The Owner's Dilemma

The Nov/Dec issue of Texas Architect magazine features an excerpt from the book The Owner's Dilemma: Driving Success and Innovation in the Design and Construction Industry by Barbara White Bryson, FAIA, and Canan Yetmen. The authors explore the role of owners and clients in remaking the building industry.The book was published this year by the Ostberg Library of Design Management.

Bryson wrote, "This book was conceived to document and communicate those things we have learned on our projects at Rice (to make sure we do not forget these lessons), but soon the idea grew into a broader mission of knowledge sharing and knowledge building with other owners and professionals."

With illustrations by Bryson and photographs by architect David Rodd, the book features case studies that illustrate the real-world innovative practices of architects working with a variety of building types and clients.

Bryson also hopes that the book will help facilitate a change in intellectual approach to designing and delivering projects and prepare more professionals to participate in projects in a collaborative and innovative manner.

Barbara White Bryson, FAIA, is the associate vice president for facilities engineering and planning at Rice University, where she has overseen design and construction projects totaling over $1 billion over ten years. 

Canan Yetmen is principal of CYMK Group, an Austin consulting firm that provides writing services exclusively to architecture and design firms around the country.

The authors invite you to join the continuing conversation at www.owners dilemma.com, where they will post updates and provide links to the tools presented in the book.