learn from. \n\n&amp;#x200B;\n\nAside from that, just gather from your previous experiences which will enable you to provide a refreshing and different viewpoint than others.\n\nHope this helps!", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hdkws3g", "text": "So I am a developer. I was an architect and switched over to development a year ago. \n\nThere really isn\u2019t a book to tell you how to be an architect, that\u2019s sort of like asking \u201cis there a book on how to successfully perform surgery?\u201d There\u2019s just too much to cover, and any book that tries to cover it all won\u2019t go into nearly enough depth to actually be useful. \n\nI think you should start off with a general design book. Understanding the basic elements of art / design is helpful. These principals are the foundation of all architectural design and will help you understand how to talk about the design of architecture. \n\nIf you don\u2019t understand the basic principles of balance, contrast, texture, hierarchy, rhythm, etc, you\u2019re not going to understand why \u201csomeone\u2019s eye move here,\u201d and you\u2019re not going to understand WHY something doesn\u2019t look good. You need the basic design vocabulary to be able to identify and explain why something looks off. \n\nI would suggest watching YouTube videos where famous architects explain their work. This will help you see WHAT architects are thinking about when designing. Look up Bjarke Ingels, Rem Koolhaas, Norman Foster, Calatrava, Jeanne Gang, Renzo Piano, Morphosis, Daniel Libeskinde...\n\nYou don\u2019t need to be a great designer, you just need to have a solid foundation of design so you can ask your architect questions and use their language.", "replies": [{"id": "hdoloxq", "text": "Amazing!! Thank you!! Do you have any YouTube channel recommendations? If not, any specific video titles? Really appreciate it.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hdkyrjk", "text": "I think you're missing a golden opportunity to throw the same kind of non sensical BS back at them. If they question it you go into how its all about the eye of the interpreter and each persons beauty is different.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hdmc259", "text": "Assuming you are working with a development team, I don't see a reason why you have to change your current mindset. If you see things in a dollars and cents perspective, bring that perspective to the meetings - construction costs are an integral part of design, whether or not the designers enjoy thinking about it.\n\nHowever, I would also agree with the top comment here, it would be helpful for your understanding to read up on design elements and techniques just so you can follow along easily. Ultimately, though, your knowledge of dollars and cents is a very helpful aspect of design, and is likely needed by your team.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hdmegan", "text": "I would trust the architect\u2019s vision - that\u2019s why you hire them!", "replies": [{"id": "hdoln3t", "text": "Agreed! However they keep presenting with option set ABC and I have to decide between them. Is getting very confusing without any grounding.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]