Learning from Architectural Mishaps

An initiative developed by PAYETTE’s Jim Collins, Jr., the third annual Jim’s Challenge event tested our office to go out and find examples of architectural mishaps and the lessons learned. Architectural mishaps can be caused by wide range of circumstances from poor architectural design decisions to constructability issues.

“Over my long career, I have sadly been able to photograph endless numbers of these unfortunate events as it is extremely difficult to do a perfect building,” said Jim Collins. “What is particularly interesting is there are certain unfortunate events that reoccur through the generations, because most young architects seem to miss the same things their first time through the process. I hope the examples I show will provide an opportunity for you, in your long careers, to make a few less mistakes than I have made in mine.”

The rules were simple. We needed to go out and document architectural mistakes found in our surroundings. The entries were then presented to the office where our esteemed jury went through the submissions and awarded prizes to the top three entries.

Third Place: Submitted by Rachel Hampton

Second Place: Submitted by Luke Laverty

First Place: Submitted by Garrett House

The third annual Jim’s Challenge was a successful and educational event, and we will continue to challenge ourselves to identify and prevent architectural mishaps.